Davidson County Community College hosted the breakfast, marking the first time Davidson County held the event.

DCCC President Dr. Mary Rittling spoke to points Tuesday on the college's commitment to the community, explaining to local officials and business people alike the importance of education in an emerging knowledge-based economy.

"It is a different world in education," Rittling said. "It's about being in the minds of students, it's about walking in their shoes, understanding what their levels are and being part of their learning experience."

Davidson County has seen unemployment numbers hover above the statewide average for some time. The seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate in the county stood at 11.3 percent in July. DCCC has continued to grow among the county's declining job market, providing many unemployed workers the opportunity to refine their skill set or learn a new trade, all while making themselves more attractive to employers.

Rittling spoke to some of the new technologically driven careers and the training that students can receive at DCCC.