I write to you today to ask for your support of a fellow small business owner in the Santa Clarita Valley. Mr. Bruce Fortine is running for re-election to the Santa Clarita Community College Board of Trustees, District 2.
I have known Bruce for several years and have a great deal of respect for him. No one has shown more loyalty, experience and accomplishment than Bruce when it comes to College of the Canyons. He has not only been instrumental in growing the college to over 20,000 students, but has helped to make it one of the top community colleges in the nation.
As a businessman, he understands the importance of being responsive to evolving community needs and the need to build business partnerships that help promote economic growth, as well as create realistic training environments for students.
I can guarantee that Bruce has consistently had the interest of students and our local businesses in mind as he has shaped the future of the college.
What decisions at the college could possibly impact local businesses?
The decision to begin an economic development division at COC at a time when the community college system didn’t embrace this role was not only courageous but also visionary.
That decision led to the development and establishment of the following entities:
Economic Development Department
Award-winning Employee Training Institute
Small Business Development Center
Center for Applied and Competitive Technologies
Entrepreneurship Center
Maker Space for Creativity and Innovation
Business Incubator
With over 90 industry certificates which lead to employment in the local labor market, we are very lucky to have one of the top community colleges right here in the SCV – and with Bruce’s leadership it can only get better.
Bruce’s focus has consistently been one of student success and planning for the future.
For these reasons, I am asking for your support and vote to re-elect Bruce Fortine on Nov. 8.
