news-record.com

JAMESTOWN — When Honda Aircraft Co. and Thomas Built Buses announced their training needs, one of Guilford Technical Community College's key training experts began working behind the scenes.

Jerry Kinney's tailor-made employee training programs for manufacturing companies have produced unique models that have led to success for many Guilford County businesses during the past 18 years, according to those who have worked with him.

Kinney, GTCC director of economic development, will retire Dec. 31. Kinney, 66, is an Asheboro native now living in Trinity.

"I have several job offers, but I don't plan on taking any of them. I may do some consulting in economic development and teach some in the N.C. Community College System," Kinney said.

Kinney has been known as "a true partner to many of our business and industry directors in community colleges across the state," said Maureen T. Little, the N.C. Community College System's associate vice president of customized training. "When I receive customized training projects from GTCC, Jerry's signature is like the community college Good Housekeeping seal."

Before joining GTCC, Kinney spent 25 years working in the private sector. Kinney's economic development and training savvy was gained in executive positions at several leading companies: vice president of manufacturing at Oliver America Corp; vice-president of product development and quality assurance at Dunning Industries; plant manager of Mid-State Tile Corp. and area superintendent of Beaman Corp.

Kinney made an immediate impact on job training in Guilford County.

"The thing that really sets Jerry apart and has been key to making the Guilford Tech customized training program so successful is his business acumen," said Cleveland Lewis, region director for customized training for the community college system. "Jerry understands business operations and is able to build strong customer relations with both internal and external customers because of his knowledge and credibility."

Former GTCC Business & Industry Services Division leader Bill Shore knew of Kinney's outstanding work record from his resume and a strong recommendation from GTCC instructor Calvin Wagoner.

"Then I met the real Jerry and knew that we had to have this guy. His quiet demeanor, his high-level work experience, and one of the keenest intellects I've ever encountered led me to make an offer on the spot."

"I don't believe it matters what industry you are talking about, Jerry understands the manufacturing processes, the tools and machinery, and the production language used," said Leroy Stokes, GTCC vice president for corporate and continuing education.