As an advocate for the business community, the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce has taken an official position in support of the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College bond referendum. The Chamber’s members rely on RCCC as a crucial resource to provide the workforce we need.

On March 3, the citizens of Rowan County will have the opportunity to vote “yes” in support of a bond referendum for the creation of a new Technology Education Complex at the College — a project we believe is the right strategic move for our community and a critical step in ensuring a bright future for all of us.

The Rowan Chamber Board is very proud of our community college. We count on RCCC to stay abreast of the latest industry developments and provide top-notch training on the latest equipment, preparing workers to perform the jobs of today and tomorrow.

The bond referendum will allow the College to continue building out programs that directly serve the needs of employers in our community. To answer the demands of businesses and attract new companies, expanded programs and facilities are needed.

For example, there are nearly 450 people employed in auto body technician or automotive positions in Rowan County. In the college’s service area, there are 227 open job postings for qualified service technicians, and the need for body repair technicians continues to grow. Rowan-Cabarrus is committed to keeping our workforce up to date which requires research and development of programs to address everything from computerized diagnostics and complex electronic components to hybrid and electric vehicles.

RCCC offers students the opportunity to earn the most sought-after industry certifications so that they can make a good living and provide for their families. This is true not only for the automotive industry, but for every program the college provides.

We must ensure that we have a qualified local workforce if we are to continue to succeed. Our community college is a true community partner and is essential to the progress of Rowan County.

Please join me as I vote “yes” on March 3 in support of the 2020 RCCC bond referendum.

Elaine Spalding

Salisbury

Editor’s note: Elaine Spalding is president of the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce.