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ECA President and CEO Todd Helfrich spoke about workforce development in our region earlier this week at a breakfast sponsored by the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (NASRCC), the Saratoga Builders Association and the Capital Region Builders and Remodelers Association. More than 100 construction leaders, company owners, educators and legislative representatives were in attendance for this important conversation about our industry. CBS-6 News (WRGB-Albany) was also in attendance and interviewed Todd as part of their coverage. ECA member firm Curtis Lumber was also on hand, with VP Doug Ford speaking about the need for more skilled tradespeople and sharing with the audience some of the programs they have initiated to encourage BOCES students. Carpenters Assistant EST Bill Banfield, BOCES Senior Executive Officer Joe Dragone and HVCC President Roger A. Ramsammy also spoke on the importance of construction to the overall economy, the need for more skilled tradespeople and a call to action on how to get more young people interested in the Trades. A panel discussion with legislators from across the region also took place, providing insight on Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding, initiatives, advocacy and more at the state level. Want more information on how to get involved with the Trades? Visit the ECA website at www.ecainc.org/apprentice to learn more about the many apprentice opportunities available across the Capital District. This is a great resource to share with anyone you know who is interested in learning more about the Trades. We also have pamphlets that can be shared. Please contact Jill Renwick (518-869-0961 or jillr@ecainc.org) for more information.