On Tuesday, May 22, Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) and Hendrick Automotive Group will hold a joint dedication of the new Joe Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology at 2:00 p.m. at the CPCC Levine Campus in Matthews (2800 Campus Ridge Road). This 35,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility will serve as headquarters to many of the College’s training and re-training programs in automotive technology.

Guest speakers at the dedication include Governor Mike Easley, Rick Hendrick, Hendrick Automotive Group Chairman; Matthews Mayor Lee Myers, and CPCC President Dr. Tony Zeiss. Following the dedication, guests will have an opportunity to tour the facility and learn more about the programs at CPCC.

The new facility features six classrooms and six labs with the latest in equipment and technology. The Joe Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology serves technicians who are seeking updated technical skills through contract training and corporate and continuing education classes, as well as those who aspire to be technicians through curriculum programs.

The Levine Campus program offers the BMW Associate Degree Program, which includes nine BMW factory course credits. Students receive advanced training on BMW’s newest models and systems. In addition, CPCC provides BMW dealerships with manufacturer-trained interns who often obtain employment with the dealership soon after graduation. CPCC partners with Toyota and Lexus dealerships to offer the Toyota Technical Education Network (T-TEN). T-TEN students alternate semesters between learning hands-on Toyota and Lexus repair skills at CPCC and working in dealerships. More than 100 automotive dealerships in the Charlotte region have employed CPCC graduates over the past several years.

CPCC offers opportunities in GM Service Technician training, Toyota Satellite training, AC Delco training, North Carolina Automotive Safety and Emissions Inspection courses, Independent Auto Dealers certification, and customized Electrical and Hybrid courses.

”I am excited about the opportunities available to our students through the new Joe Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology,” states Dr. Tony Zeiss, President of CPCC. “In these classrooms, students will have a chance to receive the latest in instruction by industry-trained, experienced instructors. We are grateful to the Hendrick family for their generous gift to CPCC. As a result of their support, many students will have an opportunity to pursue their dreams in the automotive industry.”

Auto labor statistics indicate that over the next three years, nearly 160,000 qualified technicians will be needed in the automotive industry. In addition, between 20,000 to 38,000 qualified autobody technicians will be needed in the next three years. CPCC is working hard to address this labor shortage. A 2006 economic impact study on motorsports revealed the industry provides 26,000 jobs in North Carolina and generates an estimated $6 billion.

The Center is named in honor of the late Joe Hendrick, a pioneer in North Carolina’s automotive and racing industries.

“It was obvious to everyone who knew my father that he had a love of cars and a great desire to help others, especially young folks, reach their true potential,” explains Rick Hendrick. “He would be so humbled to know that his name will be associated with an institution that honors both of those passions.

”The Joe Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology at CPCC is all about creating opportunities in our industry and region. Together, everyone in this community – from the manufacturers and auto dealers to our leadership in government – has truly stepped up to build a world-class facility.”

Event: Joe Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology Dedication (VIP event)
Date: Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: CPCC Levine Campus (2800 Campus Ridge Road)

About CPCC:
CPCC is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering 100 degree and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education and special interest classes. CPCC is academically,
financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. In 2002, the National Alliance of Business named CPCC the Community College of the Year for its response to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies.

About Hendrick Automotive Group:
Hendrick Automotive Group operates 52 dealerships representing 24 nameplates, 71 franchises and 14 collision centers across eight states. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., the company employs more than 4,500 people and is currently ranked by Ward’s Dealer Business magazine as the seventh-largest mega-dealer operation in the nation based on the 2006 calendar year. In 2006, retail vehicle sales exceeded 91,000 units and revenues were in excess $3.5 billion. For more information about Hendrick Automotive Group, please visit www.hendrickauto.com.