Grow by Degrees

TCC hosts Grow by Degrees briefing
TCC's Regional Automotive Center served as a fitting venue for a regional briefing on the economy and higher education's critical role, presented by the Virginia Business Higher Education Council's Grow by Degrees campaign. The Oct. 29, 2009, briefing noted that the areas's public colleges and universities have created more than 22,200 jobs and contributed $450 million in annual tax revenue to the state. News Stories: The Virginian-Pilot Inside Business The Daily Press WAVY-TV 10

TCC President Deborah M. DiCroce welcomed regional leaders in industry and business who spoke on the relevance of education to their continued success, citing the critical role of TCC and universities in preparing a highly qualified workforce to attract and keep business in Virginia. Speakers included Jerry Miller, president/CEO of Earl Industries Inc., and Sean Brickell, executive director of the Hampton Roads Automobile Dealers Association.

Emcee Mark Hubbard, representing the Grow by Degrees campaign, set the stage for John O. ("Dubby") Wynne, executive committee member of the council, to explain recent findings on the impact of higher education on jobs. Wynne noted that for every dollar the state spends on the public higher education system, it generates $13.31 of economic activity and $1.39 in increased tax revenues that come back to the Commonwealth.

For more information on the Grow by Degrees initiative and the economic report prepared by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, visit the website, www.growbydegrees.org.

TCC hosts Grow by Degrees briefing