FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DCC, ESSELPROPACK PARTNERSHIP     

RECEIVES TOP VCCS HONOR 

Shown with the award are (left to right): Mattie Cowan, DCC Board Chair; Jeff Arnold, C-BIG Director; Brad Deal,  EsselPropack Production Superintendent; Dr. Carlyle Ramsey, DCC President; Dr. Shirley Primiano, DCC Educational Foundation Board Chair; and Dr. Max Glass, Dean of  Workforce Services.

            DANVILLE, VA, December 5, 2003 -- Danville Community College’s partnership with

 EsselPropack was one of two business partnerships honored as part of the annual Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Business/Industry Partnership awards, presented during the 2003 VCCS Annual Meeting held recently in Richmond.

            EsselPropack of Danville and the Coastal Coal Company of Roanoke were each honored for their partnerships with Danville Community College and Mountain Empire Community College, respectively. This is the second state honor for the DCC partnership with EsselPropack. Earlier this year, DCC and EsselPropack’s partnership was the 2003 award recipient by the Virginia Council for Career and Technical Education.

            EsselPropack, which manufacturers more than one-quarter of the world’s laminated tubes, opened its first U.S operation in Danville. DCC played a key role in demonstrating the ability of the college to deliver a trained technical workforce for the company.  The college worked with the Virginia Employment Commission to screen and interview potential employees, as well as provide assessments and training to the 80 individuals initially hired. As the operation expands, DCC is involved in training the new employees.

            For more information on how DCC can assist businesses, contact Jeff Arnold, Director of the Center for Business, Industry and Government, at 434.797.8412; toll free at 800.560.4291, ext. 8412; or email: jarnold@dcc.vccs.edu.