MMR Receives GBRIA Award of Excellence for Outstanding Commitment to Workforce Training Initiatives

September 15, 2023

BATON ROUGE, LA – MMR proudly received the Division II Specialty Trade (Hard Craft) Award of Excellence at the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance (GBRIA) 16^th Annual Craft Workforce Development Awards Program. The ceremony, hosted on Thursday, August 31^st at The Renaissance in Baton Rouge, La., honored high schools, post-secondary schools and contractor organizations for their outstanding commitment to craft training and workforce development programs.

“At MMR, we maintain an unwavering dedication to the growth and empowerment of our craft workforce,” said MMR President/CEO James B. ‘Pepper’ Rutland. “Receiving the Award of Excellence from GBRIA affirms our commitment to ensure that every individual is equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel. We attribute this recognition to the individuals at MMR who consistently exhibit excellence in training and developing the future of our industry.”

In addition to its recognition, MMR would like to congratulate West Feliciana High School (WFHS) and Agriscience & Electrical Teacher, Dr. Paul Theriot, for their achievements at the GBRIA Craft Workforce Development Awards Program. Theriot received the Champion Award, a prestigious honor that recognizes area instructors for their role in the development and oversight of thriving craft training programs. In the High School Awards division, WFHS received the Award of Excellence. Through Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), MMR sponsors WFHS by providing students and faculty with mentorship, education, training and curriculum development.

The GBRIA Craft Workforce Development Awards Program honors contractors, member plants, educational institutions and individual advocates who demonstrate a profound commitment to workforce training initiatives. GBRIA serves as a benchmarking program designed to promote local and national best practices, ultimately refining the skills and retention rate of regional craft personnel.

MMR proudly invests in the programs and resources necessary to develop a highly-skilled craft workforce. By establishing its one-of-a-kind Craft Training Center, MMR has redefined the industry standard for training qualified craftspersons and supervisors. MMR offers an Electrical Journeyworker Apprenticeship training program, recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and the State of Louisiana, NCCER “Knowledge” and “Performance” verified certifications as well as MMR and vendor certifications.

MMR is a proud Platinum Partner of GBRIA, supporting its mission to bring value to its communities by developing innovative solutions to common industry issues. To learn more about GBRIA, please visit: https://www.gbria.org/