|
|
|
|
|
|
(developed by the Scottsbluff/Gering Chamber of Commerce & TCD) (requires Adobe Reader) (developed by the Chamber, TCD, & the City of Scottsbluff) NEW Home of the John N. Harms Advanced Technology Center of Nebraska - formerly known as Western Nebraska Community College's "Center For Business and Individual Training"
Western Nebraska Community College Campus - Scottsbluff
|
|
Success Stories JOHN N. HARMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY CENTER OF NEBRASKA - formerly the CENTER FOR BUSINESS & INDIVIDUAL TRAINING December 26, 2004 Star-Herald
Amoo Takes Reigns As New Dean of CBIT Meeting with Judy Amoo, the new dean at Western Nebraska Community College's Center for Business and Individual Training, on one of the coldest days of the year seemed appropriate. Amoo, who has just completed her third month on the job, recently used the analogy of CBIT being like a giant iceberg. "I can see the tip, but what is beneath, I have a lot to learn," she said. Some area residents have seen the non-descript CBIT headquarters at Western Nebraska Regional Airport and more are aware of the purchase by WNCC of the former Sykes call center across the street from the East 27th Street campus. But, it's what has been going on and will go on in those buildings and on the WNCC campuses in Sidney and Alliance that form that huge iceberg-like mass below the surface. Partnerships with Cabela's, Regional West Medical Center, Burlington Northern Santa Fe and Union Pacific Railroads, national health systems, and medical centers, the University of Nebraska and working in conjunction with the Peter Kiewit Co. on programs will put CBIT on the leading edge of training and technology. Amoo, who with Dr. Diana Doyle, WNCC's vice president of educational and student services, have the responsibility of helping oversee the transfer of operations from the airport site to the new CBIT center while at the same time recruiting students and industries to become involved in the program. "She will take the center to the next level," Dr. John Harms, president of WNCC, recently told the board of governors at its regular meeting. U.S. Senator Ben Nelson, after touring the new center and getting a look at what is in store, commented that CBIT would probably make WNCC one of the best community colleges in the country. "We're moving in a very good direction for partnerships," Amoo said recently. Her father Irvin Rushall and stepmother Marianne live in Scottsbluff and her mother Patricia Moore now lives in Delta, Colorado, so Amoo said she feels like she's returning home after leaving shortly after she graduated from WNCC in 1979 and winding her way around the country. Her travels have taken her to California where she worked as a prison guard at San Quentin Prison. She traveled the country in a covered wagon with Venture Quest, and worked for 11 years with the Jewish Employment and Vocational Service in the heart of Philadelphia. It was the Philadelphia experience that afforded Amoo the opportunity to work in educational and health and human services training with clients from executives to vocational education to welfare to work programs. She also became the director of the service's prison program as she worked with over 1,000 inmates a year in job training and work placement. Eventually she worked with the correctional department in Philadelphia and was a deputy warden when she was selected to become the next warden of a prison, but with an 11-month old daughter, Josephine, she had to pass on the promotion. "I thought it would be hard to be fully focused on the job," Amoo said. She was offered another wardenship again but about the same time had become aware of CBIT. Amoo was interested in hearing about a potential law enforcement component of the CBIT center after her father told her of a presentation by Harms. "I thought maybe I could be a resource if there was a law enforcement academy at WNCC," Amoo said. She contacted the college and found out that she was eligible and qualified for the CBIT dean's position. "If it hadn't been for John Harms I would be a prison warden now," Amoo said. Amoo earned a master's degree in adult education from Temple University and is now a fifth-year doctoral candidate. "I'm amazed about the dedication and the staff at CBIT," Amoo said. "They had demonstrated a competency that is truly amazing." Amoo admits to being a dreamer and like other officials at the college likes to "think outside the box." "This entire building will personify creativity," Amoo said. "Your imagination is your only limit." When completed CBIT will house discovery labs, smart classrooms, entrepreneur labs, conference and breakout rooms, extensive on-line and computer facilities. A new addition is planned where high and low bay auditoriums for large pieces of equipment such as diesel locomotives will be available for students and will be an audio-visual production studio. A decision was made this week to incorporate "demountable walls" that can be relocated within the building as the need for different classroom configurations arises. Amoo said one side of the wall could be an entire grease board for instructor presentations.
December 10, 2004 Star-Herald
CBIT Center Given $3,500 Grant As part of a continuing partnership between the Oregon Trail Community Foundation and Western Nebraska Community College, the foundation gave its second grant of this year for the Center for Business and Individual Training. In making the presentation of $3,500, OTCF board president Travis Hiner said CBIT is crucial to the success of the valley, and the members of the foundation realize the importance of the project. Dr. John Harms, WNCC president, said he considered OTCF's grant very important and shows that the college and the foundation have the same vision. "This is really about carving out change for our region, for the college and our community and to prepare us for the decade," Harms said. "We're taking focus on where we need to go to provide opportunities to grow and provide jobs for our children." Harms said the grant as well as an earlier $5,000 grant would be used for the remodeling project at the former call center building. Workers continue to install a raised floor and will soon begin construction of classrooms and a conference area. The remodeling project is on schedule and classes will be held in the new center after July 1, 2005...
December 1, 2004 Star-Herald
CBIT Construction Underway Construction at the new Center for Business & Individual Training literally got a lift this week. A new raised floor is being installed at the Western Nebraska Community College complex that now occupies the old Sykes call center. Jill McFarland, Dean of Administrative Services, said most of the interior of the building has been removed with the exception of a central core of offices, a computer room and a conference room. Once the 28,000 square feet of flooring is installed, work will begin framing in the rooms for the center. The raised floors will allow more flexibility in installing and changing wiring or computer cables as the needs in the building change, she said. The south side of the existing complex will house a discovery lab for high school students, an entrepreneur lab for the development of new equipment and a conference room capable of accommodating 400 people or smaller groups in break out areas. In the north half of the center will be distance learning classrooms, an allied health lab and a new center for the college's GED program. McFarland said about $4 million has been secured or pledged that will allow the college to complete the initial portion of the project. More funding is necessary to construct a new addition on the south end of the center to house bays or auditoriums where students will work on heavy equipment, such as diesel locomotives. Prototype labs and viewing areas are also planned for the new space. McFarland said work on the center should be complete so classes can be relocated from the current CBIT Center at Western Nebraska Regional Airport late in the summer of 2005, and fall classes can be expected to be held in the center. "This is a catalyst for local economic development," McFarland said.
November 23, 2004 Star-Herald
CBIT Training Center to Receive $250,000 in Federal Funds Western Nebraska Community College's Center for Business & Individual Training received a major boost in funding with $250,000 set-aside in a federal appropriations bill passed last week. Diana Doyle, vice-president of Western Nebraska Community College, said the funds will go toward new construction at CBIT, which is located across the street from Western Nebraska Community College. Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson worked to secure $250,000 for expansion of the center, including new equipment purchases, according to a press release from Nelson's office. "Improving education and business resources is the best way to foster entrepreneurship, business creation and job creation," said Nelson, who requested funding for the project in the federal appropriations process. "WNCC has worked with over 50 corporate and government entities to develop training curriculums for their specific needs to provide high level training for workforces of the future." "This $250,000 is a major step in reaching our goal which ultimately will result in our providing expanded and enhanced training for business and industry," said Jill McFarland, WNCC Dean of Administrative Services. The CBIT program offers training courses to develop workforce skills at all levels. It gives students who lack job skills that are in demand an opportunity to learn more marketable skills. Individuals can take these courses or businesses can seek out the program to craft a set of courses to fit the specific need of their employees.
Current Facility Future Home of WNCC's CBIT
April 20, 2004 Star-Herald
Gering Approves $150K CBIT Funding
The Gering City Council approved a recommendation to give a total of $150,000 to fund Western Nebraska Community College 's Center for Business and Individual Training.
During the council meeting April 12, the Economic Development Application Review Committee recommended giving the center $50,000 a year for three years.
Interim City Administrator and City Clerk Pam Richter said WNCC President Dr. John Harms reviewed the purchase of the CBIT building for the council. According to Richter, Harms said the college will remodel part of the building next year and again the year after. Those remodeled portions will then be put to use. The college will add on to the building the third year. The committee made a three-year commitment to help the center through these three stages of development, she said.
Before Gering implemented LB840, the City of Scottsbluff funded economic growth in Gering by giving money to businesses, said Richter.
"We just want people to know the communities support each other," she said. "Even though the college is in Scottsbluff, (the) CBIT will help more than (just) Scottsbluff and Gering. It will help the region."
April 15, 2004 Gering Courier
CBIT Given LB840 Funds
Members of the Gering City Council have unanimously approved $150,000 in LB840 funding for the Center for Business & Individual Training (CBIT) at Western Nebraska Community College .
However, council member Jill McFarland abstained from the vote because she is employed by the college.
"Although I don't technically own the college, it might be better if I don't vote on this one," she said.
The college didn't ask for a specific dollar amount when it made its presentation to the LB840 committee. The committee recommended $50,000 per year for the next three years.
"This request is an investment in our future," said John Harms, president of WNCC. "About 50 companies and 25,000 people have taken advantage of our training classes."
Harms said area economic developers are targeting Colorado 's Front Range area to bring in new businesses. The availability of specialized training for employees is essential before those companies would consider moving or expanding into the area.
The college has already bonded $3 million to purchase and remodel the former Sykes building for use as the new CBIT. Gering's contribution would help with a planned 29,000 square foot expansion of the facility.
The center will offer industry and community education and training for allied health, business, and industry in western Nebraska . It will also serve as a communications center for data and video for the state of Nebraska .
"I'm glad Gering decided to support this project," McFarland said. "This will have a positive economic impact on the entire Panhandle area."
April 10, 2004 Star-Herald
Gering's LB840 Committee to Recommend Giving CBIT $150K
The Economic Development Application Review Committee will recommend funding Western Nebraska Community College 's Center for Business & Individual Training during the Gering City Council meeting Monday at 7 p.m.
The committee will recommend giving the center $50,000 a year for three years, said Gering Mayor Starr Lehl.
"I hope it passes," said Lehl. "Before Gering passed LB840 Scottsbluff was really kind to us. I think they gave a quarter of a million to Magnolia Homes, a Gering business, and helped CS Precision Manufacturing. I think CBIT is essential for economic development and growth. The other communities we are competing with don't have training centers available. If it will push us over the top so businesses will choose us."
September 30, 2003 Star-Herald
COLLEGE PARTNERSHIPS WILL ENHANCE HIGH-TECH TRAINING Western Nebraska Community College will turn to some of the nation's leading technology training programs in charting the future of its Center for Business and Industry. CBIT programs will be developed through a partnership with the Peter Kiewit Institute of Omaha, which will provide advice on curriculum and classroom design. "We're going to reap the benefit of their years of research," said WNCC Vice President Diana Doyle. Plans call for development of an entrepreneurial training program that will teach designers to develop and test products before producing them on a retail scale. Rapid prototyping technology will allow a student to design a machine part, for example, using a computer-assisted drafting program. The drawing on the screen can be produced as a polymer plastic model through a device that essentially prints the design in three dimensions. The model part can be tested for fit and function before being produced in its final steel or aluminum form. Other curricula could include high-tech subjects such as hydroponics, robotics, nanotechnology or digital music. A "Discovery Lab" will provide opportunities for elementary and high school students to visit and learn about future careers. "They can be learning and developing talents now for when they're ready to embark on a career," Doyle said. Several consultants from the institute will work with WNCC as it moves in and begins designing the new facility. The center also is working with the University of Chicago Hospital to develop training for health professionals designed to provide orientation, develop leadership and enhance customer satisfaction. The program has helped to boost employee retention and patient satisfaction in health-care facilities that have utilized the training. Other partnerships include the Disney Institute of Orlando, Fla. , which offers organizational and customer service management training programs, and the Quick Start program of the Georgia Department of Technology, which offers industrial training programs. September 30, 2003 Star-Herald
WNCC HAS BIG PLANS FOR SYKES BUILDING Inside a modern building that once housed hundreds of Scottsbluff workers sits row upon row of empty cubicles - 458 in all, each with its own phone and computer. Since Sykes Enterprises closed its doors in December 2002, the phones have been silent, the computers shut down, the chairs empty. For months, the building has represented a failure in the community's efforts to provide new jobs. That's all about to change. Today, the 41,000-square-foot building and all its contents officially belong to Western Nebraska Community College . The college paid $2 million for the building and grounds and plans to make it the showpiece of its growing business training program. A few miles away near Western Nebraska Regional Airport , that program, the college's Center for Business and Individual Training, is rapidly outgrowing its present quarters. The 24,000-square-foot building, a former manufacturing plant, has three modern classrooms equipped with big-screen TVs, two computer labs, several offices and a distance learning lab. But it retains a warehouse look, with concrete floors, hanging light fixtures, lots of bare wood and temporary walls. On any given day, a noisy class in carpentry or residential wiring might be going on next to a class for nurses, or even instruction in country line dancing, tai chi or dog obedience. Because enrollment is up on the WNCC campus, some of its community education courses have been moved to the CBIT building.
But the program is facing growing pains of its own. More than 10,000 students have been trained in CBIT programs since its inception about six years ago, said John Marrin, WNCC dean of the program. CBIT experienced a 37 percent increase in full-time equivalent student hours last year. "This building has served us well ," Marrin said. "It's a nice building, but we've just outgrown the technology." Originally called the Center for Business and Industry Training, the center changed its name more than a year ago to reflect its emphasis on individual career development, Marrin said. "It really fits the structure of what we're doing." The center serves more than 50 business clients, including Regional West Medical Center , Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, Union Pacific, Aurora Loan Services, Orcom Solutions, Cabela's , various banks and the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce. The center maintains a customer relationship with its clients, tailoring training programs to jobs that will be waiting for graduates, some of whom already are employed by the client companies. "We don't tell the customer what they need for training," said Diana Doyle, WNCC vice president. "We listen to the customer and design what they tell us they need." Even before expansion begins, the Sykes building will nearly double the space available to the CBIT program when it moves to the new site in late 2004. In contrast to the bare floors and open ceiling of the CBIT building, the Sykes facility is carpeted and wired with miles of computer-ready cable. Best of all, as far as WNCC officials are concerned, it's right across 27th Avenue from the main campus. Many of WNCC's students are in adult education or post high-school GED programs, Doyle said. The proximity of CBIT and its career-oriented programs to the main campus "will give those students an opportunity to see what is out there for them." "As we recruit students, we'll be recruiting people into those basic industries and providing workforce development," Marrin added. A $3 million bond issue last week will provide $1 million for the project's first phase, which includes the move and about half the needed remodeling. In general, however, the building is in good shape and needs only some minor roof repair, having suffered some hail damage several years ago. Many of the cubicles and computers will be sold, Doyle said. "The computers we have on campus are newer than these, and we wouldn't want to go backwards. These are not cutting edge. "A few of the cubicles might work for us, but overall that's not the set-up we're looking for." The workspace will be partitioned off into glass-walled classrooms. "We want people to see what's going on in here, what it looks like in a real-life work environment where there's problem-solving going on," she said. In addition to the sprawling rows of cubicles, the building provides offices, classrooms, lab, workshops and a well-appointed computer center. Future plans call for additional remodeling and the addition of an auditorium and industrial labs on the south side of the building. Those will be financed through a $5 million fund-raising campaign. The second phase, funded through the fund-raising campaign, will finish the remodeling. The third phase will fund the additions. "When the whole project is done, we could probably handle up to 800 students all at once," Doyle said, in contrast to the present limit of about 200. WNCC officials foresee increased cooperation with programs at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research & Extension Center and Chadron State College as the program expands. Some of the training programs may be blended with WNCC academic courses, such as electronics, to broaden the scope of training and expose students to career opportunities. College officials, as well as client companies, see development of the center as an opportunity to develop a well-trained local workforce that will in turn spur economic development. Both existing clients and new companies will benefit from the training opportunities, Marrin said. "It may entice them to grow because of some of the help we can give them. Other companies may expand to western Nebraska because of what we can offer them."
September 23, 2003 Star-Herald
WNCC BUYING SYKES BUILDING By the end of September, the Sykes Enterprises building in Scottsbluff will be part of the campus at Western Nebraska Community College .
New Building Current Facility
The college has sold $3 million in bonds to purchase and renovate the facility, which will house its Center for Business & Individual Training. Of the total, $2 million will be used to purchase the building from Sykes, which closed its teleservices center across 27th Street from the college at the end of last year. The other $1 million will be used for renovations to make the building suitable for classroom instruction. The CBIT will move to the new facility from a building near Western Nebraska Regional Airport , where it has operated for almost six years. The center offers advanced vocational education in cooperation with local businesses and industrial firms, training students to fill specific jobs. More than 8,000 students have completed training through the program. College officials described the Sykes building as an ideal home for the CBIT program. "We could never put in the type of facility that the Sykes building is going to give us," said WNCC President John Harms. "We've taken a negative and made it a positive for the community. It's right across the street, and the technology we need is there." Sykes operated a call center from the facility with the capacity for about 400 computer- and telephone-equipped work-stations. The company pulled out in December, putting hundreds of local residents out of work. The building, which has been idle since then, is wired with 89 miles of cable suitable for the type of high-tech training the CBIT offers, Harms said. The bonds, which were underwritten by Ameritas Investment Corp. of Omaha , were sold in a matter of hours, said Jill McFarland, WNCC's dean of administrative services. Nearly a third - about $1.8 million - were purchased by local investors. Harms had asked Ameritas to make an effort to offer the tax-free bonds to local investors. "It's important that our community has an opportunity to buy into it," he said. Interest on the bonds, which carried terms of up to 20 years, averaged 4.49 percent, McFarland said. They will be paid off with existing revenues and will not require an increase in WNCC's share of local property taxes, she said. "This $3 million will get us out of the airport and into the new building with all of the resources we have right now," she said. The college will close the deal and take possession of the facility on September 30. Based on the $2 million price, the college will pay $48.54 per square foot for the 41,000-square-foot building and will get the parking lot, landscaped grounds and most of the contents as part of the deal. "This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," she said. Future plans for the site include a 29,000-square-foot addition that will include an auditorium and high-bay and low-bay work stations for industrial classes. Harms said the college is working with the Peter Kiewit Institute of Technology in Omaha to plan appropriate design, curriculum and equipment for the facility. "We'll make sure that the technology we put in is relevant and won't be obsolete in a few years," he said. The CBIT program is expected to move to the new site by fall 2004, he said. The existing CBIT building is owned by the City of Scottsbluff , which is leasing it to the college. WNCC attorney Dick Douglas said the college plans to work with the city to make the building available to another tenant.
Since its beginning, on October 14, 1997, the Center for Business & Individual Training (CBIT) has provided service to more than 8000 students and workers. The Scottsbluff CBIT is currently housed in a building purchased with Economic Development funds by the City of Scottsbluff. Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC) leases the building, and the CBIT continues to grow to meet employers’ needs. WNCC developed the Center in response to an increased demand for a more skilled workforce. Along with WNCC’s Centers in Alliance and Sidney, the CBIT reaches workers throughout the Panhandle of Nebraska. The public can take advantage of the many courses offered, and businesses can utilize the Center’s facilities and expertise to set up specialized training sessions that help employees upgrade their skill levels. To date, more than 200 businesses have used the CBIT, including Union Pacific, Burlington Northern, Cabela’s, Regional West Medical Center, Box Butte General Hospital, Sidney Memorial Hospital, Aurora Loan Services, Krone Digital, Kelley Bean, and Western Sugar.
From Western Nebraska Community College's Web Site: WNCC’s Center for Business & Individual Training (CBIT) provides high quality, affordable seminars, workshops and customized training programs. The Center was established to increase productivity in the workforce, enhance economic development and assist businesses in western Nebraska in becoming more competitive in the marketplace. Since 1985, the CBIT has worked with business & industry organizations in Western Nebraska . Over 1000 employees from 15 organizations are trained annually. The CBIT is the area’s most comprehensive provider of business training, offering more than 60 classes and programs. The CBIT has helped business get more than $150,000 in training grants annually. CBIT Services Include:
Copyright © 2002-2003 Twin Cities Development Association, Inc. |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
