Never underestimate the power of an entrepreneurial mindset.

That was one of the messages shared as part of a program held at the Lehigh Carbon Community College Tamaqua Campus Scheller Student Center on Thursday.The program was hosted by LCCC in partnership with the National Association Community College Entrepreneurship in celebration of LCCC's rich tradition of 50 years of leadership and excellence.LCCC President Ann Bieber welcomed those in attendance.Bieber said it was an "exciting day," and added that (the late) "Mr. (John E.) Morgan would be very proud today."State Sen. Dave Argall then spoke about community college and entrepreneurship.Argall said the former junior high school turned LCCC Tamaqua campus, was one of the best things to come to the area in some time.He also spoke of some of the great entrepreneurs of the area, such as Morgan, before telling those in attendance to "keep up the good work."State Rep. Jerry Knowles then spoke of the college and community assets to leverage innovation for job creation.Knowles said the student center was a former firehouse, and said the facility has been extremely good for the community.He said, "Young people need to understand they don't need a four-year degree."Luis Bardales Jr., a current student at LCCC studying television and film, said he's in the process of working to build his own digital media production company."I do believe that community colleges do give opportunities," Bardales said.The program featured a presentation by Rebecca Corbin, president and CEO of the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship, an organization of educators, administrators, presidents and entrepreneurs.Corbin focused on creating economic vitality through entrepreneurship.More specifically, Corbin spoke as to how to create a community college culture that fosters economic growth, as well as entrepreneurial opportunities based on needs in the community.Corbin said she has a "deep passion" for community colleges, and that LCCC offers programs that fit today's sought after job skills.She then provided an overview on NACCE's history, and noted that in the past year, its membership has grown by over 8 percent.Corbin discussed the importance of the community college's role in supporting job creation and entrepreneurs in their local ecosystem.She then discussed the five steps for creating economic vitality, which are to create or expand internal and external teams dedicated to entrepreneurship; increase entrepreneurs' engagement in community colleges; engage in industry cluster development; leverage both community college and community assets to spur innovation and job creation; and create buzz and broad exposure of your college's commitment to entrepreneurship.Afterward, Corbin presented a proclamation to LCCC which states that Bieber and her team "have demonstrated a commitment to those five steps and progress in attaining meaningful results as evidenced by the robust entrepreneurship offerings at LCCC's Business Enterprise Center, and through effective and meaningful collaborations with federal, state and local officials, as well as industry leaders, LCCC is a model of entrepreneurial excellence that NACCE is pleased to share with its national network of over 330 colleges."