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businesses and industries are poised for significant expansion. JCC's <br />Clayton Skills Training Center stands ready to prepare their work- <br />force, with training at every level, from the BioWorks certificate pro- <br />gram through bachelor's degrees offered by N.C. State University. <br />According to Jim Causby, superintendent of Johnston County <br />Public Schools, a unique partnership was forged between education <br />and the business community in <br />planning this critical work force <br />training facility. Dr. Don <br />Reichard, president of Johnston <br />Community College, adds, "All <br />of education is important, but <br />The Clayton Center: A Collaboration <br />of-Business Leaders, North Carolina's Community <br />College and University Systems, and Public Schools <br />in terms of economic recovery, it's community colleges that are <br />going to give you the quick turnaround." He continued, "Bayer's <br />CEO said he was not going to hire employees with less than an <br />associate degree. We heard that loud and clear. That's our job." <br />The Clayton center is expected to open in the spring of 2004. <br />Coordinated resources offered by the community college and <br />university system will provide general BioWorks training for new <br />workers and skills upgrade for longtime employ- <br />ees, creating a competitive work force for new <br />biotech jobs in a rural and historically tobacco - <br />dependent community. Thinking ahead, planners <br />designed the facility and curriculum to ensure that <br />training for workers in other industries could also <br />be accommodated. <br />Life science, biotechnology and biomanufac- <br />turing firms have chosen Johnston County for its <br />proximity to the Research Triangle Park and major <br />transportation routes, affordable land and utilities, <br />lower tax rates and skilled workers. Soon they will have another <br />reason to locate and grow in Johnston County —the Clayton Skills <br />Training Center, providing the link between a supply of well - skilled <br />workers and new industry to create future prosperity. <br />Johnston Community College's <br />BioWorks program is currently <br />offered on its Cleveland campus. <br />I <br />s <br />s <br />"We believe the best incentive We have to offer business is a prepared Workforce <br />that needs less training after employment." <br />— Linwood Parker, chairman of the county Economic Development Advisory Board <br />GOLDENLEAF 2002 Annual Report 9 <br />