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Smithfield Today
By the People, for the People
JCC Hosts Breakfast Before Business Event
College highlights 60% enrollment growth, key industry partners, and regional economic trends.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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Johnston Community College hosted its annual Breakfast Before Business event, showcasing student success, institutional growth, and regional workforce partnerships. The program featured remarks from the college president on enrollment increases, recognition of Industry Partners of the Year, and a keynote address from a Federal Reserve Bank economist providing an overview of economic conditions affecting the region.
Why it matters
The Breakfast Before Business event is an important annual gathering that highlights JCC's role as a driver of economic development and workforce training in the local community. The college's rapid enrollment growth, strong industry partnerships, and insights from a Federal Reserve expert underscore JCC's value as a regional educational and economic anchor.
The details
JCC President Vern Lindquist shared that the college has grown enrollment by more than 60% since 2021, making it the fastest-growing community college in the nation. The event also recognized the 2025 Industry Partners of the Year - Johnston County Emergency Services, Caterpillar, and the Town of Clayton - for their support of workforce development initiatives. Keynote speaker Stephanie Norris, an associate director at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, provided an overview of economic conditions and trends impacting the region.
- The Breakfast Before Business event was held on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
The players
Vern Lindquist
President of Johnston Community College.
Stephanie Norris
Associate director at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, where she serves as a senior research analyst on the Regional and Community Analysis team.
Johnston County Emergency Services
A 2025 Industry Partner of the Year recognized by Johnston Community College for its support of workforce development initiatives.
Caterpillar
A 2025 Industry Partner of the Year recognized by Johnston Community College for its support of workforce development initiatives.
Town of Clayton
A 2025 Industry Partner of the Year recognized by Johnston Community College for its support of workforce development initiatives.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
The takeaway
The Breakfast Before Business event demonstrates Johnston Community College's pivotal role in driving regional economic development through its rapid enrollment growth, strong industry partnerships, and insights from expert speakers. The college's ability to adapt and thrive in the face of changing economic conditions underscores its value as a vital educational and workforce training resource for the local community.
