News

Grand River Dam Authority News Release

Oct 17, 2019

Supporting education and training …
GRDA recognized as “Champion in Workforce Development”

For the second time in three years, the Grand River Dam Authority has been recognized for its support of workforce development by the MidAmerica Industrial Park.

On Thursday, October 3, GRDA was presented with the “Champion in Workforce Development” Award during the “Manufacturing Day” luncheon at the Rogers State University (RSU) Pryor campus. The award follows GRDA’s ongoing partnerships with MidAmerica and others, to provide the resources and training needed to promote future successes in manufacturing and industrial careers in MidAmerica and across Oklahoma.

“We have committed to work with the MidAmerica and our industrial customers in the park to help develop these training programs, some in very technical areas,” said GRDA President/Chief Executive Officer Dan Sullivan. “This also benefits us as it provides a pipeline for our future workforce as well.”

GRDA supplies power to approximately 80 industrial customers located in MidAmerica. Collectively, those customers employ nearly 4,000 people, many in ever-developing manufacturing areas.

“No matter what the industry is, technology is driving the future of manufacturing for our customers here,” said Sullivan, adding that GRDA supports workforce development in several ways, including the planning and production of training and education tools. MidAmerica also recognized GRDA for its workforce development support in 2017.

“GRDA has made significant strides and investments in developing their workforce to ensure that they have the skills needed to be successful,” said Scott Fry, MidAmerica Director of Workforce Development. “This is the type of work that MidAmerica looks for when selecting the Champion in Workforce Development recipient.”

Headquartered in Vinita, GRDA is Oklahoma’s state-owned electric utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. Each day, GRDA strives to be an “Oklahoma agency of excellence” by focusing on the 5 E’s: electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, employees and efficiency.

Photo caption information:  Grand River Dam Authority Senior Training Coordinator Dana Shrum (center) accepts the “Champion in Workforce Development” award, on behalf of GRDA, earlier this month. GRDA received the award from the MidAmerica Industrial Park, during the Manufacturing Day luncheon, held at the Roger State University – Pryor campus. Also pictured are MidAmerica Industrial Park Workforce Development Director Scott Fry (left) and Oklahoma State Senator Michael Bergstrom (District 1). (photo courtesy MidAmerica Industrial Park)

Contact: Justin Alberty
Vice President of Corporate Communications
(918) 824 7812
jalberty@grda.com

For immediate release: 10/17/19