|
|
|
|
Open for business Center for Workforce Development opens with training programs, conference center
Gov. Bob Taft, Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman and college President Dr. Valeriana Moeller presided over the ribbon cutting. "It is a wonderful facility, with a great staff of people, and we can't wait to show it off," Moeller said. Built with $27 million in state money, the 141,000-square-foot Center for Workforce Development is the largest academic center built to date at Columbus State. The building includes the latest technology, with audio-visual equipment and wireless Internet in every classroom. It includes classrooms, laboratories, workshops and office space for the college's Community Education and Workforce Development Division.
"Today's a day in which Columbus State takes a bold new step to serve the workers of Ohio and Ohio employers," Taft said. "This is a terrific investment in Ohio's future." The building connects Downtown and the King-Lincoln District just east of Downtown, Coleman said. He foresees it driving economic development for years to come. "This is the heart and soul of the city," Coleman said, "because from this place our education will come and our jobs will come." The center's crown jewel is a state-of-the-art business conference center on the top floor. The center features a ballroom with a capacity of 400, 10 breakout rooms connected by a gallery, a board room, and serving kitchens for catered events.
"I'll be looking for a new job in January," Taft said. "I'll be planning to come here to assess and train for a new career." About the Center for Workforce Development Building specs: The largest academic center built to date on Columbus State's campus--141,000 square feet. The center houses a 400-seat conference center ballroom, board rooms and breakout rooms, "smart" classrooms, laboratories, computer labs, student lounge areas and offices for the college's Community Education Workforce Development Division. Attached to the center is a separate Child Development Center open to students, faculty, staff of the college as well as community residents and downtown workers.
|
|
Student Scholars
Columbus State renewed its commitment to its community with the grand opening of the Center for Workforce Development July 20. 
The Community Education and Workforce Development division serves more than 20,000 students. It trains workers for new careers and provides English education for immigrants. The center also houses the Small Business Development Center, which provides assistance to those starting their own business; and Business and Industry Training Services, which helps businesses develop training plans for their employees. 
Taft joked he may come to the center when his term as governor ends at the end of the year.