From Frank Toda, President, Columbia Gorge Community College

"The words "THANK YOU" hardly seem adequate at this point as I'm a bit overwhelmed by the huge vote of confidence, endorsement of trust in the college, and a commitment to our future. "

"With the passing of the college construction bond measure for $18.5M, we will be investing in the economic vitality of the region. While many other communities in Oregon are bracing for a potential budget crisis ... this community is moving out to leverage other sources of revenue and business development. "

"Today we have started a process of thoughtful progression. We're dusting off the master plan, engaging with our planning architect, and developing a community advisory council concept. Immediately, we are advising our Washington D.C. points of contact that the Columbia Gorge Community has demonstrated their willingness to be a National Center of Excellence. "

"To list just a few next steps:

1) We are immediately asking that the Department of Homeland Security consider this bond as an indicator of success if they invest in our homeland security training programs;

2) We are immediately asking the Department of Labor to view this as a match to developing 21st Century Job Training Programs in the Gorge that address the healthcare needs of the region while leveraging the latest technology;

3) We are planning our next steps to move the National Guard Funding forward to stimulate economic development in the region;

4) In Oregon, we are immediately engaging with the Office of the Governor to ensure they understand that we have put in place a number of exciting proposals to bring money to Oregon, and that the Governor's support of the State Capital Construction Initiative (where we will get a 50% match to our bond) and National Guard funding is critical to generating additional opportunities. "

"Again, YOU are making "YES COMMUNITY COLLEGE" ... a reality ... the substance of building dreams and transforming lives. I am so proud to be a member of this community ... ultimately ... it is about community, about partnership, about lifelong learning, about an investment in our future, about people ... about you. Thank YOU. "

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