Raleigh:  U. S. Representatives Bob Etheridge and David Price are among the officials who will participate in a ribbon cutting at the new Eastern North Carolina Plastics Technology Center in Zebulon on Wednesday, January 16. The ceremony begins at 3 p.m. and will be followed by a reception and informal tours.

The National Science Foundation has provided an $800 thousand grant to develop and promote a curriculum for the center, which is the first of its type in the state.

The plastics center is a combined effort among six North Carolina community colleges: Edgecombe, Johnston, Nash, Wake Technical, Wayne and Wilson Technical. The presidents of each community college and Dr. Stephen Scott, executive vice president of the North Carolina Community College System, will also participate in the ceremony.

The North Carolina General Assembly provided initial funding of $650 thousand for this regional and cooperative initiative effort with dollars from HB 275. This legislation has provided financial support for community college equipment needs and for special joint projects among community colleges and local industry.

Several North Carolina legislators will attend the ceremony, including Representative Joe Tolson, D-Edgecombe. "This project shows how community colleges can work together toward a common goal to provide specialized training for students and save money in the process," said Tolson.

Scott agrees that in these tight budget times, an effort like this is essential. "The plastics industry is a new player in North Carolina’s economy, said Scott. "This cooperative effort will provide experienced workers for this important industry."

Students in the six community colleges will be able to complete associate degrees in plastics technology, one of the fastest growing industries in North Carolina, using laboratory facilities at the plastics center.

The Eastern North Carolina Plastics Technology Center is located at 519 North Industrial Drive in Zebulon.

-NCCCS-

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