(October 24, 2008) Franklin, Kentucky (from the Franklin Favorite).  

Eight years ago, a technical school and community college in Franklin was just a twinkle in the eye of state Sen. Richie Sanders (R-Franklin) and local officials.

Last Thursday, many who met in 2000 at the old City Hall to devise the long-range plan were among the dignitaries who helped cut the ribbon on the $18 million Franklin-Simpson Center of the Bowling Green Technical College at the Sanders East Industrial Park.

State legislators who shepherded the plan through the General Assembly and community leaders believe that the technical school is the crowning achievement of Simpson County’s highly successful economic development efforts, which have been among the most impressive in the southeastern United States. Even before it opened, the tech school played a vital role in attracting two huge manufacturers to Simpson County — Wabash National and Integrity Automotive with a combined initial employment projection of 1,460 jobs — and retaining other key industries.

“This facility will literally change people’s lives,” said Sen. Sanders, who is not running for re-election. “This sends a message to people coming into Kentucky on I-65 ... that we do value opportunities.”

State Rep. Rob Wilkey (D-Scottsville) worked with Sanders to push the eight-year project through the General Assembly. Wilkey predicted the technical center will have a profound effect on economic development in this area — maybe the biggest recruiting tool since the interstate cut through Simpson County 60 years ago.

Sen. Sanders met with local officials eight years ago to launch the project. His plan was to get $1 million in seed money to buy the land and then to work on the financing during later legislative sessions.

“These kind of these don’t just happen...or happen quickly,” Simpson County Judge/Executive Jim Henderson said. “It takes vision ... and we owe our legislators a lot.”

Dr. Michael B. McCall, president of the Kentucky College and Technical College System, likened the architectural characteristics of the futuristic center coming together to the community partnering to get behind the project.

“This type of organization and support is what is needed to make things happen,” McCall said.

It marked the 67th campus to open under the umbrella of the KCTCS system.

“These schools are critical for the economic viability of the Commonwealth itself, and it will really help this community,” McCall said at the ribbon cutting Thursday. “What it will be able to do is to reach out and to provide that access to higher education that is so important in today’s global economy.”

Ground was broken on the 63,000-square-foot F-S Center of the Bowling Green Technical College in June 2006. Its mission is to train and to retrain workers at local and area industries as well as to provide a venue for college-credit general education classes.

The state-of-the-art center, which has 12 classrooms and 12 computer/technical labs, opened in August. About 35 took general education classes during the first semester, while specialized training for nearby New Mather Metals employees is also under way.

“This is so important for industry. It tells them that we are here to support your needs so you can compete globally,” Bowling Green Technical College President Dr. Nathan Hodges said. “It also sends a powerful, powerful message to everyone who comes and goes on I-65. That is, Kentucky is open for business.”

“Think about the lives we will touch with this,” Industrial Board Attorney Buddy Leach added. “This will benefit us for years to come.”

McCall said the goal of KCTCS is to make education more convenient for Kentuckians. He said an industrial park is a perfect location for a tech school.

“To be located in an industrial park really makes this an ideal location so we can not only train those people who need education but need the jobs as well,” McCall said. “And now, they don’t have to go far to do that. Clearly, there is a need for this is this area.”

Bowling Green Technical College and the F-S Center offer certificate, diploma and two-year degree programs as well as workforce training programs designed to meet the needs of business and industry.

As opposed to four-year colleges, BGTC offers affordable tuition, smaller class sizes, individualized attention, flexible schedules and career counseling. All credits are transferable to state colleges and universities.

BGTC offers associate degrees, diplomas and/or certificates in 25 areas, including automotive technology, culinary arts, information technology, welding and nursing programs.