Florida Crown Soars
$402,000 Wings Grant Awarded
Columbia County, FL (posted
October 28, 2009)
By Stew Lilker
Florida Crown Workforce Board (FCWB), one of the top
performing workforce boards in Florida, has been awarded
a $402,000 Wings Grant. This grant, funded through
ARRA will help move the rural North Florida
counties of region seven into the 21st century.
“WINGS – Workforce Innovative New Generation
Solutions”
The
grant application (pg. 18 has specific details) was
shepherded through the grant process under the able
leadership of FCWB executive director, retired Air Force
Colonel, “JC” John Chastain, region seven Consortium
Chairwoman, Gilcrest County Commissioner, Sharon
Langford, FCWB Chairman, Larry Thompson and the
dedicated staff of the FCWB region seven.
Executive Director Chastain told the Observer, “This
is a very important grant for the entire region. Working
together with our partners at LCCC, Banner, the
University of North Florida and New Horizons is a prime
reason we were awarded this grant.”
Com Langford, speaking for the Consortium said, “We
are pleased to support the WINGS initiative which
addresses Green Jobs, Rural Needs (Broadband) and
Business Incubation/Entrepreneurship. We are excited to
participate in this innovative program. Transforming
Florida into a green economy, the use of broadband to
aid the rural communities that have traditionally been
disadvantaged and underserved, as well as strengthening
business entrepreneurial services are important steps
for strengthening the workforce of our rural region.
Dr. Chuck Hall, President of Lake City Community
College said in his letter of support for the grant,
“Florida Crown has a proven track record of
administering grants which have enhanced the education,
training and quality of life for the businesses and
residents of this region. We strongly recommend funding
of the Florida Crown Workforce Board WINGS grant
proposal.
FCWB region seven represents the following north
Florida counties: Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, and Union.
The Consortium members represent their respective
counties in the region.
• While Columbia County, under
the leadership of Commissioners DuPree and Bailey,
voluntarily withdrew from the Consortium, this did not
leave the residents and business of Columbia County
without representation, as the interests of Columbia
County, its residents and its businesses are being
addressed by the members of the rest of the region.
Additionally, representatives of Columbia County
business continue to be appointed and sit on the FCWB.
-- ed •
