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West Georgia Technical College and the West Georgia Technical College Foundation hosted the first Troup Partners in Progress event this week to start a conversation about how the College can help meet the needs of Troup County, according to a press release from WGTC.

WGTC President Dr. Julie Post invited industry partners and community leaders to the Callaway Conference Center at WGTC’s LaGrange Campus to share what’s on the horizon at WGTC and discuss how to work together to move forward in Troup County.

Post held a brief program outlining current partnerships between WGTC and industry in Troup County and introduced the Capital Outlay Request for a new 52,000 ft² Logistics, Transportation and Manufacturing Complex at WGTC’s LaGrange Campus.

“The proposed capital project is so important for progress for WGTC and for Troup County,” Post said.

“Our job at West Georgia Tech is to create the opportunity for individuals in our communities to enroll in programs that will not only guarantee them an incredible career, but a career with companies in our region.”

The new facility will expand several current programs at the LaGrange Campus including Machine Tool and Commercial Truck Driving and add Transportation and Warehouse Logistics, Carbon Fiber Manufacturing and Lineman Training.

These program additions and expansions will support enrollment of an additional 750 students annually, allowing WGTC to help serve the demands of the growing workforce in the area.

Scott Malone, president of the Development Authority of LaGrange, spoke to the attendees about the growing partnerships between WGTC and industries in Troup County and shared his excitement about the future.

“We are incredibly excited about the vision Dr. Post has created with her team for a new Logistics, Transportation and Manufacturing Complex which will be incredibly important to support our extensive existing industry base and the explosive growth we are continuing to experience in the region,” Malone said. “These are exciting times and we could not be prouder of the partnership we have grown with Dr. Post and her team. The future is bright for WGTC and our entire region.”

Dr. Brian Shumate, superintendent for Troup County School System, shared in Malone’s enthusiasm when speaking about the partnership between WGTC and his schools and thanked Post for her “leadership, vision, and forward-thinking approach” in creating opportunities at WGTC for his students.

“The Troup County School System is extremely proud and honored to partner with West Georgia Technical College on our current and innovative partnerships,” Shumate said. 

“Troup County, in conjunction with WGTC, is on a great trajectory in creating tomorrow’s workforce and giving many of our students access to programs and the skills to pursue high skill, high wage and high demand jobs.”

Post said she was incredibly grateful to those who gave their time to attend this event and looks forward to more gatherings and fellowship with partners in Troup County.

“This event was an opportunity for WGTC to bring partners together, share a common vision, and work on our connections for success,” Post said.

“Workforce development is our mission, and we want to do our part to contribute to the economic vitality of the area. Partnerships with business and industry are critical to this mission, and we are excited to continue to see those partnerships grow.”