As a result of the partnership between the Monroe County Manufacturing Assistance Center, a division of the Monroe County Vocational Technical Center and the Greenbrier Valley Campus of New River Community and Technical College, six students from industries in three states have come to the GVCNRCTC to take special classes this past week.

"The course of study shows these workers how they can use computer driven or guided tools in their workplace for their particular need," says David Sizemore, director of the MCMAC and faculty member at the Monroe County Vocational Technical Center.

"But, we also show them the Greenbrier Valley and the hospitality for which this area is noted," Sizemore added. The students this past week toured the Bunker at The Greenbrier, visited in the various areas of Monroe, Greenbrier and surrounding counties, and, Sizemore continued, "Saw just how quickly people in our communities react to the needs of those in trouble as our students witnessed the devastating floods and the rescue and recovery that quickly took place."

Attending this special course were (left to right--front row) Robert Shook, machine tool builder, Chiron America, Charlotte, N.C.; Phillip Steele, machine tool builder, Chiron America, Charlotte, N.C.; Jeff Kramer, tool die maker, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Milwaukee, Wi.; (second row--left to right) Instructor Sizemore of Sinks Grove; Michael Glover, engineer, TACR, LLC, Middletown, NY; Luis Alicea, machine operator, TACR, LLC, Middletown, NY; and Kurt Matschull, Harley Davidson Motor Company, tool and die maker, Milwaukee, Wi.

"We host classes like this several weeks of the year," Sizemore reports, noting that twice "We have had Canadians come to the Greenbrier Valley for our instruction."

The Monroe County Manufacturing Assistance Center maintains a working classroom shop adjoining the Annex of the GVCNRCTC, a block west of the main campus on McElhenny Drive.

November 24, 2003