The Shadow
BUENA VISTA, Va. (VR) – Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) celebrated the grand opening of the Joe Wilson Workforce Center on Friday, marking the completion of a $7.3 million, 18,750-square-foot facility that promises to strengthen workforce development and economic
opportunity across the region.
“This is not just a building; it’s a catalyst for growth,” said MGCC President John Rainone. “It represents a shared vision and a promise that no matter your starting point, there is a place for you at Mountain Gateway. It’s an investment in people: people ready to learn, to build, and to lead.”
The center triples the college’s training capacity and is expected to boost enrollment in career and technical programs by more than 120%. It will provide hands-on training in welding, diesel technology, CDL, precision machining, construction, plumbing, electrical and other trades.
Additional workforce programs include massage therapy, and NCCER training in core, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry and industrial maintenance.
This fall, MGCC will launch the MG-TEC IT Academy to prepare students for careers in IT, cybersecurity and cloud computing. Credit classes range from biology, anatomy and physiology, and U.S. history, to psychology, film appreciation, theatre and college composition.
New programs on the way include truck service technician-diesel, heavy equipment operator, machine operator and OSHA outreach training.
The project was made possible by the generosity of more than 130 donors. Visionary donors, those contributing $1 million or more, include the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, which invested $3 million, and the Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe
Foundation, whose total support now exceeds $1 million.
“This project is a shining example of regional collaboration,” Rainone said. “I’m particularly proud that our three local governments not only contributed financially but supported this vision from concept to completion.”
Several key individuals were also recognized for their dedication. Skip Ramsey was honored for his long-standing support through Ramsey Real Estate and his leadership in the Buena Vista community. Jay Williams was praised for serving as the college’s on-site representative during construction, keeping the project on track. Finally, Billy Ould was recognized for his deep-rooted dedication, volunteer work and vision, with the facility’s canopy area named in his honor.
The project’s success also reflects the work of KNA Contracting and Spectrum Design, both credited for delivering a functional and beautiful facility.
At the heart of the effort was Joe Wilson, a Buena Vista native and retired business executive, whose donation of the former Courtesy Motors and Robey Ford buildings provided the foundation for the new center. Rainone described Wilson’s contribution as both the literal and symbolic cornerstone of the project.
The center is expected to create 168 new jobs, retain 457 existing jobs and generate more than $11 million in economic impact.
To help sustain its mission, personalized, engraved bricks are available to purchase through the college’s Buy-A-Brick program. Buying a brick helps support the next generation of learners, workers, and community leaders who are opening the gateway to their futures at MGCC. Bricks are $100 each and can be purchased at bit.ly/mgcc-brick.
For more information about the Joe Wilson Workforce Center or to donate, visit www.mgcc.edu or contact Rainone at 540-863-2827 or jrainone@mgcc.edu.
