GGEDC receives Grant for Workforce Program
March 5, 2020
Left to Right: Cathy Huffman, Marathon Petroleum Foundation; Joe Mesich, GGEDC Board Member; Tommy Haws, GGEDC Board President; Leland Gould, Marathon Petroleum; Patty Lundstrom, GGEDC Executive Director; Rick Murphy, GGEDC Board Member; Ashley Goecke, Marathon Petroleum Foundation; Tony Tanner, GGEDC Board Member; Johnny Gonzales, GGEDC Workforce Development Manager; Patrick Mason, GGEDC Board Member.
Gallup, NM – Today, Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation hosted a delegation from the Marathon Petroleum Foundation based in Findlay, Ohio to receive a grant in the amount of $50,000. This funding will allow GGEDC to support its highly successful Industrial Workforce Program. The Greater Gallup Industrial Workforce Program was developed collaboratively with McKinley County employers and stakeholders who identified a need to provide support for residents interested in obtaining stackable credentials to pursue a career in the industrial sector.
The Foundation funding will provide program support to GGEDC as it looks to undertaking program expansion to meet local demand for enrollment. The Workforce Industrial Program is conducted at the Southwest Indian Foundation (SWIF) building on west Gallup, providing easy access to residents and the community.
“We know that workforce development is the number one issue facing local employers, and the lack of an industrial-based training curriculum is a barrier to employment,” said GGEDC Executive Director Patty Lundstrom. “The Industrial Workforce Program was developed to give voice to employers, remove those training barriers, and help promote individual success and regional economic development. We are so appreciative of the Foundation for providing the funding for this important program.”
Collaborative partners that helped develop the program include Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments, New Mexico Workforce Connections, Northern New Mexico Area Local Workforce Development Board, Marathon Petroleum, Peabody Energy, Rhino Health, Gallup Land Partners, Four Corners Welding Gas & Supply, Southwest Indian Foundation and Advanced Technical Services.
Residents interested in enrollment can contact GGEDC’s Workforce Development Manager, Johnny Gonzales, at (505) 722-2980.