$2.25 Million Launches REDI
The launch of the Regional Economic Development Institute was an amazing success! More than 400 people crammed Steven's Square to view a truly star-studded platform of political and business luminaries including the Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa, city councilwoman Jan Perry and state senator Mark Ridley-Thomas. All were here to provide support to Dr. Denise Fairchild's REDI project, aimed at re-engineering career-technical education in order to move underserved populations into high-demand jobs. Bank of America chairman and CEO Ken Lewis made a rare public appearance to announce that his bank was giving $1 million dollars to REDI. Then Sunne Wright McPeak representing the California Emerging Technology Fund announced it was handing over $750,000 to the REDI project. Finally the mayor himself announced a city WIB grant to Los Angeles Trade-Technical College 's REDI project for another $500.000. All told, REDI has $2.25 million dollars in launch funding. Major broadcast media were on campus for the announcement, and the event was covered in both the LA Times and La Opinion. The event really showcased the college and the work being done to develop this region's workforce. Besides Denise, Marcy Drummond and Chini Johnson played key roles in putting together this program from the beginning. Thanks should go to everyone who contributed to such a spectacular event. The world was watching Trade Tech and we looked great! 070615