Friday, January 11, 2008

 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES HIGHLIGHTED IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM

By Janice O'Connor

Richard Elmer, manager of training and development at Bristol-Myers Squibb in Devens and an MWCC alumnus, and Lorie Martiska, vice president of community relations and development at Heywood Hospital, were among the panelists in Thursday's What's Next? Speaker Series presentation on economic development.

Four regional business leaders shared their expertise on top jobs available in health care, technology and the emerging fields of biotechnology, renewable energy and conservation during MWCC’s What’s Next? Speaker Series forum, “Emerging Opportunities in the New Economy,” held Thursday at the Doyle Conservation Center in Leominster.

Approximately 80 people attended the forum, sponsored by MWCC’s Center for Democracy and Humanity, the Twin Cities Latino Coalition, the North Central Massachusetts Economic Development Corporation and the Trustees of Reservations.

Panelists included Richard Elmer, manager of training and development for Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Large Scale Cell Culture facility in Devens; Lorie Martiska, vice president of community relations and development at Heywood Hospital; Richard Mohnk, vice president and chief information officer at HealthAlliance Hospitals, Inc.; and Ed Terceiro, executive vice president and resident engineer at MWCC.

Elmer, an alumnus of MWCC and Fitchburg State College, said more than 350 jobs are anticipated at the $750 million facility under construction in Devens, in areas such as manufacturing, quality control and microbiology, as well as support services. The pharmaceutical company will use biotechnology at the new facility to manufacture Orencia, a medicine that will be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The company will seek approval from the federal Food and Drug Administration to begin manufacturing the drug in 2011 and anticipates operating three shifts a day, seven days a week.

MWCC, which launched a biotechnology/biomanufacturing degree program this fall, is working closely with BMS to provide highly skilled employees for the facility.

“The ability to attract qualified talent is a challenge every company is facing,” Elmer said. “We’re looking for people who are able to adapt and learn new technologies and skills. We want a flexible workforce and we will be cross-training significantly.”

State Rep. Stephen DiNatale of Fitchburg was among the attendees.

Martiska provided an overview of how the health care industry fuels the local, state and national economy as a top employer, but also explained that the critical shortage of medical professionals is expected to reach the crisis level nationally in the near future, due in part to an influx of aging baby boomers that will require more services. Although the national nursing shortage has been highly publicized for years, there is also a great need for professionals in areas such as respiratory care, radiology, laboratories and pharmacology, she said.

Mohnk shared his expertise in technology within the health care industry, explaining that virtually every position within a hospital and in health care in general now relies on technology to carry out duties. The UMass Memorial Health Care system, which includes the HealthAlliance hospitals, last year invested $8 million and became the first hospital network in the state to create an Electronic Intensive Care Unit to monitor patient treatment.

Terceiro, who recently traveled to Germany as part of a 12-member U.S. delegation invited to study renewable energy workforce strategies, said the growing awareness in the United States about the economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy will create job opportunities in a broad spectrum of specialties and support fields. Terceiro noted that only health care will outpace renewable energy in job demand. "There is tremendous opportunity at all levels," he said.

MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino, a member of Gov. Deval Patrick's Leadership Council of the Commonwealth Readiness Project, emphasized the importance of education in strengthening the economy.

The forum was moderated by Sharyn Rice, MWCC vice president of advancement and community relations.

The third session of the speaker series, “Living and Working in the New Economy,” will take place on Thursday, March 13 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Doyle Conservation Center. The forum will focus on quality of life issues that affect the region’s economy, including housing, transportation, recreation, education and open space.

To reserve a seat, contact Nancy Hawkins at nhawkins@mwcc.mass.edu or 978-630-9163. In case of inclement weather, the snow date is Friday, March 14.

MWCC CHARITABLE PLEDGES TOP $48,000

MWCC employees contributed generously to the 2008 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Employees Charitable Campaign (COMECC). Through voluntary one-time donations and payroll deductions, faculty and staff pledged $47,736 to aid those in need and support numerous nonprofit organizations. An additional $1,240 was raised through various activities, including raffles, bake sales, candy donations and denim days, for a total contribution of $48,976.

"I am extremely proud of the MWCC community and the generosity demonstrated during this campaign," said President Daniel M. Asquino. "Collectively, the contributions made by MWCC employees will greatly benefit residents in our region, as well as throughout the Commonwealth."

COMECC, established in 1984, gives state employees the opportunity to support private, nonprofit health and human services and environmental organzations. Last year, more than $2 million was raised statewide to assist children, families and communities in Massachusetts, as well as national and global charitable endeavors.

The campaign is coordinated by the college's Human Resources office.

SHEILA DALY, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF CLINTON HOSPITAL, APPOINTED TO MWCC BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Sheila M. Daly, pictured with MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino, left, and MWCC Board of Trustees Chairman Jay Davis Drake, right, has been appointed to the college's Board of Trustees.

Sheila M. Daly, president and chief executive officer of Clinton Hospital, has been appointed by Gov. Deval Patrick to the Mount Wachusett Community College Board of Trustees.

Daly has served as president of Clinton Hospital, which is a member of UMass Memorial Health Care, since 2001. A nurse by training, she previously served as the hospital’s vice president of patient care services and director of clinical services. A resident of Hubbardston, Daly received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Atlantic Union College and a master’s degree in human services management from Worcester State College.

Among numerous civic and community affiliations, Daly serves on the board of directors of the MWCC Foundation, Inc., and is a corporator of Hudson Savings Bank. She is also a member of the Clinton Rotary Club and the Massachusetts Association for Healthcare Quality.

 “We are very fortunate to have someone as dedicated to community service as Sheila Daly on our Board of Trustees,” said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino. “Her leadership and expertise will be an asset to the board, the college and the community.”

More MWCC News:

• MWCC's team "Beauties and the Beasties" - Linda Oldach, Joe Stiso, Karen Payne, Gaurav Khanna and Betsey Dick - participated Thursday night in the fifth annual spelling bee to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of North Central Massachusetts. The team was stumped by the word "kyoodle," which means "to bark or yelp noisily."

  Tickets are now on sale for the 2008 season of plays presented by Theatre at the Mount. The music of legendary rock and roller Buddy Holly takes center stage as the season kicks off. Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, featuring over 20 hit songs such as Peggy Sue, Chantilly Lace and That'll Be the Day, will run on Feb. 22, 23, 29 and March 1 at 8 p.m., and March 2 at 2 p.m. Summer heats up with the powerful musical Ragtime, painting a portrait fo the melting pot of America at the turn of the 20th century. Performances of Ragtime are June 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and June 29 at 2 p.m. the Disney Channel's smash hit movie High School Musical comes to life in August. This amazing blockbuster will be performed on Aug. 8, 9, 13, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m., and Aug. 10 and 17 at 2 p.m. Dan Goggins' Nunsensations: The Nunsense Vegas Revue brings the zany Sisters of Hoboken back to the stage. In this all-new, sixth eidtion of the Nunsense series, a parishioner has promised the Little Sisters of Hoboken $10,000 for their school if they go to Las Vegas and perform at a friend's showplace. Show dates for Nunsensations are Oct. 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. Home for the Holidays will conclude the 2008 season. This Christmas spectacular promises to put audiences in the festive spirit with dazzling sets, stunning costumes, Broadway-style dancing, traditional holiday songs and a visit from Santa. Home for the Holidays runs Nov. 28, 29, Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. To purchase tickets or request a season brochure, call the TAM box office at 978-632-2403. Tickets also may be purchased online at http://theatre.mwcc.edu

• Student Orientation for new and transfer students will take place Tuesday, Jan. 15. Check in begins at 8:30 a.m. in the South Cafeteria. The orientation runs through 2 p.m. and includes an activities and student services expo, advisor meetings, academic success sessions and more. For additional information, call 978-630-9252.

• The enrollment center is offering Information Sessions on a number of academic programs. Upcoming sessions will take place on the following dates: Clinical Laboratory Science: Jan. 16 and Feb. 13 from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Heywood Hospital, Dining Room B; Biotechnology/Biomanufacturing: Feb. 21 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner Campus, room 341; A.S. Nursing: Feb. 12 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner campus, Wetmore Wing, room 12; Practical Nursing Certificate program: Jan. 17 and Feb. 21 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner campus, Wetmore Wing, room 12; Complementary Health Care: Jan. 28 and Feb. 25 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner campus, Wetmore Wing, room 12; Dental Hygiene: Feb. 6 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner campus, Wetmore Wing, Room 12. Prospective students interested in attending an information session are asked to call the enrollment center at (978) 630-9110 (TTY (978) 632-4916), or send an email to admissions@mwcc.mass.edu

• Wish you could be the next American Idol but find the thought of facing Simon Cowell too intimidating? The Office of Student Life is offering students, faculty and staff the opportunity to make their own music videos for free during Spring Semester Welcome Week. Stop by the South Cafe from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday Jan. 23 and find out if you're the next Carrie Underwood...or William Huong. On Friday, Jan. 25, the Welcome Week fun continues with free personalized signs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Lion's Den Student Center.

• Works of art created by Drawing III/Painting III students will be on display through Jan. 25 in the East Wing Gallery. In addition, an exhibit of sculptures and carvings by Boston artist Paul Angiolillo is on display in the gallery through Jan. 18.

• Stressed? Why not schedule a relaxation massage to ease your tension? The MWCC Student Massage Therapy Clinic provides relaxation massage at a reduced rate to the public, faculty, staff and students. One-hour sessions with student massage therapists enrolled in MWCC's Massage Therapy Program are just $15 for students and MWCC employees and $30 for the general public. Many people have already discovered the advantages of this service as a way to relax and reduce stress. To schedule an appointment, call (978) 630-9212.