Hoelke, of Knight’s Armament, Recognized for Longstanding

Contributions to Space Coast Education Field

Arthur Hoelke remains on the front lines of educating manufacturing’s next generation of workers.

Space Coast, FL (October 24, 2017) – As the saying goes “it takes a village to raise a child.” For students in Brevard County, one member of the Space Coast’s village has provided consistent and exceptional enhancements to the region’s education field, or the way students are served.

Arthur ‘Art’ Hoelke, Vice President and General Manager of Knight’s Armament Company, was presented with the Thomas E. Gamble Excellence in Education for Economic Development Impact Award by the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC).

“The EDC is proud to recognize Art for his dedication to Brevard County’s students,” stated Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the EDC. “He has made many contributions throughout Brevard County’s STEM education field over the last 13 years, enhancing the Space Coast’s manufacturing industry for future generations.”

An incredible influence on students at schools from Titusville to Palm Bay, Hoelke consistently provides encouragement and resources to students and their facilitators. By opening the Knight’s Armament Company facility for tours, he helps expand the world of manufacturing to students, teachers, principals and vice-principals. Beyond this, he was instrumental in the implementation of new machinery, and welding and 3-D printing shops to match the curriculum of the Certified Production Technician standards. Fueling Brevard students, Hoelke ensures local STEM programs have the software to learn design fundamentals. Doing this will allow students to enter the workforce with entry-level Solidworks Certifications, proving their abilities, and giving local businesses the skillset that will increase production abilities.

“I wanted to first thank everyone for this great honor of the Thomas Gamble award. With the EDC, CareerSource Brevard, the Brevard Public School system, Eastern Florida State College, and our Adult Education Program, along with our government officials, we will make and keep our county strong,” said Art Hoelke. “We need to continue to work on creating the talent pipeline for our employers here in Brevard, and I believe we are making this difference one life at a time. There is no greater honor than to touch and impact a young person’s life and know in your heart that you have helped direct them on the right path.”

Pictured: EDC Chair Elect Dana Kilborne awards Art Hoelke with the Thomas E. Gamble Excellence in Education for Economic Development Impact Award.

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About the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast
The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast, influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development, promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations, and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high-tech companies. The EDC is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Florida’s Space Coast. Visit www.SpaceCoastEDC.org