RISE Caldwell Watauga Joins CCC&TI at Lenoir Rotary Club

Photo caption: From left, JD Abee, Debbie Eller, Rick Shew, and Tara Brossa. Photo by Susan Strawn.

On Friday, September 18, RISE Caldwell Watauga joined Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute at the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Lenoir. Rick Shew, CCC&TI's Associate Dean of Business and Career Services, gave members an overview of the NC Edge workforce initiative, and RISE Executive Director Tara Brossa shared how RISE fits into that larger picture.

Rick explained how NC Edge helps workers and students keep pace with new technology and shifting workplace trends. He emphasized the college's commitment to training programs that respond directly to what local employers need, noting that our job is to make sure people aren't left behind. He also celebrated a big win for the community: the Caldwell Small Business Center was recently named the No. 1 small business center in North Carolina, helping aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into real businesses.

Tara then introduced RISE Caldwell Watauga, a regional effort focused on economic mobility and workforce resilience. RISE connects people with the training, resources, and support systems that lead to long-term career stability, through education, employer engagement, and community partnerships. The goal is for every resident to have access to opportunities for growth and advancement.

Together, the presentations highlighted CCC&TI's partnerships with local companies, its work upskilling current employees, and its focus on preparing students for the modern workplace.

Thank you to the Rotary Club of Lenoir and President Debbie Eller for hosting us, and to Stephen Starnes for covering the visit.

Read the full article in the News-Topic: https://www.newstopicnews.com/archives/lenoir-rotary-learns-about-n-c-edge-workforce-initiative/article_fdbbac38-4f1e-59c3-9890-52d6ce895d53.html