Bartow Company Named 2016 Business Partner of the Year

CARTERSVILLE, GA -- The College and Career Academies of Northwest Georgia recently hosted hosted Lt. Governor Casey Cagle’s Ninth Annual Business and Education Summit.

The two-day event kicked off Monday in Dalton and wrapped up Tuesday in Calhoun. Cagle also used the opportunity to name Bartow County-based voestalpine Automotive Body Parts Inc. as the 2016 Business Partner of the Year.

“voestalpine Automotive is a true leader in the strategic public-private partnerships necessary to unleash our students’ full potential,” said Lt. Governor Cagle. “They are providing the next generation with world class apprenticeship opportunities that empower students to thrive in their desired field after graduation. voestalpine's success is a clear indicator of the accomplishments our public school systems and private sector job creators can achieve when working together to create a dynamic and skilled workforce that is second to none.”

voestalpine Automotive Body Parts Inc. is the supply base for the voestalpine Group, which produces ultra-high strength body-in-white components for premium car manufacturers.

The announcement comes on the heels of the company releasing details about their plans to expand in Bartow a project that would create 150 jobs and invest $50 million in the local community.

State Sen. Bruce Thompson, who represents portions of Bartow, Cherokee and Cobb counties for Georgia Senate District 14, commended the company's work in Bartow County.

“This organization is at the forefront of workforce development in our state and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities they are providing Bartow County students,” Thompson added. “I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and commitment they have to our next generation of workers and I look forward to nurturing this fantastic partnership for years to come.”

The summit brought together business, industry and education leaders to discuss and demonstrate the importance of abandoning the one-size-fits-all model in public education.

Leaders from around the state highlighted beneficial impacts of innovative classroom settings and instructional methods designed to unleash a students’ full potential while building the workforce to maintain Georgia’s status as the No. 1 state to conduct business.

By partnering with local businesses and industries, school systems are implementing relevant career pathways with public-private partnerships that have proven to be effective in filling the current gaps that exist in Georgia’s workforce.

voestalpine Automotive Body Parts Inc. is a subsidiary company of the Metal Forming Division of the German-based voestalpine Group. The Metal Forming Division produces highly refined sections, tubes and precision strip steel products, as well as ready-to-install components made of pressed, stamped and roll formed parts.

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