The
World Center for Concrete Technology
WCCT Officially Opens
Leaders from the concrete and concrete
products industries, government and education celebrated the grand
opening of The World Center for Concrete Technology (WCCT), in Alpena,
Michigan 4 – 5 August 2000.
William P. Harris II
(seventh person from right), cuts the ribbon, officially opening the
World Center for Concrete Technology. Other participants of the concrete
products industry represented the WCCT Partner's Council, Alpena
Community College, the World Center for Concrete Technology and National
Concrete Masonry Association.
The WCCT officially opened for tours
after a well attended ribbon cutting ceremony. Visitors were guided on
tours of Harris Hall, the $7 million research and educational facility
containing the WCCT. Visitors were impressed by the 42,360 square feet
(3897 square meters) facility, which contains classrooms, a computer
lab, testing facility and a fully operational Besser equipped concrete
products production plant. The highlight of the tour occurred when the
plant began producing column block.
"The combined efforts of state,
federal, private and corporate interests have fueled a great institution
in WCCT. WCCT is truly a facility for the next millennium of learning
more about all aspects of concrete technology," stated Mike Wojno,
WCCT grand opening guest, Partners Council member and regional vice
president of Oldcastle APG.
Mission of the WCCT
"Meeting the current and future challenges of the concrete related
industries is the sole purpose of the WCCT. Having a resource completely
dedicated to this pursuit is an exciting competitive edge for the entire
global industry," shared Jim Hayford, executive director WCCT.
Advancing the interests of the concrete
and concrete products industries including block, cementitious
materials, pipe, precast, prestress and ready mix through specialized
services is the mission of the WCCT. These
services include:
•
workforce training, development and certification programs
•
confidential research
•
certified testing facilities
•
academic degree programs
Alpena Community College has a
reputation in Concrete Technology, earned by over 40 years of employee
training through the Blockmakers Workshop® series and more than 30
years of graduating highly skilled men and women through the Concrete
Technology degree program. The WCCT is building on this foundation to
meet a broader range of industry needs.
Visitors
observe as the plant begins operation.
The Partner’s Council, an advisory
group comprised of industry leaders, is committed to providing insight
and expertise regarding the needs of the concrete and concrete products
industries. Members of this group include: Alpena Community College,
Besser Company, CSR Rinker, Lafarge Corporation, Michigan Limestone
Operations Inc., Oldcastle Architectural and W. R. Grace & Company.
The WCCT is the new home for the award
winning Blockmakers Workshops®. More than 11,350 students from all over
the globe have benefited from the instruction offered. The facilities of
the WCCT provide for an expanded course selection including Specialty
Products and Preventive Maintenance. The 2000 – 2001 Blockmakers
schedule is included with this Besser Block. Register via mail, fax or
by visiting www.besser.com/training.
Lake State University
Articulation Agreement
Prior to the ribbon cutting, officials from Alpena Community College
(ACC) and Lake Superior State University, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
signed an articulation agreement that allows students graduating with
Associates in Applied Science Degree in Concrete Technology to complete
a Bachelors Degree while attending classes at ACC.
WCCT Partnership
The WCCT was developed through a partnership between the State of
Michigan, U.S. Department of Commerce EDA, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Alpena Community College and the concrete and concrete
products industries.
Find out how the WCCT can benefit you
by contacting Jim Hayford, 989.356.9021, extension 7404 or via e-mail, hayfordj@alpena.cc.mi.us. |
