OK CareerTech Named Economic Development ‘2006 Ally of the Year’

OK CareerTech Named Economic Development ‘2006 Ally of the Year’

The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education was named “2006 Ally of the Year” at the annual Oklahoma Business Roundtable and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Holiday Social held in December. The award is given annually to individuals or organizations for contributions to the state’s economic development.

Joining the Roundtable and Commerce in hosting this reception was the Governor's Economic Development Team, the Governor's International Team, and the Oklahoma Economic Development Council.

The purpose for the annual Holiday Social is to recognize contributions from economic development professionals across the state and others in state agencies that have helped the Department of Commerce bring new jobs to Oklahoma during the year, according to Leslie Blair, ODOC spokesperson.

In FY06 CareerTech helped more than 6,300 Oklahoma companies increase profitability with customized industry training and Training for Industry Programs designed for new and expanding businesses.

“CareerTech creates job opportunities by attracting industry into the state,” said CareerTech State Director Phil Berkenbile. "CareerTech also keeps workers in the state by helping them learn new skills which, in turn, contributes to the state’s low 3.8 percent unemployment rate.”

"The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is proud to name the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education as our 2006 Outstanding Ally of the Year," said Amy Polonchek, interim executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. "CareerTech is one of our great partners in economic development. Companies across Oklahoma speak highly of the flexibility and business focus of the services they offer. We appreciate all that the CareerTech system does for economic development in Oklahoma."

CareerTech State Economic Development Coordinator Justin Smedley, Chief of Staff Bruce DeMuth and Corporate and Executive Development Coordinator Scott Smith accept the “2006 Ally of Year”award presented to the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education to the 2006 Ally of Year Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education at the recent Oklahoma Business Roundtable and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Holiday Social.

Shown from the left, Smedley, Interim ODOC Executive Director Amy Polonchek, Lt. Gov. Elect Jari Askins, DeMuth, presented the award to Oklahoma Department of CareerTech State Economic Development Coordinator Justin Smedley, Corporate and Executive Development Coordinator Scott SmithFrancis Tuttle Technology Center Business and Industry Services Coordinator Peggy Geiband Smith. and Chief of Staff Bruce Demuth at the annual Economic Development Team Christmas party.

Posted Dec. 27, 2006