Paul D. Camp Comm-unity College will host a celebration dinner next month in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the college’s Regional Workforce Development Center.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 31, the event will be held at the Workforce Development Center, located at 100 N. College Drive, in Franklin.

“This facility is a jewel of the western Hampton Roads region,” said Dr. Paul Conco, president of Paul D. Camp Community College. “We are so very proud to have it as part of our community college network. Beyond being an important part of our educational system, it’s an important part of the fabric of the community. I couldn’t be more excited to see the recognition of this facility and the people who contributed to its historic rise.”

The keynote speaker for the evening is Larry Pope, president and chief executive officer of Smithfield Foods, the world’s largest pork producer. Smithfield Foods utilizes Paul D. Camp Community College’s workforce development services regularly for employee and business training. In his remarks, he will provide a glimpse into the world of Smithfield Foods. He also will discuss the important role of continuing education and workforce development in Smithfield’s operations.

In addition to the keynote address, the event will include posthumous recognitions for three individuals who were instrumental in the establishment of the Regional Workforce Development Center: Dr. Jerome Friga, fifth president of Paul D. Camp Community College; Sen. Richard Holland; and Delegate J. Paul Councill.

Additionally, those businesses instrumental in the opening of the Workforce Development Center as well as those utilizing the services of the center will be recognized.

“There are thousands of users of the center each year,” said Randy Betz, vice president of workforce development for the college. “And the businesses that have taken advantage of our services are many as well. We believe that it’s appropriate and important to pay homage to those who’ve been instrumental in building the center and those who use it every day.”

Tickets to the celebration dinner are $25 each. For details, visit www.pdc.edu/workforceanniversary or call 569-6790.