The Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC) operated by Horizons Youth Services was a Celebration Sponsor for the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce, WV Legislative Issues & Eggs held at the Charleston Marriott, January 13, 2016.

The sponsorship provided VIP reserved seating for one table of eight (8) guests with table assignment priority joined by one state legislator. In addition, the center received four (4) additional tickets that were distributed to center supporters with unreserved seating, acknowledgement in formal presentation, prominent placement of sponsor logo on event website, printed program and all promotional materials, signage and mention on all Chamber social media sites.

Tim Armstead, House Speaker and Senate President Bill Cole served as keynote speakers. Armstead addressed the crowd of over 400 business owners, executives and fellow lawmakers to talk about the state’s budget, education, ethics and legal reforms. Bill Cole, WV Senate President and business owner said, “WV must take a leap of faith. We need ‘a build it and they will come’ mentality.” He also mentioned the need to create an economy that keeps our youth in the home state. The state of WV youth population is steadily decreasing to neighboring states like North Carolina and Ohio for better opportunities. During the question and answer segment issues regarding the right to work, increasing taxes, and substance abuse were addressed.

Center attendees included direct report staff, Mike Bratcher, Training Director, Tena Jones, Executive Secretary, Tia Welch, Business Community Liaison, Jeffrey Burdette, Social Development Director, Raymond Blust, Finance and Administration Director, Lisa Lewis, Student Personnel Officer, and Willie Brown, Center Director. Delegate Mike Pushkin (D-Kanawha) who supports the Job Corps program was seated as our guest legislator.

Delegate Pushkin serves on homeland security, health, education and industry and labor committees in the state legislator. Job Corps has an impact in his district through enrolling students in the non-residential program, volunteering, work based learning and community service projects. Pushkin looks forward to serving the youth of Job Corps. Since his 2 year term he has attended Community Relations/Center Industry Council meetings and provided internships for students during National Groundhog Job Shadow Day in February.