Dumas, Texas May 18, 2009—With large numbers of wind turbines sprouting up on all sides of this Panhandle community, and new solar and alternative fuel projects being contemplated, Dumas Economic Development Corporation (DEDC) and Amarillo College have teamed up to develop a trained workforce for this rapidly growing industry. DEDC will formally present a $69,000 check to Amarillo College on May 26 at its Moore County Campus (MCC) in Dumas, Texas. Set to begin at 4:30 p.m., the event will formally announce the new Renewable Energy/Wind Technology Training Program that local leaders feel will provide new opportunities for students looking to gain access into the renewable energy industry. “Dumas is fast becoming a major player in the renewable energy industry. This partnership will provide a great tool for us to use when attracting new business opportunities to the area” said Mike Running, Executive Director of the Dumas Economic Development Corporation. “Amarillo College is a wonderful asset for Dumas and we are quite proud of their willingness and ability to create training programs applicable to our changing times” he added. Amarillo College has approximately 300 academic students attending the Moore County Campus. MCC also has approximately 1200 students participating in Continuing Education and Professional Development classes. The program being established will begin accepting students for the upcoming FALL semester. Registration for FALL is already underway. Interested students should apply by visiting the campus.

A funding proposal for this program was first presented to the DEDC Board of Directors nearly four months ago. Learning what the financial needs were to develop the training program, the DEDC Board unanimously approved the recommendation for funding to the Dumas City Commission. The City of Dumas Commissioners agreed with the opportunities that this workforce training program would provide. Subject to a 60-day public comment period, they unanimously approved the funding. DEDC and Amarillo College will finalize these efforts at the Check Presentation Ceremony scheduled for May 26. The public is encouraged to attend and visit the training rooms. Amarillo College will utilize all of the funding at the Moore County Campus to help pay for equipment, supplies and salaries. They are in the process of hiring an additional instructor for the Level One Wind Certificate program in Dumas at this time. Classes can be taken for academic credit or for continuing education credit. Employers may also request customized private training for their employees.

Running feels that the growing number of business leads he is working with to locate in Dumas is a testimony to this community’s location and vision. Running adds “This industry is perfect for us. We have a very strong history in the energy industry and vast roots in the agriculture industry. Both of these are important for developing alternative energy projects. The renewable energy jobs created are good paying jobs that will help bolster our economy.” Valero is currently erecting approximately 35 new wind turbines for it’s McKee Refinery, John Deere has nearly 25 turbines in the immediate area and Nacel Energy has announced development of two projects south of Dumas. Running stated that he has met with several developers working toward additional wind, solar and bio-fuel related businesses and projects in the last several months. “Our hope is that this training program will produce a trained workforce and convince these businesses to pull the trigger on their projects in and around Dumas” Running added.

For decades, Dumas and Moore County were known exclusively as an agricultural and oil economy. Recent years have seen an increase in alternative fuel, renewable energy and dairy activity that has further diversified this community’s economy. Currently, the largest employers are JBS Swift and Valero’s McKee Refinery. Running stated that Dumas and Moore County are uniquely situated in “some of the best wind and agriculture in the world” and he anticipates more renewable energy activity for this Panhandle city. “It feels good to be working in such a diverse economy. Our future looks bright and much of it is due to the forward thinking and progressive people leading this community” Running added.

Dumas Economic Development Corporation is a recognized economic development entity in the state of Texas. Mike Running has been with the Corporation since March 2008 and is aggressively seeking out potential wind industry and renewable energy projects for the area. According the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), Dumas is uniquely situated within hours of an estimated 1400 turbine generators. In addition, Dumas is located within an hour of another proposed 500 wind turbine generators. With so much wind activity in the area, Dumas is perfect for those businesses needing to be near the action. The Dumas EDC is authorized under state law to provide incentives to businesses that provide economic vitality to the community. For more information on locating, establishing or expanding your business in Dumas, and on the available incentive opportunities, please contact Mike Running at 877-934-3332.

For more information on this event, contact Grace Pierson at the Dumas Economic Development Corporation offices at 806-934-3332.   

In January, 2000, a dream became a reality in Moore County.  Amarillo College established a permanent campus in Dumas to help promote learning and cultural activities.  AC had a presence in Moore County for many years prior to 2000, offering classes at Dumas High School.  But the new campus, owned by the taxpayers of Moore County, gives local residents a college they can call their own. 

At Amarillo College Moore County Campus, you can begin your college career or continue your education.  We offer dozens of classes and degree programs during the day and evening to make it convenient for you.  You can take courses on campus, online, through interactive classrooms, and on television.  We make it that easy. Community is the word that defines community college. Simply stated –

Amarillo College exists to advance the communities it serves and the people within them.

At AC, there is a pervasive spirit of service to students and community. This is as it should be. But there is more. It is extremely difficult to find a community and a college with a stronger partner-relationship than that which exists between Amarillo College and the Texas Panhandle. AC has the feel of a small college, but it has the intellectual and technological resources of a much larger college. It’s academic and occupation programs are in balance, as are its workforce development and continuing education programs. Its many campuses reach out to diverse communities and their people, yet the various parts of AC constitute a coherent whole. Good things are happening at Amarillo College! AC is in the process of becoming something different than it has ever been before. Whether your interest in Amarillo College leads you into an academic transfer program, a technical training program, a healthcare career, or just to take classes on-line, you will discover just how special AC truly is.

You really can start here . . . and go anywhere.