Atom-Jet Group marks 60 years in business with a $60K donation to Assiniboine’s Prairie Innovation Centre

Atom-Jet Group has donated $60,000 to support Assiniboine’s Prairie Innovation Centre. The contribution commemorates a notable milestone of 60 years in business and longstanding roots in the community.

Barry LaRocque, owner of Atom-Jet Group and three-time graduate of Assiniboine, has contributed to the exceptional learning experiences of students through his volunteerism on various Assiniboine committees. Over the last 20 years, his involvement includes being a member of the Foundation board, the School of Trades program advisory committee, and a Campaign Cabinet member of the current Prairie Innovation Centre campaign as well as a longtime donor.

“I’ve been fortunate to experience and see first-hand the positive impacts of post-secondary education,” said LaRocque. “Giving back to the community where it all began seems fitting to celebrate our businesses milestone.”

The campaign to build this state-of-the-art facility on the college’s North Hill campus will bring together collaborative learning spaces, applied research labs, multipurpose spaces and amenities that will serve both the industry and the college community. By creating an enhanced agricultural training capacity, the Centre will enable the agriculture sector to continue to be an economic driver in the Canadian and Manitoban economies.

“Barry has been a longtime friend and supporter of the college. We are fortunate to have his support, both through his campaign involvement and now this generous financial contribution.,” said Derrick Turner, Advancement & External Relations at Assiniboine Community College. “This support from Atom-Jet Group will help us get closer to the Prairie Innovation Centre and expand agricultural training and connection.”

Barry LaRocque will also be the recipient of an Assiniboine Alumni Award, which will be presented at the college’s Advancement Dinner later this month.