LANSING – In appreciation of his work on behalf of Michigan's community colleges, State Representative Richard E. Hammel (D-Mt. Morris Township) has been presented with the Michigan Community College Association's (MCCA) 2009 Recognition Award at a reception in Traverse City.
"It's an honor to be recognized by Michigan's community colleges," Hammel said. "These schools do an outstanding job of retraining our displaced workforce and preparing the next generation of Michigan residents to be the workers and leaders of tomorrow. I'm proud to stand with them as they continue to play a key role in turning our state around and jumpstarting our economy."
The MCCA presented Hammel its 2009 Recognition Award for his service on behalf of Michigan's community colleges. In particular, they cited Hammel's leadership in passing the Michigan New Jobs Training program in 2008, which enabled community colleges to train residents for specific employers in order to create good-paying jobs. Hammel's plan was signed into law in December 2008.
"Rep. Hammel has shown himself to be a real leader on the critical issue of job creation," said Dr. M. Richard Shaink, president of Mott Community College. "It is always good to see a person from our area recognized but all the more when the issue is so important."
The MCCA is a coalition of Michigan community colleges that work on behalf of higher education goals in the state. Michigan currently has 28 community colleges, educating tens of thousands of students annually.
"Michigan has the best workforce in the world, and our community colleges play a big part in providing that education and training," Hammel said. "Working with our community colleges to develop the New Jobs Training Program has helped employers find the skilled workers they need to thrive by taking advantage of the unique job-creation tools offered in Michigan's community colleges. I'm very happy that we were able to strengthen this partnership between the colleges and area businesses, and I look forward to seeing that relationship continue to pay off for communities and residents across Michigan."