SANFORD - U.S. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina learned more about Central Carolina Community College and the college's workforce development efforts during his visit on Monday, Aug. 29 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center.

CCCC President Lisa M. Chapman led the college's presentation, noting that the college is the 10th largest of the state's 58 community colleges and serves an area (Chatham, Harnett, and Lee counties) greater than the state of Rhode Island. She told Senator Tillis, as well as government officials and CCCC community partners in attendance, that the college sees itself as a first-class opportunity and leading workforce partner.

"We have such potential. So many great jobs that are here and coming. And we have great talent in this region," said Dr. Chapman, who added that the college has great corporate partnerships.

Dr. Chapman spoke about many of the college programs that are key to serving students and preparing them for success in the workforce. She also spoke highly of the college's faculty and staff. "They care so much about our students and so much about our community," she said.

Margaret Roberton, CCCC Vice President for Workforce Development, shared details about the new E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center.

When renovation is complete, the Moore Center facility will be transformed to a one-of-a-kind, world-class education center -- the largest facility in the state focused on addressing the workforce needs of advanced manufacturing and biotechnology.

The Moore Center is poised to successfully address the workforce needs of North Carolina's current and future employers by focusing on three core goals:

• Recruiting the manufacturing workforce's next generation of skilled workers;
• Training in state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies to support current and future manufacturing and biotechnology environments; and
• Providing North Carolina with a world class resource capable of driving future economic development by supporting and attracting the businesses of tomorrow.

The Moore Center will not only meet existing and critical regional workforce needs but also fuel regional economic development by showcasing North Carolina's ability to attract, train, and retain a high-quality workforce.

"What they're doing with this investment and this facility is the single greatest opportunity for economic development and attracting more investment here," said Senator Tillis. "It's good vision."

Among local officials attending the event were Kirk Smith, Chairman of the Lee County Board of Commissioners; Sanford Mayor Rebecca Wyhof Salmon; N.C. Senator Jim Burgin, who serves as Vice Chairman of the CCCC Board of Trustees; and Jimmy Randolph, CEO of the Sanford Area Growth Alliance.

Also in attendance was Ryan Combs, Executive Director of the Research Triangle Regional Partnership, who helped to set up the visit.

Following Senator Tillis' visit to CCCC, he visited local manufacturing facilities Bharat Forge and Astellas to hear about partnerships with CCCC leading to opportunities for high-wage careers creating innovative products.

For more information on Central Carolina Community College - which is dedicated to providing pathways to achievable dreams, visit www.cccc.edu.