NEWARK, October 26, 2010 — Today Commissioner Harold J. Wirths joined New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) leaders for a tour of the state’s largest technology incubator, the NJIT Enterprise Development Center in Newark. Wirths praised university officials for their efforts in training and workforce development.

“The Administration of Governor Chris Christie and Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno is clearly focused on economic development, and making New Jersey more affordable, more responsive to the needs of business and a magnet for top notch, cutting-edge employers,” said Commissioner Wirths.  “Identifying the emerging technology and the skills needed in the rapidly changing workplace is one of the keys to this effort.”

“Together, with our great New Jersey colleges, like NJIT, we are developing a skilled  and talented workforce that can meet the present and future needs of these businesses that locate or expand in New Jersey,” Wirths said.

The Enterprise Development Center (EDC) at NJIT is home to more than 90 high-tech and life-science startup companies. The Center, located on the NJIT campus, gives companies access to a range of office spaces and laboratory facilities and gives companies the opportunity to partner with researchers to help grow their business.

Joining Commissioner Wirths were NJIT Representatives: Dr. Robert Altenkirch, President; Dr. Joel Bloom, Vice President for Academic and Student Services; Dean Albert Dorman, Honors College; Dr. Donald Sebastian, Senior Vice President of Research and Development; Dr. Henry Ross, Chief of Staff; Dr. Gale Spak, Associate Vice President Continuing and Distance Education; Judith Sheft, Associate Vice President Technology Development; and Jerry Creighton, Sr., Executive Director, EDC.

“The university’s responsiveness in meeting the training needs for the state’s economic development, and specifically unemployed professionals, is exemplified by our Enterprise Development Center and our Division of Continuing  Professional Education,” said Altenkirch. 

For more information visit www.njit.edu or contact:

• Jerry Creighton, Executive Director, Enterprise Development Center, (973)-643-4063
• Dr. Gale Spak, Associate Vice President, Continuing and Distance Education, (973) 596-8540.

-30-