NFCC celebrates CDL program and industry partners

MADISON, FL (Sept. 26, 2017) – After more than a year and a half of planning, dedication, fundraising and networking, North Florida Community College and its industry partners are celebrating the opening of the College’s new Commercial Driver’s License training program. NFCC hosted an Open House & Lunch on Sept. 26 to show off the new program and recognize the community and business leaders that helped get the program up and running.

“Many have been involved in getting this program started and we appreciate all your support,” said David Dunkle, Associate Dean of Economic Development & Technical Programs. “Industry partners have contributed over $24,000 and we want to recognize their efforts.”

Dunkle presented three business leaders with “Going the Extra Mile” awards for providing outstanding leadership, guidance and funding toward the program. Receiving recognition for their extra level of support of NFCC’s new CDL program are Jerry Gray of Gray Logging, Matt Webb of Genesis Timber and Gary Brett of MA Rigoni.

“Jerry and his company [Gray Logging] have displayed phenomenal leadership for this program,” said Dunkle. “Matt Webb [Genesis Timber] has been with us since our first advisory meeting and they all have gone the extra mile with their level of support and funding.”

NFCC also honored TW Byrd Sons, Suwannee Lumber Company, CF Webb & Sons Logging, Packaging Corp of America, John A Cruce Jr. Inc., Boland Timber Company, Mitch McElroy of Private Forester Inc., Hood Industries, Stoutamire-Pavlik & Associates Inc. Insurance, Certified Service Center, Suwannee Timber Management, and Johnson & Johnson Inc. for their support and contributions to the program.

“When it gets down to it, the availability of qualified drivers is the problem,” said Gray. “ I'm so thankful to have companies in our industry that care enough about the future of logging that they have donated time, money and energy to be able to partner with NFCC to achieve this goal of starting a new CDL driving school."

The new CDL-Class A program began in September and according to Dunkle, the inaugural class is gearing up for on-the-road training after completing initial classroom studies and learning basic driving maneuvers. The program’s connection to this region’s logging industry makes it unique. The program even features a logging trailer among its fleet of three semi trucks and trailers.

NFCC and its industry partners are committed to the long-term success of the program and helping students find jobs. From Gray Logging offering affordable maintenance on the College’s trucks to Johnson & Johnson, Inc. providing discounted fuel, the business leaders see this program as an investment in education, our community and the trucking industry.

“We thank the College and everyone else who worked on this project,” said Gray. “We really need this. There are jobs out there, good jobs."

CareerSource North Florida, who helped secure grant funding for the program, is again working with NFCC to enroll students in its upcoming CDL class. The new class begins Feb. 7. Those interested must attend an orientation session to determine eligibility for the program and possible tuition scholarships. Orientations are scheduled on Wednesdays, Oct. 18, Nov. 8, Dec. 6 and Jan. 17. For more information contact Daisy Garcia at 850-973-9442 or garciad@nfc.edu. More information is also available on the NFCC website at www.nfc.edu/academics/career-and-technical/cdl-class-a-training.

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