News

Itron pledged $100,000 to Tri-County Technical College’s major gifts campaign—the company’s largest gift to the College to date. The gift will support the Improving Technology and Equipment fund by providing a gift of $20,000 per year for the next five years.

Pictured from left are (front row) Dr. Ronnie L. Booth, president of Tri-County; John Lummus, vice president for economic and institutional advancement at the College; and Mike Higgins, Itron plant manager; and (back row) Sue Gray, human resources manager for Itron, Elisabeth Gadd, director of development at Tri-County; and Ken Ambory, Itron comptroller.

Itron Pledges $100,000 to Major Gifts Campaign

CONTACT:  JOHN LUMMUS, 646-1548

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                             4/5/2011

            PENDLETON --- Tri-County Technical College announced today that Itron pledged $100,000 to its major gifts campaign—the company’s largest gift to the College to date.  The gift will support the Improving Technology and Equipment fund by providing a gift of $20,000 per year for the next five years.  

            “The commitment will allow the College to purchase machinery and equipment for the industrial training programs,” said Dr. Ronnie L. Booth, president of Tri-County.  “As a result, we can continue to provide state-of-the art-training for our students and manufacturing partners, such as Itron.”

             “We are pleased to support Tri-County’s technology advancement programs, which provide important training and skill development for today’s technology-driven workforce,” said Malcolm Unsworth, president and CEO of Itron.  “As a solution provider to the rapidly changing utility industry, we depend on colleges and universities like Tri-County to provide programs that prepare people to think outside the box and lead in new, innovative ways.” 

            Itron’s West Union smart meter manufacturing facility employs approximately 900 associates and a high percentage of those employees, approximately 40 percent, have educational development from Tri-County. The two organizations have enjoyed a long-standing partnership and both will celebrate their 50th anniversaries in 2012. 

            “Itron is one of the College’s outstanding industry partners and I am glad that we continue to be a valuable training resource for its associates.  Gifts such as Itron’s will provide the support we need to ensure that our work continues for many years to come,” said Dr. Booth.

            The College officially launched on November 10, 2009, its first-ever capital campaign to raise $7 - 9 million in cash and pledges over the next five years to position the College to be more responsive to community needs.

            Funds raised through the capital campaign will help the College to advance its strategic mission in four areas:  expanding educational opportunities, improving technology and equipment, enhancing opportunities for student success and promoting economic and community development.

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