The Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GTNC) Foundation recently hosted the EMPOWER Scholarship Fundraiser and Awards Brunch to raise funds, recognize donors and present the 2024 EMPOWER Awards.

The GNTC Foundation hosted the event at the Gordon County Campus in Calhoun. The foundation recognized more than a dozen event sponsors who support its mission.

“The commitment and investment of our partners and friends have helped bring GNTC to where we are today as the workforce powerhouse of northwest Georgia,” said Lauretta Hannon, executive director of Institutional Advancement at GNTC. “Thanks to our generous donors, the GNTC Foundation has been able to support 384 students over the last year. It took $141,000 to keep these students on track, but as our donors know, the return on investment is priceless.”

GNTC’s Platinum Sponsor is Mohawk Industries. Workforce Sponsors are AdventHealth, Coosa Valley Credit Union, Dr. Craig McDaniel, North Georgia National Bank, Shaw Industries Group and Textbook Brokers. Student Success Sponsors are The Carpet and Rug Institute, Dalton Utilities, Emerald Carpets, Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce, Pinnacle Advertising Specialties Inc., SMH Construction and Vitruvian Health.

Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president, and Becky Redd, chair of the GNTC Foundation, presented the Legacy Award, which recognizes individuals or families creating a legacy through loyal giving, to the Ron Adam Family and Randall Fox; the Power of Partnership Award, which recognizes transformative gifts from business and industry, was presented to Atrium Health Floyd, Georgia Power and Mohawk Industries Inc.(From left) GNTC Foundation Trustees Paul Meredith, Chattooga County; Luther Ingram, Walker County; Terri Kirby, Whitfield County; Becky Redd, chair, Gordon County; Sherrie Patterson, Murray County; Linda Case, Dade County; Jay LeGrande, Polk County; Zab Mendez, Whitfield County; Dr. Craig McDaniel, treasurer, Floyd County; Steven M. Henry, Catoosa County; and Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president. Not pictured are Foundation Trustees Valerie Brown, Whitfield County; Phillip Burkhalter, Floyd County; Amy L. Jackson, vice chair, Catoosa County; Damon Raines, Walker County; and Doris White, Walker County.

Popham and Redd also presented the President’s Circle awards to Alliant Health Plans, Beta Sigma Phi, The Carpet and Rug Institute, Gene Haas Foundation, Don and Jean King, Latin American Association, Dr. Craig McDaniel, McDaniel Family Foundation, Paul and Wanda Meredith, Mohawk Industries Inc., Mary Parson, Kirby Patterson Family, Octavio Perez, Rabbit Valley Farmers Market, Rome Home Builders Association, Roper Corporation, Shaw Industries Group, Textbook Brokers and Judge Dan Peace Winn Family