For several decades, residential homebuilders in the Inland Empire have been looking for a way to train their current employees as well as educate those coming into the workforce. It wasn't until recently, at a Construction Industry Forum, hosted by Riverside Community College District's Foundation and attended by members of the Riverside County Building Industry Association that the importance of designing a program to professionalize the residential building industry became clear. Dale Griffin, president and CEO of Griffin Communities, headquartered in Corona, reacted to the forum by donating $100,000 to the RCCD Foundation as seed money to add a residential construction component to the existing Construction Management program at RCCD's Norco Campus.

Amy Cardullo, director of the foundation said, "it became clear at the forum that there was a need for specific courses to meet the requirements of the residential construction workforce Griffin Communities' donation will enable the college to offer the much-needed educational courses. Mr. Griffin is obviously very passionate about the need for a place where his current and future employees can be educated; we're grateful for his generous investment."

"It's imperative that our industry focus on educating our local community because that's where our workers will be coming from over the next decade," Griffin noted. "With the everchanging construction laws, procedures, and technology, we need an effective way of reaching and educating our current and future employees. Adding a residential construction component to the current construction management program will benefit both the local community as well as homebuilding companies that serve the area. We foresee a place for day-long or weekend seminars in addition to a focused curriculum of classes resulting in an A.S. degree. I'm certain that other area homebuilders, will also contribute to this program because my colleagues and I have always said just how vital the need for a professional workforce is. Griffin also pointed out, "The only other school offering a residential building program is UCI, and it will be wonderful to have our own program in Riverside County."

Recently, the Riverside BIA's board of directors unanimously voted to become educational partners with RCCD. Griffin, a founding member of the Riverside BIA and past board member, foresees this partnership as one that will meet the needs of the local association's members as well as benefiting non-members. Borre Winckel, executive director of the Riverside BIA, said, "An educated workforce is the foundation of a strong community and healthy economy. Our organization is dedicated to creating quality planned communities and to do that we must have a highly trained workforce. Mr. Griffin's leadership demonstrates our industry's commitment to career technical education and its role in enhancing the community and boosting the local economy."

Dale's desire to help educate those who want a career in the homebuilding industry stems from his 37 years as an Inland Empire homebuilder and from being raised in a family that has been homebuilding since 1903.

"We've always been Southern California homebuilders," Griffin said, "at least that's what I thought until I was told that my immigrant ancestor, Edward Griffin, began buying and subdividing property on Long Island in 1653. When people say this business is in my blood, it's an understatement. All four of my children work at my company; I think it's in our DNA."