Prince William, VA
June 12, 2009
Dr. Templin on Success in the “New Economy”
NVCC President Encourages Businesses, Schools to Work Together
At the Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce “Education Luncheon,’” President of Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) Dr. Robert Templin was on hand to congratulate the 2009 Regional Chamber Scholarship winners and to discuss his vision of educators and business people working together to promote economic growth.
“I do not think that the economy will be down for long,” said Dr. Templin, “Now is the time to position ourselves for the economic upturn. This can be an opportunity for the communities that are ready.”
Dr. Templin said that the nation is entering into a new economy of continued global competition, and that wireless communications, life sciences and energy will be the drivers. In this environment, companies must continually innovate and push ideas and products to market faster than their competitors. He encouraged business leaders to take initiative, anticipate changes and use creative opportunities.
According to Dr. Templin, the capacity for success rests with having properly trained frontline workers. He said they must be smart, skilled and adaptable. Additionally, workers will need to have the ability to interact with customers and create innovation.
Templin challenged members of the Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce to help NVCC connect the dots, fostering education that will meet the community and workforce needs of the near future. “Now is the time to align schools, curriculum, colleges and employers,” said Templin. He stated that doing so is an economic imperative, and will provide a pipeline of well-trained employees, able to succeed in the new economy.
