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1995-04-12-Minutes 05 MINUTES OF THE PARIS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION April 12, 1995 The Paris Economic Development Corporation met in a regular meeting on Thursday, April 12, 1995, at 4:00 P.M., in the City Hall North Annex, Fire Training Room, Paris, Texas. President Philip Cecil called the meeting to order with the following boardmembers present: Dick Amis, Curtis Fendley, and Barney Bray. Also present were ex-officio board members, Bobby Walters, Bill Vaughan, Gary Vest , Economic Development Director, Michael E. Malone, City Manager and T. K. Haynes, City Attorney as Counselor. 106 Mr. Cecil stated that the first item on the agenda was approval of the minutes from the previous meeting of the Paris Economic Development Corporation. He asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes of the previous meeting, and there being none ,Boardmember Dick Amis made a motion, seconded by Boardmember Curtis Fendley, that the minutes be approved as presented, which carried unanimously. President Cecil noted that Mr. Anderson was not present to give the financial report but the Board had been provided with copies of the report. Boardmember Fendley made a motion which was seconded by Boardmember Barney Bray, to approve the financial report as presented which carried unanimously. President Cecil asked Mr. Vest to make his report. Mr. Vest advised that there had been good prospect activity since the last meeting. He said that he had some prospects through Lone Star Gas and T. U. Electric and either one of these would be good possible tenants if we had a model building. Mr. Vest stated in connection with the State Legislature, there are currently eighteen bills pending that effect the economic development sales organization. He said one is by Representative Tom Ramsey in Mt. Vernon which would be a very detrimental bill to us. He said it would do away with 4A status corporations as we know them and make all corporations 4B. He said that Senator Ratliff had introduced Senate Bill 1642, which will do away with all 4B corporations and make them all 4A. Mr. Vest advised that Senator Ratliff's bill was passed out of committee the day before, and that Representative Ramsey's bill was still in committee. Mr. Vest said he had been working on a logo for the Corporation in order to develop some letterhead. He passed around some samples for the Board to review. He said he liked the phrase "building today for a better tomorrow", and he thought that they might like to use this in some of their materials. He said he would like to have some feedback, so they could move ahead on the logo. President Cecil said that the City Engineer, Earl Smith, was present to update the Board on the model building and the improvements to Industrial Drive. Mr. Smith stated at this time, he had no progress to report on the model building. He said he was still comfortable with his cost estimate at this time, but he has not made any progress in connection with design. President Cecil said that when a design is developed, it should be brought back to this Board for approval of the design and then move forward at that point. Mr. Smith said in connection with the street, he had contacted a contractor and this is going to be one of those things that will have to wait on the weather to proceed. Mr. Smith said he still felt the $25,000.00 would be enough to accomplish the work. City Attorney Haynes advised that the President had asked that these projects be left on the agenda each time, in case there is information to report. President Cecil asked Mr. Amis to give his report regarding purchase from the Paris Industrial Foundation. Mr. Amis stated that the appraisal of the property has been contracted with Pat Murphy and Associates and on the survey, they had contracted with Nelson Survey. He said hopefully by the next meeting, both items will be completed. President Cecil said in connection with Agenda Item No. 7 when the survey and the appraisal are completed, they will fill in the resolution with those numbers and approve that resolution by passing it around. 107 President Cecil said that the boardmembers had received a request from Paris Junior College for assistance in the implementation of their Electro Mechanical Technology Program. He asked Mr. Bobby Walters, President of Paris Junior College, to discuss this request. Mr. Walters asked that the Board consider funding a program in Electro Mechanical Technology that Paris Junior College will be instituting this year. He said this program was developed by local industry in conjunction with Paris Junior College. He said the purpose was to train employees to operate and troubleshoot both the electrical and mechanical components of high technology equipment that's being implemented in a number of our local industries. He said they were requesting the funding because the State no longer provides startup funding for programs such as this. He said they would like to start this program beginning in September, 1995, and the amount of funding they are requesting is $150,000.00 to be distributed in September, 1995, January, 1996, and September, 1996. He said after the two years of funding, they will be able to sustain the program from funds that will be approved by the State Coordinating Board. He said the Board's consideration of this request will give the citizens of this community an opportunity to acquire the needed skill for employment in local industry that utilize high technology equipment. After discussion, Boardmember Curtis Fendley made a motion, seconded by Boardmember Barney Bray, approving Paris Junior College's request for funding for the implementation of the Electro Mechanical Technology Program at Paris Junior College. Resolution No.95-006, approving the request by Paris Junior College for start-up funding for the Electro Mechanical Technology Program in the amount of $150,000.00 over a two year period, and authorizing and directing Director of Finance, Gene Anderson, to disburse funds to Paris Junior College. The motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 95-006 WHEREAS, the Pace Group did, in its Business Retention Survey and Flexible Incentive Plan for the City of Paris, dated May 12, 1994, bring to the attention of the Paris Economic Development Corporation the need for more education and training among the local work force to meet current and specific industry needs; and, WHEREAS, Kimberly-Clark conducted a survey with seven major industries in Paris which indicated that electro-mechanical skills were the primary need among industry not currently being addressed by Paris Junior College; and, WHEREAS, the Community Master Plan for Paris Junior College, 1994, listed as a -- suggested goal for Paris Junior College the development of an electro-mechanical maintenance curriculum that meets the requirements of major technical employers; and, WHEREAS, in the fall and winter of 1994-1995, to help meet this goal, Paris Junior College organized an Advisory Committee to develop an Electro-Mechanical Technology Program, more. fully described in "Implementation of the 'Electro-Mechanical Technology Program' at Paris Junior College", attached hereto as Exhibit A; and, WHEREAS, Paris Junior College is requesting start-up funding for tile Electro- Mechanical Technology Program from the Paris Economic Development Corporation in the total amount of $150,000.00 over a two year period, after which funding will be available from the state to continue the program; and, 108 WHEREAS, it is deemed appropriate, desirable and essential to our industrial development effort that the local work force be properly educated and trained in order to provide the specialized skills needed by industry; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PARIS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, that the request by Paris Junior College for start-up funding for the Electro- Mechanical Technology Program in the amount of $150,000.00 over a two year period be, and the same is hereby, granted; and, BE IT FURTItER RESOLVED that the Director of Finance, Gene Anderson, be, and he is hereby, authorized and directed to disburse funds to Paris Junior College as follows: $52,500.00 on September 1, 1995, $52,500.00 on January I, 1996, and, $45,000.00 on September 1, 1996. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 12th day of April, 1995. Philip P.. Cecil, President ATTEST: Richard M. Amis, Secretary-Treasurer T. K. Haynes, City Attorney Implementation of the "Electro-Mechanical Technology Program" at Paris Junior College 109 Contents -- Purpose Rationale -- Program of Work -- Paris Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) Needs A. PACE -- Business Retention Survey B. Community Master Plan C. Funding Program A. Program Description B. Propgsed Program Competencies Letters of Support A, Kimberly-Clark B. Earth Grains C. Campbell Soup D, Rodgers Wade Paris Junior College is requesting start-up funding for the Electro-Mechanical Program. The college is not provided start-up funds. However, after operating the program for two years, state funding will be available to continue the program. PURPOSE: Seeking funds from the Paris Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) for implementation of the Electro-Mechanical Technology Program at Paris Junior College. 110 RATIONALE: In the Program of Work for the PEDC, needs for education and training were identified. GOAL IV: Support community development by enhancing the local infrastructure to support indus- try, and providing educational opportunities and training to enhance the local workforce. OBJECTIVE: Provide necessary support systems to entice industry and provide a trained and ready workforce. ACTIONS: · Support the improvement of transportation access into Paris, ground and air. · Develop industrial sites for prospective industry; cleared, identified, with development plans. · Consider construction of a speculative building to attract prospective industry. . Coordinate industry training needs with local school districts and Paris Junior College. · Promote the Smart Jobs Program to Paris and Lamar County industries. Education -- need more vocational technical classes and partnership with Paris Junior College (PJC)/businesses. Page 6. Ascertain if industrial training needs are being met by PJC. Convene a focus group from exist- ing industry, PJC and the PEDC to determine if training needs for present employees are being met. Page 9. Needs Expressed --Twelve employers expressed difficulty in finding new, qualified employees. Three listed difficulty finding semi-skilled employees to operate equipment, etc. Four listed difficulty finding skilled labor experienced in welding, blueprint reading, or electronics. Four listed difficulty finding technical laborers such as med-techs, industrial electricians, CAD operators, and skilled machinists. Seven employers stated that they did not have difficulty finding new, qualified employ- ees. A major problem was a lack of basic skills in reading and math. Also listed was a lack of problem solving skills. Basically, more technical training to help with blueprint reading skills or basic math is needed. Page 13. Earlier in the survey, seven companies listed the need for vocational training. In the portion of the sur- vey, two reiterated the need for Vocational Technical Training. Two reiterated technical training. One suggested additional training programs at PJC in x-ray and respiratory therapy. Pages 17 and 18. 111 Quotes "The money should be used for computer equipment and training because the current equip- ment is outdated. PJC does an excellent job of helping train on technical jobs. We're satisfied with the response from the city on working with us, too." "College has to be utilized by industry coming in; then training can be set up. Very important to landing industry in Paris". "We are working with PJC to help in technical training. Dean Vicki Oglesby has been very responsive to help." Pages 20 and 21. SURVEY RECOMMENDATION · Convene a focus group involving industry, sponsored jointly by the PEDC and/or Chamber and Paris Junior College to discuss emerging industry training needs, resources and programs currently active, and identify possible ways for the PEDC to address workforce development issues. Investments in workforce development from PEDC should meet current and specific industry needs. Page 24. ADDITIONAL STUDY Paris Junior College developed a Community Master Plan in 1994. The Master Plan sub-committee on Instructional Programs included the following members: Bob Perkins, Chairman, Manager of BC Tool Company Rachel Braswell, Retired, Paris lSD Philip Cecil, Chairman, PEDC Dr. William Marks, Paris lSD Ralph Rodgers, Retired, Paris lSD Dr. Robert Seay, East Texas State University Professor of Business. Jim Shay, Kimberly-Clark Daon Wall, Wall Concrete Pipe The Community Master Plan Instructional Programs sub-committee made the following recom- mendations to improve the technology section of PJC: STRATEGY · Develop an Electro-Mechanical maintenance curriculum that meets the requirements of major technical employers. · Develop an apprentice program with major employers that meets their continuing technical manpower needs. In the fall and winter of 1994-95, Paris Junior College organized an Advisory Committee to develop the Electro-Mechanical Technology Program. Members of that committee are: Jim Shay, Kimberly-Clark Bob Johns, Campbell Soup Jack Blackard, Campbell Soup David Harris, Earth Grains Bob Perkins, BC Tool Company Carl Pinson, Rodgers-Wade FUNDING NEEDS Requested from PEDC PJC to Provide Equipment - $60,000 Classroom Computers $ Tables Trainers Chalkboard Simulation Chairs Media Equipment TV/VCR Overhead projector Electronic equipment Office Telephone Desk/chair 112 Salary - $45,000 Insurance 1st year $105,000 Staff Benefits 2nd year 45,000 Total $150,000 INSTITUTION: PARIS JUNIOR COLLEGE REOUEST: A.A.S. in Electro-Mechanical Technology PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Program Objectives: This new technical program is designed to prepare students for advanced technology in the electro-mechanical field.. The students will .study electricity, electronics, hydraulic and pneumatic power, mechanical linkages and drives, computer based automated systems and current industry practices. Instructional emphasis is placed upon the understanding of and troubleshooting of electro-mechanical systems. Program Requirements: This is a 66-68 hour program designed so that students may receive instruction on the Paris Junior College Campus as well as at industry sites via cooperative work experiences. the program is expected to be converted to a tech-prep program within the next two years. During this two year interval, local high schools are hopefully implementing the Principles of Technology course which would become part of the tech-prep curriculum. NEED. AND POTENTIAL:. Occupational Need: The need for this program was first brought to the attention of administrators at Paris Junior College in the late spring of 1994. At that time the college was involved in developing a Community Masterplan. A member of the Masterplan committee brought to our attention a survey that had been conducted by the Industrial Managers group at the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Lamar County Education Coalition. Their survey instrument had been purchased by the Kimberly-Clark plant in Paris. It was sent to the person responsible for tradesman training at the seven (7) major industries in Paris - Kimberly-Clark, Campbell Soup, Phillips Lighting, Earth Grains, Rodgers-Wade, Babcock and Wilcox, and T & K Machine Shop. The purpose was to determine the skills needed by local employers, and the instrument addressed a wide variety, of skills - not just electro-mechanical. The response rate was 100%. Members of the Masterplan.Committee asked if the information could be shared so that we could compare the current technical curriculum offered at the college to the skills needed by industry according to the survey. Because the survey was copyrighted and could be used only within limited parameters, we were not able to have copies of the survey to attach to this program request. However, we did meet with each industrial program area (welding, machine shop, HVAC, etc.) to review the survey results (they were able to look at the instrument even though they could not keep a copy) and compare what was currently being taught to the needs indicated on the survey. The gaps the committee found were in the area of electro-mechanical technology. That is our reason for requesting this program. A copy of the community masterplan is enclosed. The recommendation that an electro-mechanical technology program be developed is found on page 16. Since last spring, other indications of this need have emerged. The Quality Workforce Planning Target Occupations List for this region includes the category of Maintenance, general, into which electro-mechanical technology fits. This list is attached. 113 It is still pending approval by the state. Also a survey to determine the Higher Education needs of the East Texas Region, conducted at the request of Senator Ratliff by NCHEMS Management Services, Inc. of Boulder, Colorado, indicated a need for multi-craft maintenance mechanics. The NCHEMS -- report is enclosed and the need is indicated on page 49. A follow-up letter from NCHEMS to Dr. Carl Nelson, president at Texarkana College, indicates local needs within the Northeast Texas Region. You will notice on page 2 of that letter that electrical and mecchanical technology is a specific need identdied in the Paris- Mt. Pleasant area. Industries such as Kimberly Clark and Campbell Soup indicate that they must hire people from outside the region to fill jobs requiring electro-mechanical skills. The seven (7) industries participating in the survey indicated a current need for approximately 20 electro- mechanical technicians per year. This need is reflected in the advisory committee minutes and the letters of support attached to this application. Existing Programs: There are no existing programs of this type in the Paris Junior College service area. Paris Junior College currently offers Electronics and Computer Aided Manufacturing/Machine Shop. Elements of these programs will be incorporated into Electro-mechanical Teclmology. The Computer Aided Manufacturing/Machine Shop prograrm which currently graduates fewer than nine people within a three year period thus failing to meet the required performance measure will be revised and/or merged into Electro-mechanical Technology. Expected Enrollment: Paris Junior College projects an initial enrollment of 30 students with a projected annual graduation rate of 15 students. This number should meet the demands -- of industry without creating an oversupply. Enrollment may increase somewhat when the program is converted to tech-prep. ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY PROPOSED PROGRAM COMPETENCIES ELNT 1400 - Circuit Analysis Course Competencies: Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to: * Use the laws and theory needed to analyze the basic electronic circuits used in the electronics field. * Construct the basic circuits and then analyze their actions. * Troubleshoot basic electronic circuits. * Exhibit characteristics sought by employers objectivity, honesty, and dependability. ELNT 1405 - Introduction to Digital Electronics I 114 Course Cornpetencics: Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to: * Demonstrate the ability to use fundamental concepts that pertain to digital and analog systems. * Investigate and demonstrate understanding of the properties of various numbering systems with special emphasis on the binary system, codes, arithmetic, and logic operations. * Demonstrate effective understanding of basic logic elements and their characteristics. * Analyze combinational logic circuity through Boolean algebra and Karnaugh mapping techniques. * Demonstrate effective understanding of memory type logic elements, such flop-flops, and analyze circuits containing these elements such as arithmetic and counter circuits. * Recognize and use various logic families. * Broadly relate how digital systems are applied to microcomputer based process control. * Exhibit characteristics important to employers - objectivity, honesty, and dependability. ELNT 1406 - Introduction to Microprocessor Course Competencies: Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to: * Demonstrate effective understanding of the basic elements that comprise typical microprocessor based systems. * Utilize basic programming skills which include machine and assembly language programs. * Utilize debugging tools including simulators/emulators. * Construct, analyze, and troubleshoot microprocessor based systems. * Exhibit characteristics important to employers - objectivity, honesty, and dependability. ELNT 1410 - Solid State Course Competcncies: Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to: * Investigate and demonstrate understanding of the electrical characteristics of materials which arc classified as semiconductors. * Investigate and demonstrate understanding of the primary diode and transistor configurations which includes the design and implementation of the circuits. * Design and troubleshoot fundamental circuits such as electronic power supplies, amplifiers, and oscillators. * Investigate and demonstrate understanding of the properties and applications of special semiconductor devices including protective, optoelectronic, and voltage regulating types. * Exhibit and characteristics important to employers - objectivity, honesty, and dependability 115 ELME 1302 - Hydraulics/Pneumatics Course Competencies: Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to: * Demonstrate effective use of hydraulic and pneumatic applications. * Demonstrate effective use of blueprints and schematics of hydraulic and -- pneumatic systems. * Demonstrate proficiency in thc use of basic tools and basic concepts of motion, force and energy. * Select appropriate hydraulic and pneumatic parts. * Install hydraulic and pneumatic systems to specification. * Troubleshoot a hydraulic and pneumatic system; isolate defective components; determine and make appropriate adjustments. * Demonstrate an understanding of preventive maintenance routines for individual hydraulic and pneumatic components. ELME 1371, 1372, 2371 - Cooperative Work Experience Course Competencies: Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to: * Apply classroom theory to the world of work * Exhibit good work ethics * Reinforce and expand critical thinking skills * Acquire and apply valuable life/work skills * Set goals that contribute to career growth * Increase relevance of learning and motivation for study * Develop strong relationships with college faculty, staff, businesses and community * Build a networking system with students and professionals in his field * Improve self-reliance, self confidence and responsibility ELME 1100 ~ Industry Practices Course Competencies: Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to: -- * Recognize and use terminology describing current industry practices such as teambuilding, total quality management/commitment, continuous quality improvement, statistical process control, ISO 9000, etc. * Explain the concepts underlying the quality movement. 116 * Explain techniques for collecting and utilizing data to assess quality. * Define team and explain the rationale for emphasizing teams in the workplace. * Identify and explain roles and responsibilities of team members. * Explain the concepts underlying statistical process control. * Define ISO 9000 and explain its uses. ELME 2443 - Programmable Controllers Course Competencies: Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to: * Demonstrate effective use of P.L.C. applications. * Demonstrate effective use of blueprints, schematics, and software documentation for P.L.C. * Demonstrate use of current industrial application of programming input - output devices. * Demonstrate ability to develop a functioning PLC system. * Integrate a PLC system as control of a mechanical/hydraulic - pneumatic system. * Troubleshoot an entire PLC system; isolate defective components/software; make routine adjustments. ELNT 1435 - Advanced Solid State Course Competencies: Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to: * Demonstrate understanding of semiconductor devices and circuits that are of the PN, PNPN, and FET types. * Design, analyze, and troubleshoot semiconductor circuits including A, B, and C class amplifiers, FETs, thyristors, and op-amps as control elements. * Orally present information to classmates regarding a project. * Exhibit characteristics important to employers - objectivity, honesty, and dependability. ELME 2301 - Mechanical Drives and Linkages Course Competencies: Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to: * Demonstrate an understanding of drive component applications, including such things as three (3) phase motors. * Demonstrate the ability to use blueprints and schematics of drive systems. * Demonstrate effective us of basic tools, friction and lubrication, oils and greases. * Select appropriate drive components. 117 * Install to specifications. * Troubleshoot an entire drive system; isolate defective components; determine and make needed adjustments. * Demonstrate knowledge of preventive maintenance routines for individual drive components. ELNT 1430 - Industrial Electricity Course Competencies: Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to: * Present general ground rules for establishing good, safe, working habits. * Recognize and demonstrate undcrstanding of the language of controls. * Demonstrate the ability to use line diagrams. * Demonstrate understanding of the basic logic functions common to most circuits. * Demonstrate understanding and use of control devices such as manual and magnetic contactors, motor starters, timers and industrial timing circuits, power distribution systems, transformers, switchboards, relays and other industrial type control devices common to the industrial electrician. ENME 2310 - Electro-mechanical Systems (Course Competencies: Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to: -- * Demonstrate effective use of systems integration (control, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic). * Develop an appropriate control method for a fully integrated system. * Debug and tune a fully integrated system. * Troubleshoot a fully integrated system to root cause. * Reconfigure a fully integrated system to meet changing process requirements. ELME 2302 - Industrial Operations Course Competencies: Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to: * Interpret specifications for industrial applications * Use blueprints to locate components of: - Electrical power distribution - Lighting systems - Pneumatic systems - HVAC systems -- - Plumbing systems - Security systems * Understand the principles of layout of systems for: - Manufacturing - Material Handling - Sanitation and water supply * Demonstrate familiarity with: - Maintenance management systems - Plant safety - Material safety data sheets - National electrical codes - Occupational safety and health act - Environment protection agency regulation 118 January 19, 1995 Dr. Robert Lahti Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board' P.O. Box 12788 Austin, Texas 78711 Dear Dr. Lahti: Over the past several years we have worked with Paris Junior College on a number of initiatives to upgrade the skills of workers in the college service area so that Kimberly-Clark (and other plants in Paris) can fill skilled jobs from within the local workforce. The greatest area of need identified is that of electro-mechanical skills. Kimberly-Clark conducted a survey with seven major industries in Paris which indicated that electro-mechanical skills are the primary need among industry not currently being addressed by the college. We encourage the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's approval of this program application for Electro-mechanical Technology. We have had significant input into the development of this program and believe it will provide local workers with skills we currently have to hire from outside the Northeast Texas region. If we can answer questions or provide further information regarding the need for this program, please call. Sincerely, Jim Shay Rick Poston Tom Ivers Operations Manager Maintenance Manager Maintenance Manager (Infant Care) (Facilities) (Infant Care) JS/jla Kimberly-Clark Corporation 119 Earth Grains January 23, 1995 Dr. Robert Lahti Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board P.O. Box 12788 Austin, Texas 78711 Dear Dr. Lahti, We encourage the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to approve, this application for a program in Electro-mechanical Technology. A survey of the seven major industries in Paris, conducted by Kimberly Clark, indicated a significant need for electro-mechanical training. We have assisted in the development of this program and __ believe that it will provide workers with skills needed by ·local industry. If we can answer questions or provide further information regarding the need for a program of this type, please call. Sincerely, Mike Swanson V.P. & General Manager Earth Grains Paris, Texas MS/dlb 2020 19th N.W. P.O. BOX 9019 Paris. TX 75461-9019 120 Campbell Soup Company P.O. BOX 9016 · PARIS. TEXAS 75461-9016 (903) 784.3341 January 25, 1995 Dr. Robert Lahti Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board P.O. Box 12788 Austin, Texas 78711 Dear Dr. Lahti: Over the past several years we have worked with Paris Junior College to upgrade the skills of workers in the area so that Campbell Soup (and other plants in Paris) can fill skilled jobs from the local work. force. The greatest area of need is that of electro-mechanical skills. A survey of the seven major industries in Paris indicated the biggest gap between skills needed by industry and those currently being taught at the college was in electro-mechanical technology. We hope that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will approve this applicaton for a program in Electro-Mechanical Technology. We have been involved in the development of the program and believe that it will provide workers with skills they need to be employed in local industry. If we can answer questions or provide further information regarding the need for a prograra of this type, please call. Sincerely, G. S. Hinton Plant Manager GSH:ra 121 Rogers Wade January 26, 1995 Dr. Robert Lahti Texas Higher Education Coordination Board P.O. Box 12788 Austin, TX. 78711 Dear Dr. Lahti: We are currently working with Paris Junior College to upgrade the skills of workers in the area. Rodgers-Wade and other plants in Paris would, like to be able to fill skilled jobs from within the local workforce. A survey of the seven major industries in Paris indicated that the biggest gap between skills needed by industry and those currently being taught at the college was in electro-mechanical technology. For that reason, we urge the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to approve this application for a program in Electro-mechanical Technology. We have been involved in the development of the program and believe that it will provide workers with skills they need to be employed in local industry. If we can answer questions or provide further information regarding the need for a program of this type, please call. Sincerely, Donald G. Wilson President 122 President Cecil asked if there was any other business and there being none he declared the board meeting adjourned. PRESIDENT, PHILLIP CECIL ATTEST: ASSISTANT CITY CLERK, BARBARA DENNY .