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wbjournal.com | April 17, 2017 | Worcester Business Journal 11 Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. Nascimento said the Devens manufac- turing center in particular has helped local manufacturing companies develop curricula to meet their needs. The college "really has an impact throughout the region, supporting eco- nomic development and workforce development," Nascimento said. "It is a well-respected institution that is deeply involved and engaged in the business community." Such is the function of a community college, said Ray Martino, president of the Simonds Group in Fitchburg and chair of the college's foundation's board of directors. "Most graduates are going to work in the region. Those programs should be tied to the community," said Martino. Developing a long-range vision The college's current strategic plan is going to expire soon, which makes things a bit easier for Vander Hooven. He said he can extend it for awhile, for about eight to 10 months, until he is able to develop a new long-term plan. He said he wanted to work at the Mount because he thinks it's a place where students are engaged. "Our students are so busy, and have very complicated lives in many respects. Yet for some students I've met this week, it seems almost more important to them that they're improving their communities rather than just themselves," he said. Besides his qualifications on paper, Martino said one of the big reasons Vander Hooven was chosen was because he's a great listener. "He is well positioned to spend time understanding what the needs are out there, and to apply that knowledge and those listening skills to his work going forward," he said. W BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Finding the highlighter in the pen holder is easy. It's just as easy to find ways to cut energy costs for your business at MassSave.com. MASV-0772 // Highlighter // Worcester Business Journal 1/2 page Vert: 4.3 x 11.25 // 4C // No bleeds YOUR QUEST FOR THE BEST TRAINING ENDS HERE Our state-of-the-art Quinsigamond Engineering, Science, and Technology Center is now open to provide the advanced technical training that you or your employees need to remain competitive in today's STEM economy. Register Today! www.QCC.edu 508.854.4262 "If we're actually doing our jobs and meeting the needs of the community, then there's that opportunity to be the source for those businesses and those leaders to utilize." James Vander Hooven president, Mount Wachusett Community College