Barkley Bridge Elementary Principal Susan Hayes, center, meets with Sonoco Partners in Education representatives Amy Tucker and Jacob Ruble. | Clif Knight

A close working relationship between business and schools throughout Morgan County was highlighted during the Partners in Education Breakfast at Hartselle High School Thursday.

The annual event was held in the school cafeteria and was attended by an estimated 250 business leaders and school administrators representing Hartselle City, Decatur City and Morgan County school systems.

“It’s wonderful, “said Hartselle City School s Superintendent Dr. Vic Wilson. “We could not have done it without this facility. That’s a credit to leaders who had the vision to build a high school with multiple-use capabilities. It’s a win-win for Hartselle as well as Morgan County.”

“This is all about partnering businesses with schools and communities,” said John Seymour, president of Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce. “Partners in education do more than make monetary contributions to the schools. For example, 3M recently contributed lab equipment the science department at Austin High School.

Mike Davis, vice chair of the chamber’s Workforce Development Committee, talked briefly about bridging the gap between industry’s employment needs and workforce skills.

“The Chamber of Commerce and Morgan County Economic Development Association are working together to close the gap, but we’re not where we want to be,” the Toray Carbon Fibers executive pointed out. “Workforce development will continue to be a committee priority.”

“Let us work together to build a good future for our children,” commented Hema Menon-Grant, a representative of Ascend Performance Materials, the program sponsor.

Dr Wilson opened the program by welcoming guests. Scott Mayo, chairman of the board of Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce. Recognized 11 corporate sponsors and Chuck Ord, Quality Education Committee Chairman, introduced Superintendents Wilson, Hartselle; Ed Nichols, Decatur; and Bill Hopkins Jr.

Hartselle Intermediate School students Halle Bone, Olivia Patterson and Emilee Boster also appeared on the program.

Hartselle High School Ambassadors were greeters and tour guides.

A work session and optional tours of the school building followed the program.