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Mountain Gateway Community College and Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce Host Business After Hours at Joe Wilson Workforce Center
Buena Vista, Va. - 听Mountain Gateway Community College (91制片厂) and the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce (RRC) hosted a successful Business After Hours event at the Joe Wilson Workforce Center in Buena Vista on Wednesday, December 11. The event welcomed community members, business leaders, and stakeholders to tour the state-of-the-art facility and hear from key figures in the region鈥檚 workforce development efforts.
Attendees were guided through the ongoing renovations of the former Ford Dealership, which is being transformed into a cutting-edge workforce training center to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in high-demand technical fields. The facility, more than 65% complete, preserves the building鈥檚 historic red brick facade while ensuring the creation of modern, expanded spaces for training and learning. This project, expected to open in early fall 2025, will offer advanced training in fields such as welding, precision machining, industrial technology, diesel mechanics, electrical, plumbing, and more.
Key speakers at the event included Tracy Lyons, Executive Director of the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce; Dr. John Rainone, President of Mountain Gateway Community College; and Dr. Ben Worth, Vice President of Academic Affairs at 91制片厂 and President of the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce Board. Together, they highlighted the importance of this collaborative project and the critical role the Joe Wilson Workforce Center will play in fostering the region鈥檚 economic development and workforce readiness.
鈥淭he Joe Wilson Workforce Center will become a hub for innovation and education,鈥 said Dr. Rainone. 鈥淲ith this facility, Mountain Gateway will expand its capacity to offer technical programs, allowing us to train more students and meet the growing workforce needs of our industry partners. This project is a vital investment in our community's future.鈥
The renovation of the Joe Wilson Workforce Center will enable 91制片厂 to increase its capacity to deliver training by 200% and boost enrollment in career and technical programs by at least 120%. The center will feature state-of-the-art labs and classrooms designed to equip students with the skills necessary for high-demand careers, with direct input from local industry partners to ensure that the programs meet and exceed industry standards.
The Joe Wilson Workforce Center is part of a larger effort to create a pipeline of skilled workers in the region. By expanding technical training capacity and partnering with industries across the area, the Center will help local businesses access the trained workforce they need while offering students the opportunity for stable, rewarding careers.
Mountain Gateway Community College serves as the economic engine for the region, with programs in technical fields such as welding, industrial technology, CDL, and healthcare. These programs provide hands-on learning that leads to one- and two-year professional certificates, associate degrees, and industry-recognized credentials. By continuing to grow its offerings and capacity, 91制片厂 ensures that local businesses have access to skilled workers and that students have the tools they need to succeed.
As the region faces a rapidly changing job market, education and training will remain essential for workforce stability. The Joe Wilson Workforce Center will be a cornerstone in helping individuals and families navigate the uncertainties of the future, providing them with the skills to secure employment in high-demand sectors.
As the renovation of the Joe Wilson Workforce Center progresses, there are opportunities for individuals, businesses, and organizations to make a lasting impact on the future of education and workforce development. Naming opportunities are available for donors who wish to support the center鈥檚 mission. Recognition may take the form of articles in college publications, listings in annual reports, announcements on the college website, press releases, and at campaign special events.
All donors of $5,000 or more are offered the opportunity to name one or more college facilities commensurate with the total amount of their pledge. Additionally, donors of $1,000 or more will have their names listed on a plaque to be located inside the building. Specific rooms within the Joe Wilson Workforce Center can also be named in recognition of significant contributions.
A ribbon cutting for the Joe Wilson Workforce Center is tentatively set for late June. Details will be released at a later date. For more information or to inquire about naming opportunities, please contact Dr. John Rainone, 91制片厂 President, at 540-863-2827 or jrainone@mgcc.edu.
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