Dead River donates trucks to new commercial driver training program center at EMCC
THE FOUNDATION FOR MAINE’S COMMUNITY COLLEGES — NEWS RELEASE
CONTACT: Helen Pelletier
207-767-0116
SOUTH PORTLAND, ME — Dead River Company has donated five, heavy-duty trucks to support a new training center for commercial drivers that will be based at Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC). The donation includes three Kenworth T800 trucks, a Freightliner FL70, and a Navistar 4900.
The new Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training Center will begin operation this fall and will provide instruction for those seeking to gain Class A and Class B driver licenses. The center will serve students and trainees at four of the state’s seven community colleges. Training for the Class A license will be delivered at Central Maine, Eastern Maine, and Kennebec Valley community colleges. Students enrolled in heavy equipment programs at Washington County Community College and the lineworker technology program at Kennebec Valley Community College will be able to prepare for the Class B license in order to operate the vehicles necessary for employment in those fields.
“We are grateful to Dead River for this important contribution to our new training center,” said EMCC President Lisa Larson. “Maine companies and industries are dependent on commercial drivers to deliver the goods. These trucks will help us meet the strong demand for commercial drivers in industries and areas across Maine.”
“There is a shortage of commercial drivers throughout Maine and the U.S. This gift demonstrates Dead River Company’s continued commitment to developing Maine’s workforce and supporting our community colleges,” said Guy Langevin, Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Dead River, during a ceremonial passing of the keys at EMCC in Bangor today.
This is Dead River’s second donation of trucks to support Maine’s community colleges and its students. In 2011, the company donated a total of 11 trucks valued at $100,000 to benefit the students enrolled in the diesel truck and heavy equipment programs at Eastern Maine Community College, Northern Maine Community College and Washington County Community College.
To learn more about the new CDL Training Center at EMCC, contact Shaw Weeks at 207-974-4810.
About Dead River Company: Founded in 1909 by Charles Hutchins, Dead River Company originated in the forest products industry, along the banks of the Dead River, from which the company took its name. Today, Dead River Company remains a family-owned business and the largest retailer of heating products in northern New England. With over 75 years of experience in the fuel oil and propane business, Dead River Company’s size ensures a reliable supply of petroleum products for homes and businesses. By operating locally managed offices throughout New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and western Massachusetts, Dead River Company ensures around-the-clock heating emergency responsiveness. For more information, visit www.deadriver.com.
The Foundation for Maine’s Community Colleges is dedicated to ensuring that the state’s seven community colleges have the resources they need to provide a high quality and affordable education for Maine people. The Foundation seeks to enhance access to educational and economic opportunity and to provide Maine employers with a highly trained and skilled workforce. More information about the Foundation is available at: www.maineccfoundation.org.