U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) officially kicked off her “Congress at Your Company” series on Jan. 28, making stops at the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing (RCAM) at Keene State College and Microspec Corporation in Peterborough to discuss ways we can strengthen job creation and train a 21st century workforce in the Granite State.

During a tour of the RCAM with Keene State College President Dr. Jay Kahn, state Sen. Molly Kelly, and other RCAM staff and students, Kuster spoke about the importance of training a skilled workforce that can fill the high-tech, high-paying manufacturing jobs of today and tomorrow.

“Training a highly-skilled, cutting-edge workforce will be a key driver of growth, job creation, and innovation in New Hampshire’s economy,” said Kuster. “When we invest in our workforce, more young people will stay here in New Hampshire, our workers will be more competitive in the job market, and New Hampshire businesses will be more competitive in the economy.”

“The Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing at Keene State College is helping point the way forward,” Kuster continued. “Their training programs are not only teaching workers skills they need to fill advanced manufacturing jobs – they’re also helping ensure that those jobs stay right here in the Granite State.”

“We thank Representative Kuster for visiting our campus, and for her continued focus on developing a strong workforce in our state.  We are quite proud of the work being accomplished by our students, faculty and partnerships like the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing,” said Keene State College Interim President, Jay Kahn.  “Keene State College is delivering a strong liberal arts education background with applied learning experiences that students need to fill high demand jobs.  Keene State works in close collaboration with business colleagues and through partnerships with local educational institutions to create a career ladder for our students, which ultimately benefits the economy in the state of New Hampshire.”

The Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing is a consortium that includes the Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce, Keene State College, Keene School District, and River Valley Community College. The Center offers targeted, customized training programs that teach workers skills that match the needs of advanced manufacturers in the region.

Following her visit to the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing, Kuster toured and met with the leadership team at Microspec Corporation in Peterborough. Founded in 1989, Microspec has made a global name for itself as an innovator in custom medical tubing.

Kuster’s ongoing “Congress at Your Company” series will feature visits to companies across the 2nd Congressional District, where she will meet with business leaders to discuss ways the federal government can better support economic growth and private sector job creation in the Granite State.