Strategic Partnerships in the Green Economy: How to Create and Sustain Productive Alliances (The Competitive Advantage of Partnering with NC Community Colleges) Matthew Meyer Associate Vice President Innovation & Biotechnology NC Community College System September 14, 2010 North Carolina Community Colleges Third largest system in the nation North Carolina Community Colleges Grown 40% since 1999-2000 1999-2000 2008-2009 Community College – Government – Community Partnership: NC Weatherization Network Partners: NC Weatherization Office and State Energy Office NC Community Colleges Community Action Groups Lessons Learned: 1. Open Communication 2. Know who the customer is 3. Stick to your time line NC Community College Retrofit Training Expertise NC WAP Weatherization Training Site Community College with BPI Cert. Instructor Community College – Economic Development – Industry: Life Science Initiative Partners: Department of Commerce & NC Biotech Center NC Community Colleges & Universities Golden LEAF Foundation Lessons Learned: 1. See a need, fill a need 2. Industry involvement vital 3. Open Communication NC Community Colleges’ BioNetwork: Assisting BioDiesel, BioFuel, and Sustainable Ag development through training and assistance Camden Gates Northampton Currituck Warren Hertford Perquimans Alleghany Person Rockingham Surry Stokes Vance Pasquotank Ashe Caswell Halifax Granville Bertie Chowan Watauga Wilkes Franklin Nash Yadkin Forsyth Orange Guilford Durham Mitchell Avery Tyrrell Dare Edgecombe Martin Alamance Washington Alexander Davie Caldwell Wake MadisonYancey Iredell Wilson Davidson Chatham Beaufort Pitt Randolph Burke Hyde Catawba Rowan Greene Buncombe McDowell Johnston Lee Haywood Lincoln Moore Swain Wayne Harnett Rutherford Craven Cabarrus Lenoir Montgomery Graham Henderson Pamlico Jackson Gaston Stanly Cleveland Polk Jones Mecklenburg Cumberland Transylvania Macon Cherokee Sampson Richmond Hoke Clay Duplin Onslow Carteret Anson Union Scotland Robeson BioNetwork Support Center www.ncbionetwork.org Bladen Pender New Hanover Columbus Brunswick