Hutchinson here for ANC’s Center for Allied Tech opening

Arkansas Northeastern College's newest addition to its campus was officially opened on Friday. The college's new center will allow for advancements in ANC's workforce development training.

While ANC's classes do not start until Monday, the college had a dedication ceremony as well as a public open house on Friday. Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson was among those in attendance for the dedication ceremony.

"What a great day to be in Mississippi County. I came here for the announcement of the steel academy and this facility and it rained that day and it rained on this trip, so if you ever need rain in Mississippi County just call on me…I am glad to be back today, this is an incredible crowd. This shows the leadership in Mississippi County and their commitment to growth and to education systems. I usually don't come twice for the same facility, but I did and I'm glad I did because I got to see this incredible investment that you made in workforce education that is a critical link to economic growth in our state and in our region…I applaud you and I thank you. I'm glad to be here," Hutchinson said.

He added that the new facility is going to bring a great number of new opportunities to people within the county and those coming into it. He thanked all who were involved in the efforts they made to make the facility possible.

Hutchinson stated that he frequently talks about Mississippi County and northeast Arkansas's commitment to economic growth not just with other leaders within Arkansas but also on the international level.

"We are in this together and I realize now more than ever before that Mississippi County is not just critical to northeast Arkansas…you are a critical link in the economy of the state of Arkansas. I talk about what is going on here with the steel industry not just across Arkansas but also across the nation and across the globe because when you go to a group or country that is not familiar with Arkansas, you have a list of bragging points. The steel industry of northeast Arkansas is easy to brag about and it catches their attention. This is important for our state," Hutchinson said.

ANC President Dr. James Shemwell also spoke about the facility and thanked the many private donors to the facility, which amounted to $1,805,000. Shemwell spoke at the ANC Board of Trustees meeting about the new facility and stated that the far west section of the building is still not completely finished; however, all classes associated with those rooms will not be delayed and will be held in alternate locations until the building is completed in September.

The new facility will revolutionize the college's workforce training and will feature training in aviation, electrical fields, welding, construction and other technical fields.

The facility will also host the Arkansas Steelmaking Academy or ASA, which will be the first North American facility for the SMS Group's steel training, which is based out of Germany.

gwilliams@blythevillecourier.com