Lake-Sumter State College

PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n SECO Energy www.secoenergy.com SECO Energy is a member-owned, not-for- profit electric cooperative headquartered in Sumterville, Florida. The cooperative serves over 240,000 homes and businesses in the seven Central Florida counties of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Sumter. SECO Energy is a member-satisfaction leader in the energy industry. n Ernie Morris Enterprises www.erniemorris.com n Duke Energy www.duke-energy.com the community at large. These partnerships help us meet the evolving needs of employers and provide our students with real-world experience,” he states, detailing how these collaborations are fundamental to the college’s operational philosophy. Dr. Bigard concludes the discussion with a note about new businesses and their integration into the community. “New businesses must engage with us at the state college level as early as possible. Establishing these connections early helps set up the necessary programs and curricula to support their workforce needs, which can be instrumental in their success,” she advises. This proactive approach helps streamline processes and ensures educational institutions and businesses can thrive through cooperation and shared goals. Through these efforts, Lake-Sumter State College upholds its commitment to educational excellence and reinforces its role as a pivotal community partner poised to meet the region’s current and future needs. 10 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 06