The Paramont Applied Technology and Workforce Center “officially” opened its doors today, ushering in a new era of innovation, education, and workforce development. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of the state-of-the-art facility, which is poised to make a significant impact in training the next generation of skilled workers and advancing cutting-edge technologies.
Celebrating the day with Virginia Highlands Community College and the Virginia Highlands Community College Educational Foundation were: donors and supporters of the Center; Virginia General Assembly members; members of the State Board for Community Colleges and Chancellor Dore; the boards of Virginia Highlands Community College and the VHCC Foundation; business, industry, and community leaders; and VHCC faculty, staff and students.
“We are incredibly proud to open the doors to the Paramont Applied Technology and Workforce Center, which represents not only a physical space but also a commitment to the future of our workforce and our economy,” said Dr. Adam Hutchison, President of Virginia Highlands Community College. “This center will empower individuals with the technical skills and hands-on experience needed to thrive in today’s job market – and we are excited to see the countless opportunities it will create for students, workers, and employers alike.”
The Paramont Center is the first new instructional building developed at the College in more than 20 years. The 20,000 square foot building was constructed to house the College’s Welding Technology, Diesel Technology, and Workforce & Continuing Education Programs. It features classrooms, modern lab spaces, collaboration areas for students, and a business & industry hub for short-term and customized training.
Virgil Wimmer, VHCC Foundation Board Chair, remarked that “the opening of the Paramont Center marks a significant milestone for the region.” “This project reflects the dedication of our boards, the VHCC family, supporters, and the community to invest in our region’s future – and will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and innovation, providing a place where students can gain practical skills that will serve them well throughout their careers.”
More than $10 million dollars was raised by the VHCC Foundation for the property purchase, construction, equipment and furnishings for the new building. All funds were raised through private donations, grants and gifts; no state-appropriated construction funds were used for the project. Burwil Construction Company has served as the design-build partner to the VHCC Foundation.
Lead Donors and Supporters:
- Jim Brown, Paramont Manufacturing
- The Bill Gatton Foundation
- Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission
- Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia in memory of Eric R. Miller
- The United Company Foundation
- Greg & Lantha Quesenberry
- Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation
- John D. Lentz, D.D.S.
- Olin & Muriel Prather
“As a proud supporter of this initiative, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is thrilled to see the vision for the Paramont Center come to life,” said TRRC Executive Director, the Honorable James Campos. “The importance of developing a skilled workforce cannot be overstated, and it is our hope that this facility will serve as a model for other communities seeking to bridge the skills gap and provide individuals with the tools they need to succeed.”
Laura Pennington, VHCC’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the VHCC Foundation said, “today is a proud moment for our entire community as we celebrate the culmination of years of hard work and collaboration.” “The Paramont Applied Technology and Workforce Center represents the very best of what we can achieve when we work together as a community...it is a symbol of our dedication to creating pathways to success for our students and empowering local businesses with the skilled workforce they need to thrive.”