Press Release
 San Joaquin Delta College 5151 Pacific Avenue Stockton, CA 95207 |
Media Advisory For More Information Contact: Lorinda Forrest Deputy Sector Navigator Small Business-Central Valley & Mother Lode (209) 481-9605 lforrest@deltacollege.edu |
Dr. Kathy Hart signs the Presidents for Entrepreneurship Pledge
Delta College will commit to expanding entrepreneurship efforts
Amy Schultz, representing NACCE, watches as Dr. Kathy Hart
signs the Presidents for Entrepreneurship Pledge
(Stockton, CA) - San Joaquin Delta College Superintendent/President Dr. Kathy Hart signed the National Association of Community College Entrepreneurs (NACCE) Presidents for Entrepreneurship Pledge on Wednesday, October 7, at the college’s new Plaza courtyard. The ceremony had an impressive turnout, which included staff, students and local business and community leaders.
The NACCE is a national organization of community colleges that encourages local job creation by supporting entrepreneurship on member campuses. The Presidents for Entrepreneurship Pledge is a national initiative to advance entrepreneurship at community colleges and their districts. By signing the pledge, Dr. Hart commits to a host of activities that expand Delta’s entrepreneurial efforts. Those efforts include leveraging community college and regional assets to spur innovation and job creation.
“It’s a special honor to join 300 other community college presidents who have signed this pledge,” said Dr. Hart. “Delta College has a long history of cultivating entrepreneurship through academic programs, clubs, partnerships and support of startup businesses via our Small Business Development Center.” Hart emphasizes, “Delta’s mission statement requires that we promote ‘economic development’ in our district.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Hart as she joins community college presidents from across the nation,” said guest speaker Amy Schultz, NACCE Vice President of Education and Membership. “Delta College has demonstrated how colleges can play a crucial role impacting local economic vitality through entrepreneurial education, support and effective business partnerships.”
Delta College student Brian Alcones shared his “success story” as owner of his start-up graphic arts business Big Card Marketing. Alcones acknowledge the assistance that Delta’s business program provided and. He’s enthusiastic about Delta’s new commitment. “The Pledge will help maximize success and minimize failures for new businesses like mine. Education and support are vital ingredients to accomplishing your business goals.”
One of Brian’s instructors was Delta College Business and Entrepreneur Club co-adviser, Martha Villarreal. Villarreal is at the forefront of entrepreneurship/small business education at Delta College. “Providing the proper tools to young entrepreneurs is crucial. The Presidents for Entrepreneurship Pledge shows Dr. Hart’s commitment to build and support economic development from the ground up, starting with students…then ending with the local business community. Everybody wins!”
Business and Entrepreneurial Club treasurer, Rafael Medina, 22, plans to open a “sports themed” restaurant or store. The St. Mary’s High grad says the Pledge will “inspire students to think outside the box, and motivate students to see what types of businesses we can bring to the community.” Medina says guidance is an important component of any new venture. “Entrepreneurs will have more access to experts with advice to help guide them through obstacles to success.”
Lorinda Forrest, Delta’s Deputy Sector Navigator for Small Business - Central Valley & Mother Lode, is passionate about the value of local workforce and economic development. “Delta College is invested at every level, from faculty to staff to senior leadership in student success.” Forrest commends the college for its strong entrepreneurial programs and partnerships. “With Delta College’s entrepreneurial mindset, it’s a natural next step for Dr. Hart to sign the NACCE President's Pledge for Entrepreneurship.”
For more information on Delta College’s Business Education programs, visit:
https://www.deltacollege.edu/div/business/index.html
Spring Semester 2016 Starts January 19th!
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