Norman Economic Development Coalition Receives State CareerTech Award

By Christin Forney

NORMAN, Okla. – The Norman Economic Development Coalition (NEDC) was honored with a Partners for Progress Award during the 2005 Career and Technology Education Summer Conference held Aug. 2-4 at the Tulsa Convention Center. The award recognizes businesses that were nominated by their local technology center for their contributions to the development, promotion, and progress of Oklahoma’s technology center system.

NEDC Executive Director Don Wood accepted the award. Presenting the award from Moore Norman Technology Center were Superintendent John Hunter, Executive Director Lynda Kouri, Business Development Manager Karla Bonzie and Conference Center Manager Bert Franks.

The Partners for Progress Award recognizes businesses and industries that have demonstrated their commitment to CareerTech education in multiple ways including financial support, cooperative programs, community involvement and student sponsorships.

“We are honored and pleased to have received the 2005 OATC Partners for Progress Award; and the partnership between Moore Norman Technology Center and the Norman Economic Development Coalition to create economic opportunities in the Norman area has been outstanding.” Don Wood, NEDC Executive Director said.

The mission of the partnership between MNTC and NEDC is to expand the economic base of the Norman community and enhance the earnings opportunities of area residents. This is being achieved by retaining and expanding existing business and industry and by attracting new employers that are consistent with Norman’s high quality of life.

Formed in 1996, the NEDC is funded through a joint effort of the University of Oklahoma, the City of Norman and the Norman Business Community through the Norman Chamber of Commerce. In an effort to increase economic development and meet industry training needs, Wood consistently involves MNTC when potential business clients are considering relocation to the Norman community.

MNTC Superintendent John Hunter said, “Through NEDC’s commitment to collaborate with MNTC, the businesses and industries in the Norman community continue to thrive. The partnership NEDC has cultivated with MNTC is a true example of how economic development and technology centers can work together to optimize efforts for the good of our communities.”

For more information about MNTC’s Business and Industry Services division visit www.mntechnology.com or call 405-364-5763, ext. 7260. Moore Norman’s Franklin Rd. Campus is located on the corner of 12th Ave. NW and Franklin Rd., between the communities of Norman and Moore. The South Penn Campus is located on the corner of SW 134th and Penn Ave., in south Oklahoma City.