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DRAFT STATEMENT FOR PRESENTATION TO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Today, Cabarrus County has a olg_~_~opportunity to positively affect the future economic development of this area! Cabarrus County finally has a realistic chance to build a first-rate facility for the expanded technical training programs needed to meet educational needs and to.provide economic development. Half of the cost of these facilities can be funded with a $2 million state grant through Rowan Tech. The other half must be raised locally. This' is an opportunity we must not refuse. Most other counties never had such a high level of state support available when they built technical training facilities. The capital construction money already is included in this year's conmunity college budget. The $2 million slated for Rowan Tech to build a Cabarrus sister campus is listed by priority in the top ten. This ranking virtually guarantees that the $2 million will be available if matched in Cabarrus County. This is an unparalleled oppor- tunity which may never arise again. The Cabarrus Advisory Council represents the manufacturing, finance, busi- ness, and service sectors of Cabarrus County. The Council is extremely concerned about the need for economic diversification. There is an alarming increase in the number of workers requiring retraining because of automation in manufacturing. Only one-half of Cabarrus adult citizens, 25 years old. or older, have finished high school. More effective education is the best way to address these concerns. The future of Cabarrbs County depends upon the quality of the decisions the Con~nissioners make today. Education and training should not be seen as an expense, but as an essential investment in the future of this county. Education allows our citizens to develop their full potential. A well- trained, competent labor force is the critical factor necessary in attrac- ting new industry. Adequate facilities are necessary to expand technical training programs in Cabarrus County. These facilities can be built with half of the cost borne by the state if Cabarrus will match the state's $2 million grant. The Cabarrus Advisory Council requests the Cabarrus Commissioners to provide a letter of intent showing Cabarrus' commitment to determine some method of funding this investment in the future of our county. Approved by Executive Committee on March 21, 1985 for presenta- tion to Cabarrus Advisory Council on April 23, 1985.