What They're Saying about the Millennial
Initiative
 “North Carolina is distinguished among states as an
innovator in science and technology. Our ability to produce
innovative technologies and a skilled, knowledgeable workforce
will be an important factor in determining our future economic
success. Western Carolina University’s Millennial Initiative
capitalizes on Western’s research and entrepreneurial
strengths to promote economic development and prepare the
region’s workforce for the transformed economy of the
new millennium.”
North Carolina Governor Michael Easley
 “As we look to the future of North Carolina, job creation
and technological development will be essential to our growth
and prosperity. The creation of the Millennial Initiative
will play such an important role in this endeavor, helping
to lead the way for university, private industry and government
partners to work together.”
United States Senator Elizabeth Dole
 “The Millennial Initiative is a logical extension
of the work that we have been doing over the past several
years through the Education and Research Consortium. Since
its inception in 1997, the ERC has had this simple statement
as its mission: to further economic development in the western
Carolinas through education, infrastructure and capital development.
That is exactly what we see unfolding today through Western’s
Millennial Initiative. There is a brighter future awaiting
the people of the mountain region thanks to the efforts of
Chancellor Bardo and his staff.”
United States Congressman Charles Taylor
 “Economic development is of immense importance to
the state of North Carolina and the 16-campus University
of North Carolina, especially in light of the painful repercussions
our state has suffered from relentless changes in the global
economy. But economic development does not happen by accident
or through minor changes. It will only come through a large-scale
transformation of thought and action, and that is what we
see taking place at Western with the Millennial Initiative.”
University of North Carolina President Molly Corbett Broad
“Science,
technology and innovation are keys to the future of economic
development across our state. The Millennial Initiative at
Western Carolina University will play a leading role in developing
the infrastructure and partnerships that, combined with Western
North Carolina’s long tradition
of entrepreneurship and its strong work ethic, will well
position the mountain region in today’s knowledge-based
economy.”
North Carolina Commerce Secretary Jim Fain
“This is a signifi cant occurrence for Western Carolina
University and, in fact, for all of Western North Carolina
and beyond. Our region and state have been hammered hard
by the loss of jobs in such traditional manufacturing settings
as textiles and furniture. Those jobs are not coming back.
But, by tapping into the brainpower of the faculty, students
and staff at Western and linking it to business partners,
the university will be helping attract to the mountain region
the type of high-tech jobs needed to help turn the tide of
those lost jobs.”
Gordon S. Myers, chairman, AdvantageWest
“Our main focus at AdvantageWest is to market the North
Carolina mountains to corporations seeking to relocate or open
a new facility, expand an existing business within our region,
and otherwise improve the quality of life for citizens across
Western North Carolina. Through its Millennial Initiative,
Western Carolina University is making our jobs easier. We have
long had the beauty of our surroundings and the wonderful quality
of life as selling points when negotiating with potential businesses.
Now we can bring to the table the tremendous intellectual capital
of a regional university.”
Dale Carroll, president and CEO, AdvantageWest
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