Buena Vista, VA (April 2024) — Mountain Gateway Community College Real Estate Foundation (MGCC) and the City of Buena Vista proudly announce the acquisition of a substantial grant from the Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF), totaling $650,000, to advance the transformation of the historic Courtesy Ford facility into the Wilson Workforce Development Center. This joint effort, supported by the IRF program, marks a significant milestone, securing vital funding to propel the project forward.
Originally erected in 1916, the Courtesy Ford facility holds profound historical significance within the Downtown Buena Vista Historic District and is duly recognized on both the Virginia and National Register of Historic Places. Despite its esteemed heritage, the building has remained vacant since approximately 2010 and was identified as blighted during a comprehensive 2019 Buena Vista Community Development Block Grant Business District Revitalization study.
The infusion of IRF funding serves as a pivotal catalyst for the comprehensive overhaul of the 18,750 square foot facility into the Wilson Workforce Development Center, an ambitious endeavor estimated at $6.1 million. Designed to offer a diverse spectrum of degree and non-degree programs tailored to hard trades, including HVAC technician, Commercial Driver’s License, Diesel Mechanic, Advanced Manufacturing, and Welding, the Center aligns closely with the FastForward initiative, providing essential tuition assistance to Virginians pursuing careers in high-demand sectors.
Anticipated to enroll 125 students in its inaugural year and expand to accommodate 300 students within its fifth year, the Wilson Workforce Development Center will not only address critical workforce needs but also stimulate economic growth within the region. Through strategic collaborations with regional stakeholders such as Modine Manufacturing, Everbrite, and Lee-Hi Travel Plaza, MGCC has secured commitments for the creation of 60 new jobs and retention of 40 existing positions. An additional 28 direct jobs are expected to materialize as a direct consequence of the Center’s establishment, signifying a combined investment exceeding $2 million by these esteemed employers.
“Securing this grant underscores our unwavering commitment to serving our community’s educational needs and driving economic growth,” said Dr. John Rainone, MGCC President. “The Wilson Workforce Development Center will serve as a beacon of opportunity, empowering individuals and enriching our region for generations to come.”
The project will expand the region’s capacity to deliver in-demand training, providing a pipeline of skilled workers in high-demand fields, which will bolster workforce development, create jobs, attract private investment, and strengthen the regional economy. In addition, the Center’s strategic positioning in downtown Buena Vista promises to invigorate the local economy by attracting students, faculty, and staff from neighboring areas, thus fostering symbiotic relationships with adjacent merchants and restaurants.
In echoing Governor Youngkin’s sentiments regarding the transformative impact of the IRF program statewide, Buena Vista Mayor, Tyson Cooper, expressed his profound gratitude for the support extended through the Industrial Revitalization Fund, stating, “This grant is a testament to the collaborative spirit between Mountain Gateway Community College and the City of Buena Vista. We look forward to the positive impact this project will have on our downtown and entire community. We extend our gratitude to all who made it possible.”
For additional information on the Industrial Revitalization Fund, please visit www.dhcd.virginia.gov/irf. For additional information on the Wilson Workforce Center, please visit https://www.mgcc.edu/wilson-workforce-center.
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