Clay County Times-Democrat: Local News: NEAITC gets $10,000 Entergy grant (09/02/09)

NEAITC director Jacinda Welch (second from left) receives a grant check in the amount of $10,000 from Entergy customer service manager David Burnette. Rector mayor Ron Kemp (far right) and state representative Mike Patterson (far left) were among those who attended the special ceremony.
(Democrat photo/Ryan Rogers)

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The Northeast Arkansas Innovative Training Center (NEAITC) received a generous assist Tuesday in its efforts to provide educational opportunities to local residents, as the city was presented a check for $10,000 from Entergy Corporation.

Entergy customer service manager David Burnette was present Tuesday for a special ceremony, meeting with Mayor Ron Kemp, center director Jacinda Welch, State Representative Mike Patterson and several city and community leaders.

The funds were made available through a grant offered by the Entergy Charitable Foundation. The grant was created to support initiatives which help create and sustain thriving communities, while focusing on low-income initiatives, as well as educational programs.

"I'm just tickled to death to be here today and do our part in helping this center achieve its goals," Burnette said. "This is exactly the type of organization this grant was created to help."

Burnette is no stranger to Rector, having visited and worked in the city on several occasions. In fact, his last trip, during the January ice storm, remains vivid in his mind.

"What I've seen Rector go through in the rebuilding after the ice storm is amazing," Burnette said. "The community spirit here is second to none. To me, it leaves little doubt this center will have a sustaining impact on not only the city, but the surrounding communities as well."

Welch said much of the grant will go toward completing the center's computer lab, a key interest in offering educational and training opportunities to local residents.

"This helps us tremendously," Welch said. "I can't thank Mr. Burnette and Entergy enough for what they've done for us today."

Welch is not alone in expressing gratitude for the grant, nor in the opportunities it will help create.

"This is a very generous grant from Entergy Corp. to our community,"

Kemp said. "It demonstrates the company's commitment to helping us in our efforts to improve the skills of our residents and to attract jobs and business to our town.

"We appreciate this grant that will assist greatly in the continued development of the training center as a viable part of our community. Small towns throughout the state are faced with critical challenges and it is our view that the NEAITC will play a key role in helping us achieve our goals of growth and development."