BY STEPHEN H. COWLES/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Playback58@gmail.com

FRANKLIN—Paul D. Camp Community College President Dr. Paul Wm. Conco cheered when Larry Pope promised $330,000 to the college during Thursday’s dinner to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Regional Workforce Development Center.

Pope, president and chief executive officer for Smithfield Foods and the speaker for the evening, donated the money on behalf of the world’s largest pork producer.

“We’re especially pleased to be a part of the Workforce Center,” Pope said. “We’re looking for you to help us.”

Smithfield Foods regularly uses the Workforce Center’s programs for business and employ training.

“We support what you do and what you will continue to do,” Pope said.

The money will be distributed over three years, said Felicia Blow, vice president for institutional advancement at PDCCC. Details are being worked out, but some of the money would go for scholarships and technology.

Smithfield Foods also picked up the $8,800 dinner tab, Blow said.

Also during the evening, posthumous recognition was paid to the late Sen. Richard Holland, Del. J. Paul Councill Jr. and Dr. Jerome Friga for getting the Workforce Center established.

“I’m still amazed at the vision and foresight of the founders of the center,” said PDCCC Vice President Randy Betz.