Ribbon Cutting Marks New Era at East Central College

Ribbon Cutting Marks New Era at East Central College

October 5, 2016 |

East Central College faculty and staff, community leaders and business partners will be on hand October 20 at 4 p.m. for the ribbon cutting of the new Business and Industry Center located at 42 Prairie Dell Plaza in Union. The public is also invited to take tours of the new $5 million facility.

The Business and Industry Center (BIC) will serve as the new home of ECC’s precision machining, industrial engineering technology and HVAC programs. Lab and classroom space to accommodate short-term welding programs are also planned for the building. The college’s Center for Workforce Development also will be located in the facility, which will allow for the expansion of training opportunities.

“This project truly marks the beginning of an exciting chapter at East Central College,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. “It will not only create more career opportunities for our students but will serve as the workforce training provider for our region’s business and industry.”

Growth in jobs over the next several years, regionally, statewide and nationally, will take place primarily in technical careers that require an associate degree and certifications. The 28,808 square foot building will prepare students for this growing workforce and help companies become more competitive through training of existing employees.

The funding for the building is comprised of a $1.2 million Economic Development Administration grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, a $1 Million USDA Rural Economic Development loan, the ECC Foundation’s capital campaign and institutional funding.

To learn more about the business and industry programs at East Central College, visit eastcentral.edu/business.