Recent announcements of budget cuts at Northwest College painfully reaffirm local effects of the global economic downturn. At the governor's prompting, community college leaders around the state are trimming 5 percent from their budgets and are preparing to cut as much as 10 percent if the situation becomes that grim.The cuts, part of a mandate for all state agencies to reduce budgets, are coupled with projections of lower revenues from the college's investment income and mill levy revenue.By the numbers, it's realistic that Northwest College's budget reductions could amount to nearly $1 million.Pains felt at the college will be experienced throughout the community. Northwest College plays an invaluable role in the town of Powell and the entire Big Horn Basin. In its 63-year history, the college has fostered economic development through many jobs, provided education in countless ways and created cultural opportunities that have set Powell apart as a rural community.Powell wouldn't be the community it is without Northwest College.Thankfully, NWC leaders value the importance of investing in the college during a turbulent economic climate and are taking a strategic approach to the budget reductions. On Monday, NWC President Paul Prestwich pledged to “focus on our primary mission of serving the educational needs of our students and our communities. We will make strategic decisions that will enable us to come out of these challenging economic times as an even stronger college.”During its session that concluded last week, the 2009 Wyoming Legislature supported a measure that will focus on strategic planning at the state's seven community colleges. The bill is awaiting Gov. Dave Freudenthal's signature, and if signed into law, will give new authority to the Wyoming Community College Commission, under the guide of a new statewide strategic plan.With strategic planning as its focus and pragmatic leaders at its helm, Northwest College is well prepared to weather this storm. The community's continued support and investment in the valued institution will help ensure the college comes out stronger on the other side.

Recent announcements of budget cuts at Northwest College painfully reaffirm local effects of the global economic downturn. At the governor's prompting, community college leaders around the state are trimming 5 percent from their budgets and are preparing to cut as much as 10 percent if the situation becomes that grim.

The cuts, part of a mandate for all state agencies to reduce budgets, are coupled with projections of lower revenues from the college's investment income and mill levy revenue.

By the numbers, it's realistic that Northwest College's budget reductions could amount to nearly $1 million.

Pains felt at the college will be experienced throughout the community. Northwest College plays an invaluable role in the town of Powell and the entire Big Horn Basin. In its 63-year history, the college has fostered economic development through many jobs, provided education in countless ways and created cultural opportunities that have set Powell apart as a rural community.

Powell wouldn't be the community it is without Northwest College.

Thankfully, NWC leaders value the importance of investing in the college during a turbulent economic climate and are taking a strategic approach to the budget reductions.

On Monday, NWC President Paul Prestwich pledged to “focus on our primary mission of serving the educational needs of our students and our communities. We will make strategic decisions that will enable us to come out of these challenging economic times as an even stronger college.”

During its session that concluded last week, the 2009 Wyoming Legislature supported a measure that will focus on strategic planning at the state's seven community colleges. The bill is awaiting Gov. Dave Freudenthal's signature, and if signed into law, will give new authority to the Wyoming Community College Commission, under the guide of a new statewide strategic plan.

With strategic planning as its focus and pragmatic leaders at its helm, Northwest College is well prepared to weather this storm. The community's continued support and investment in the valued institution will help ensure the college comes out stronger on the other side.