Automotive Training Center Groundbreaking Script

October 19, 2004

Welcome - Dr. McGee

• Welcome to our Ceremonial Groundbreaking for our new Automotive Training Center
• We're in the midst of developing a new master plan for this campus (our last master plan was in 1967!) and we've narrowed new Automotive building to two locations on this Campus...
  
  • Right here, near our current Automotive building behind me
  • Or perhaps at the northwest quadrant of this campus, where there might be even more room for future expansion
  • The final site recommendation will go to BOT in Nov. and the actual construction should begin shortly thereafter
  • But the first step of any building project is a ceremonial groundbreaking ...so let the ceremony begin!
  • To start our program - and to honor America - we have a singer with a special connection to our Automotive Program
    
    • Denise Mock is an SCC student who also just happens to be a work-study student in our Automotive program. Will you please stand...

National Anthem - SCC student Denise Mock

Introductions - Dr. McGee

• First, welcome to members of the media
• Platform guests (left to right)...
  
  • Rep. Sandy Adams
  • Sen. Lee Constantine - 434 expansion
  • Rep. David Mealor
  • Rep. David Simmons
  • Sen. Daniel Webster
  • Sid Miller, Chair BOT
  • George Nahas, President CFADA
  • Barbara Miller, Ex. VP CFADA
  • Alyson Grubb, grad of SCC Automotive Program
  • Verdell Pugh, BOT
  • Charles English, BOT
  • Rick Lee, BOT
• Other Elected officials
  
  • Mike McLean - Deputy Mayor Lake Mary
  • Jan Jernigan - Lk. Mary Commissioner
• Other dignitaries
  
  • County govt. officials...
  • Chambers, civic leaders...
  • Presidents' Club members
  • SCC Foundation Board members
  • SCC Executive Staff

Intro Chairman Sid Miller

Remarks - Sid Miller

• Current and former BOT have watched this project develop
• We are very grateful to CFADA for their years of dedication and persistence
• Also, Thank You to our legislators ...I was there when CFADA members lobbied in Tallahassee last spring...

Remarks - Dr. McGee

• Our theme today is reflected on your keychain, the program, and even your name tag ...We are all truly "Steering Central Florida's Future Together"
• It's an understatement to say this project didn't happen overnight ...and it certainly wasn't a project where money was donated and it just went into cruise control ...this project definitely needed some firm hands at the wheel along the way.
• Because we did hit a few unexpected bumps in the road, when it would have been very easy for one or more of the partners in this project to give up or pull out.
• But instead, every one of the partners involved kept their eye on the road, and by working together, ended up accelerating smoothly - and rapidly - to our "finish line" here today!

• First partner in this endeavor - our students ...past / present / and future
  
  • We estimate that 15,000 students have come through SCC's automotive program since its inception in 1974
  • But a lot has changed since the '70's...
  • Some grads now can make 6-figure income ...
  • Even more impressive is the economic impact...
    
    • With 70 job openings a year filled by SCC Automotive students ...this has an impact on the local economy of nearly $2 million per year in employment income!
  • Any Automotive students here ...please stand
• Next partner - SCC stakeholders who have made ...and will continue to make ...this program happen
  
  • Former trustees
    
    • Beth Hattaway
    • Pat Herring
    • Russ Moncreif
  • Russ was also the SCC Dean of Vocational Education who established the Automotive Technology programs - TY Russ!
  • We also owe a debt of gratitude to so many former Automotive faculty ...like Vince Murray, one of our original automotive instructors from the 1970's who is here today
  • As Sid Miller just related, our current trustees have also contributed to this project
  • And of course, we wouldn't be here today if not for the dedication and talents of our current Automotive faculty / staff under the direction of Dean Angela Kersenbrock
    
    • Jim Cox, Mike Griffin, all the other current automotive faculty and staff - please stand
  • One more group under this list of SCC stakeholders ...our Advisory Committee for the Automotive Program: please stand and be recognized
  • All of these SCC stakeholders have had a hand in making ours one of the most recognized Automotive Programs in the US...
    
    • 1980's ...chosen as the top program in Florida
    • 1990's ...won the prestigious Industry Council award as top program in the nation, plus the Ford ASSET program chosen as #1 manufacturer affiliated program in the US
• Now I'd like to recognize our 3rd partner - everyone in state government who contributed to making this project happen ...this building couldn't have become a reality without your help
  
  • Gov. Bush and Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings - couldn't be here, but under their leadership the project was approved last spring
  • Each of our state legislators, you have my heartfelt thanks ...we appreciate your efforts and support ...one more round of applause for getting the job done
  • Special mention to Dan Webster ...because he was familiar with the Construction Trades Building process, put in $1.5 million more...
• The final partner in this project? We've saved the most important for last ...they are a loyal, tenacious group of great people who have truly been behind the steering wheel since the beginning - our CFADA friends
  
  • Decided in 1996 to get involved
  • Came together ...had the foresight to look ahead - and realize new jobs and new training opportunities had to be generated to keep up with changing demands of automotive technology...
    
    • Era of "shade tree mechanic" is over
    • Over 28 computers now in automobiles
    • Florida is projected to need 9,000 new automotive technicians ...and this new Training Center will help fill this critical need!
  • As I said, there were a few bumps in the road with this project, but our CFADA partners didn't let budget woes deter them
  • Lobbied hard - and very effectively - this year
    
    • Delivering cookies and miniature cars
    • Everywhere I went in Tallahassee I heard "Ann, tell them to stop ...we get the message!"
  • CFADA members will be our vital partners in the decades to come ...a model partnership recognized locally and nationally
    
    • Sentinel editorial reprint on your chair
    • (hold up ceremonial shovel - read plaque inscription)

CFADA representatives

• George Nahas
• Barbara Miller

Remarks ... Alyson Grubb ...from the student's perspective

Final Announcements Dr. McGee

• Thank you ...
  
  • George Nahas, for your leadership and for representing CFADA
  • Barbara Miller, for guiding and propelling this project from our very first meeting in 1996
  • Alyson Grubb, for sharing your success story and the impact that SCC's automotive program has had on you, and will have on thousands of future students
• For 8 years, we've been focused on reaching this groundbreaking milestone today ...and Barbara, it's actually going to happen in just a few minutes!
• But our journey isn't ending today, it's only beginning.
  
  • In addition to our current offerings listed in the program, this new building will allow us to bring in exciting new programs...
    
    • We're already in negotiations with Chrysler to commence their programs in the new building...
    • We're discussing with BMW the possibility of a Spanish language program in the new building
    • And we're talking to dealers - many here today - about the possibility of Paint and Body being a part of the new building
    • And beyond technical training, there's always the possibility we will include sales / marketing, finance, even title clerk and parts
• Our future is limitless, thanks to the generous donations of so many here today...
  
  • Not only have you CFADA members donated $2.5 million...
  • But we also receive important donations of cars from our auto manufacturers...so vital for student hands-on training
    
    • Vehicle donations from GM...Ford...Isuzu...Kia...and Volvo
    • We also receive some important private donations of older model cars for our students to work on
• Let me just add ...We're very open to accepting cash, too!
  
  • We've just received a $25,000 SunTrust donation from their auto loan area
  • And if anyone else is so moved to contribute, please see Matt Hodge our new Foundation Director ...
• Thank you again, CFADA ...and to everyone here who, in some small or large way, has made this new building possible. You've truly had your hands on the wheel, driving this very important accomplishment for SCC, for our students, and for Central Florida's economy!
• Now, it's just about time for our official groundbreaking...
• Note: There will be a special photo-op just for CFADA members: After the platform party's photos, we want each and every CFADA member to come gather around the shovels for a historic group photo ...we've even got ladders for the photographers to get high enough to fit you all in the photo!
• After the ceremonial photos, we invite everyone to enjoy the refreshments
• Thank you all for coming ...now if our platform guests will join me, let's put some shovels in the ground!

Groundbreaking Ceremony

Reception

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