The Lt. Governor was joined by Secretary of Higher Education Rochelle Hendricks, Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development Harold J. Wirths, President of the Richard Stockton College Herman Saatkamp and President of Atlantic Cape Community College Peter Mora.

“As young people prepare to enter the workforce, it is imperative they have the skills and training necessary to succeed,” said Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno. “By connecting students and recent graduates with employers in the region we are ensuring that businesses have the workforce they need to thrive here in New Jersey.”

Lt. Governor Guadagno also participated in a roundtable discussion with business industry leaders who have partnered with Stockton College and hire graduates from the College including the President & COO of the Borgata Tom Ballance, the President of AtlantiCare Lori Henrdon and the CEO of Shore Memorial Hospital Ron Johnson.

"President Saatkamp is a leader and innovator who understands the importance of being a strong and reliable partner with the surrounding communities, businesses and industries,” said Secretary Hendricks. "His efforts have solidified Stockton College as a stellar example of how colleges can meet critical needs and provide a clear vision for the future.”

Stockton College operates the state’s Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Talent Network in South Jersey, which is one of seven Talent Networks designed around each of New Jersey’s key industry sectors. Started in 2011 by the New Jersey’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD), the Talent Networks are designed to have employers identify for educational institutions, employee training providers and job-seekers the relevant skills necessary for people to obtain employment opportunities in those major industry cluster. In turn, the properly trained employees can help New Jersey businesses become more competitive and productive, which benefits the state’s overall economy. 

“It is critical to New Jersey’s economic health and to the success of our workforce that employers have a strong working relationship with our educational institutions,” said Commissioner Harold Wirths. “These strategic partnerships offer the opportunity for business leaders to convey to New Jersey’s higher education institutions the exact skills that they are looking for and that the students learn in order to have fulfilling and lucrative careers in the Garden State.”

Stockton President Saatkamp thanked the Lt. Governor, state officials and business leaders for recognizing the college’s contributions.

“We have established the Richard Stockton College as a center of excellence for our students and we are pleased and honored by the kind and gracious words of the Lt. Governor and members of the Governor’s Cabinet,” said President Saatkamp. “We have always been an integral part of our community, and as Stockton continues to prosper, I am confident we will find new ways to help our community grow with us.”

In coming weeks, Lt. Governor Guadagno will tour some of New Jersey’s colleges, universities and businesses around the state as a way to highlight the programs and success stories of the New Jersey’s higher education learning institutions strategic partnerships. 

"It is critical for New Jersey's colleges and universities to establish relationships with business and higher education.  We are seeing it first-hand how students are better prepared for their careers," added Lt. Governor Guadagno. "These alliances truly help prepare our students for a lifetime of success.”

Labor Commissioner Harold J. Wirths joined Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno (left); Secretary of
Higher Education Rochelle Hendricks (far right) and Stockton College President Herman J.
Saatkamp, Jr. (center) in explaining the importance of an improved workforce alignment
effort to media and local business leaders during a tour of Stockton College.