Liz Brunner will moderate MVPP’s Oct. 31 Panel.

Merrimack Valley Partners for Progress (MVPP) will host “Building the Talent Pipeline: Education that Works in the Merrimack Valley” from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at the Andover Country Club, 60 Canterbury St., Andover. Admission is free and open to the business community. Breakfast will be served.

The event’s key note speaker will be Dr. James W. Wade, vice president of mission assurance for Raytheon Co, who will share how Raytheon partners with community colleges to develop its talent pipeline.

Dr. Wade’s remarks will be followed by a panel of local employers moderated by Liz Brunner, former NewsCenter5 anchor and current CEO of Brunner Communications. The panel will focus on best practices for attracting new employees and developing the skills and talents of current employees, and will feature Sam Ambra, co-owner, sales & marketing director, Simply Elegant Catering, Groveland; Lynne C. Garone, associate vice president, analytical technology worldwide, E Ink Corporation; Billerica; Nathaniel C. Gravel, director, Information Security Practice, GraVoc Associates, Peabody; and Joseph (Jody) White, III, president, Lowell General Hospital.

Also speaking will be Middlesex Community College President Carole Cowan; Northern Essex Community College President Lane Glenn; Royall M. Mack Sr., founder & CEO, Ciara Enterprises, LLC; and Len Wilson, retired vice president of Sovereign Bank.

Dr. James Wade of Raytheon, keynote speaker at MVPP Breakfast

Middlesex Community College and Northern Essex Community College Partners for Progress (MVPP) is an educational alliance focused on forging closer college and business relationships and dedicated to promoting economic development in the region. MVPP is the one to meet your needs for customized, cost-effective workforce training and education.

Those interested, can register at www.mvpp123.eventbrite.com.

To learn more about the event or MVPP, call 1-855-MVPP123 or visit www.mvpp123.org.