Polk State’s Roe Earns Second Invite to Clinton Global Event

Eric Roe

Polk State College’s Eric Roe will participate in the 2013 Clinton Global Initiative America meeting in Chicago later this week, where leaders from the business, nonprofit and government sectors will strategize solutions for the nation’s economic growth.

CGI America is an initiative of the Clinton Foundation and is hosted by former President Bill Clinton.

Roe is director of Applied Technology and the Associate in Science degree in Engineering Technology at the College. He also oversees the Manufacturing Talent Development Institute, a statewide resource that develops industry-driven training strategies, educational programs, and certifications for the advanced manufacturing industry.

He previously participated in the Clinton Global Initiative America in 2012.

“Being invited back to work with thought leaders from across the country to improve America’s economy is a big deal. It’s certainly gratifying and it says a lot about the work we’re doing here at the College,” he said.

Established in 2005, the CGI convenes global leaders to solve pressing challenges around the world. The CGI America meeting first took place in 2011 to address economic recovery in the United States.

At the event, attendees share knowledge and best practices, form partnerships and develop “Commitments to Action,” which the CGI describes as new, specific and measurable plans to address a challenge facing the U.S.

Since the first meeting, CGI America participants have made more than 211 commitments valued at $13.6 billion when fully funded and implemented, according to CGI America.

Roe will be contributing to the event’s Manufacturing Working Group, where participants will develop and advance initiatives to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing.

Roe said in particular he will discuss education pathways developed by the College and Manufacturing Talent Development Institute, which allow students to complete apprenticeships and workforce certificates, but also have that work apply to degrees if they choose to advance their education. For example, Polk State’s Corporate College offers an apprenticeship program for employees of Mosaic; participants in that program may apply their work toward the Engineering Technology degree.

“We’ve linked credit and noncredit to build an entire training system for the advanced manufacturing industry,” he said. “We’ve put all the pieces together to fill the workforce needs of manufacturers.”