LMI Kitting, LLC Named Manufacturer of the Year

Atlanta, GA – April 28, 2011: Savannah’s LMI Kitting, LLC was named one of Georgia’s Manufacturers of the Year today in ceremonies held in Atlanta. The company received the award in the category of small manufacturer – companies who employ 150 or fewer. LMI Kitting joined the ZF Group in Gainesville and Meggitt Polymers and Composites Rockmart as the state’s top three manufacturers of the year.

 The annual Governor’s Awards Luncheon is the highlight of Georgia Manufacturing Appreciation Week, which is co-hosted by the Technical College System of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Economic Development. This year, more than a thousand government and business leaders attended the event at the Georgia International Convention Center.

“This is beyond whatever I could’ve imagined – it’s truly an honor,” said the company’s general manager, Phil Lajeunesse, who accepted the award, accompanied by members of his leadership team. “On behalf of our whole team at LMI Kitting, thank you.

Lajeunesse credited LMI’s success to the company’s employees and numerous local and state entities, including Savannah Technical College and Georgia Quick Start. “I’d like to offer special thanks to the Quick Start team,” he continued. “They’ve created training manuals for us of such a high level of quality and detail, we can bring new people on board in a fraction of the time it once took. When you combine that level of help with a terrific team like we have in Savannah, you can’t help but be successful.”

LMI Kitting is a division of LMI Aerospace, a leading supplier of sheet metal and composite parts, specialized components and assemblies for new aircraft production and the modification of a variety of commercial aircraft. In 2003, LMI Aerospace opened LMI Kitting in Savannah.

Using rigorous lean manufacturing techniques, LMI Kitting prepares specialty airframe parts for riveting and assembly, delivering its kits to customers just in time for production.

LMI Kitting creates value for its aviation customers, while also adding value to the lives of its employees and community. The company’s team members have adopted a number of causes. On a regular basis, they hold blood drives, assist the Greenbrier Children’s Orphanage, and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together Savannah, working to build and rehabilitate homes for members of the community.

In fact, the Savannah LMI facility has become a company-wide model of best practices in philanthropy. A canned-food drive that was initiated locally by Savannah employees has grown into a competitive event in which divisions of LMI Aerospace nationwide hold their own food drives, vying to win the coveted “Golden Can Award.”

Technical skills and quality training are critical to LMI’s success. Employees have received Quick Start training during the startup and expansions, and company representatives serve on Savannah Technical College’s Business and Industry Advisory Council. To encourage ongoing education, the company reimburses employees for tuition and books, and provides scholarships to employees’ children who pursue math and science fields.

In his proclamation declaring April 25-29 as Manufacturing Appreciation Week, Gov. Nathan Deal noted the tremendous contribution manufacturing makes to the state’s economic well-being. Nearly 10,000 manufacturing facilities are located in Georgia, according to the proclamation, and they provide 357,798 jobs and contribute more than $100 billion to the state’s economy each year.

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Honor Society Induction Ceremony, April 26 6 pm, Eckburg Auditorium

41 students join the Beta Xi Tau chapter of Phi Theta Kappa

SAVANNAH – On April 26 at 6:00 p.m., Savannah Technical College will induct forty one students into the Beta Xi Tau chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for community college students. This marks the chapter’s seventh such ceremony and will bring its total membership to 220 students and alumni. The event will be held in the Eckburg Auditorium on the college’s Savannah Campus, 5717 White Bluff Road. Family and friends are encouraged to attend.

The newly inducted members with their hometowns and programs of study include:

Nikki Avie, Savannah Culinary Arts

Jonathan Baker, Savannah Automotive Technology

Javier Blanco-Herrera, Savannah Construction Management

Sabine Bouda , Savannah Accounting

Mary Brushett, Savannah Accounting

Kyoung Cho, Savannah Accounting

Richard Cribb , Savannah Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology

Yves Delma , Savannah Accounting

Robert Doemer , Savannah Computer Support Specialist

Garrett Domingue , Enterprise, AL Accounting

Erin Garrett , Savannah Management/Supervisory Development

Chaquilla Harris , Savannah Surgical Technology

Kirstie Huckleberry, Allenhurst Business Administrative Technology

Martha Ishee, Savannah Business Administrative Technology

Sheila Jackson, Savannah Culinary Arts

Olivia James, Hinesville Accounting

Kathy Jernigan, Savannah Accounting

Jeremiah Johnson, Savannah Accounting

Jessica Joshua, Richmond Hill Technical Communications

Marlon Knight, Pooler Management/Supervisory Development

Amanda Lane, Thunderbolt Computer Support Specialist

Casey Lindsley, Richmond Hill Accounting

Sadie Miley, Tybee Island Technical Communications

William Morgan, Springfield Industrial Systems Technology

Cara Mosier, Savannah Accounting

Keishon Nance, Savannah Business Administrative Technology

Marcie Nease, Guyton Networking Specialist

Sweta Patel, Savannah Accounting

Robert Rego, Allenhurst Accounting

Marlon Simmons, Savannah Culinary Arts

Cecil Smith, Richmond Hill Industrial Systems Technology

Brenda Stanton, Savannah Technical Communications

Kathy Strickland, Rincon Management/Supervisory Development

Deva Strode, Savannah Paramedic Technology

Matthew Terrell, Hinesville Air Conditioning Technololy

Vernon L. Thistle, Savannah Accounting

Jennifer Tidmore-Brown, Guyton Paralegal Studies

Quynh Tran, Savannah Surgical Technology

Victoria Washington, Savannah Accounting

Brandi Williams, Rincon Surgical Technology

Jennifer Willis, Hinesville General Studies

 

The Beta Xi Tau chapter of Phi Theta Kappa was formed in July 2005, with twenty nine members. Tom Thompson, department head and instructor of Accounting is the group’s contact advisor along with faculty members Susan Presley, Anthony Adams, and Jim Burch. They will conduct the induction ceremony along with Nikki Avie, chapter president, Savannah Campus and Robert Rego, chapter President, Liberty Campus.

The Induction Ceremony will feature remarks by Dr. Anne Thompson, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, Armstrong Atlantic State University and music by the Forsyth Ensemble. The event is free and open to the public.

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

PLAY BALL! Savannah Technical College Night at the Sand Gnats

May 6 at Historic Grayson Stadium in Savannah

SAVANNAH – Come join in the fun on May 6 as Savannah Technical College teams up with the Sand Gnats to offer Savannah Tech Night at the Sand Gnats! Displays and activities will be set up all along the concourse so you can learn about the many different programs offered by the college. Savannah Tech offers more than 70 different instructional programs in Business and Technology, General Studies, Industrial Technology, Public Service and Health Sciences.  The College also offers Adult Education/GED preparation and customized business training.

“It’s an opportunity for us to showcase our programs to the community and at the same time, our faculty and staff can share in some fun and bring their families out to the ball game,” says College President Dr. Kathy Love, who will throw out the first pitch at the game. “We’re all looking forward to it!”

Game time is 7:05 p.m. Historic Grayson Stadium is located on Victory Drive in Savannah. Regular ticket prices apply.

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

STC to partner in battery recycling for Earth Day 2011

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College will partner with Huntingdon Restoration, Inc. in a battery recycling effort for Earth Day. The college will serve as a drop-off location for car batteries and smaller on Friday, April 22 from 8 am – noon in the rear parking lot of the Savannah Campus, 5717 White Bluff Road.

Companies and individuals looking to recycle larger batteries are encouraged to contact HRI directly for pickup or for a location capable of handling larger batteries. The phone number is 912.234.2173 or by email at info@hribatteries.com

Proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross.

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

STC Foundation celebrates 2011 Tribute to Community STARS

SAVANNAH – A crowd of 200 gathered in the Eckburg Auditorium on the campus of Savannah Technical College today to celebrate the 2011 Tribute to Community STARS luncheon, an annual event recognizing people for their service and dedication in the community or at work.

Honored were:

Katie Bradley, a nurse practitioner at Savannah Vascular & Cardiac Institute, sponsored by Savannah Vascular & Cardiac Institute and Strategic Healthcare Partners;

Cindy Burns, community employment services supervisor at Coastal Center for Developmental Services, Inc., sponsored by Coastal Center for Developmental Services, Inc.;

Leo Center, retired community leaders, sponsored by National Office Systems;

Mary Jane Crouch, executive director of America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, sponsored by Bank of America Merrill Lynch;

Peter Doliber, executive director of the West Broad Street YMCA, sponsored by Howard Morrison;

John Kendricks and Malik Watkins, CEO and president respectively of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Coastal Empire, sponsored by Dick and Judy Eckburg;

Tom Kohler, coordinator and executive director of Savannah-Chatham Citizen Advocacy, sponsored by Versteel;

Laura Connerat Lawton, retired educator, sponsored by Hansen Architects, Bernard Williams, Inc. and Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty;

Roger Moss, co-founder of the Savannah Children’s Choir, sponsored by the Savannah Technical College Foundation Community Council;

Patti Schminke, law librarian at Hunter Maclean, sponsored by Hunter Maclean;

Kathy Thomson, executive director of Coastal Center for Developmental Services, Inc., sponsored by DIRTT-Doing It Right This Time;

Cinda Young, department head and instructor of Early Childhood Care and Education at Savannah Technical College, sponsored by Savannah Technical College; and

Marjorie Young, CEO/president of Carriage Trade PR, sponsored by Savannah Morning News.

The event is organized by the Savannah Technical College Foundation Community Council, a group of young professionals charges with expanding the awareness of Savannah Technical College and its mission through advocacy, awareness and fundraising.

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Savannah Technical College is greening up!

New expertise, new solar installation, new programs on the horizon and more

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College President Kathy Love is seeing green everywhere she looks and she likes it. “I’m convinced that we can continue to be a leader in green energy technology in Georgia and beyond,” she says. And, she’s likely to be proven right.

Armed with new master professional certifications in Wind and Solar Thermal technology to compliment already-held master certification in Solar Photovoltaic technology, Department Head and Instructor of Electrical Construction and Maintenance Lester Wiggins is set to bring new expertise to campus in wind and geothermal energy. “Two quarters ago, we incorporated wind energy technology into our classes and added a small wind turbine,” he says. The turbine is positioned adjacent to the solar panels on the demonstration roof behind the lab. Both systems are connected to a meter that shows how much energy they produce. “Students are amazed to see the power meter running backwards,” says Wiggins. “Then they realize that this technology really makes a difference in energy consumption.”

Lester Wiggins brings an impressive array of skills and experience to the classroom. His recent certifications are from Unitec College in San Jose, Ca. A licensed electrical contractor in six states, Wiggins has held membership in the International Association of Electrical Inspectors since 1987 and held leadership positions in that organization for 10 years. He has been affiliated with the college since 1980 and employed as a full-time faculty member since 1994.

Wiggins and his colleagues have big plans for green energy technology. In a few weeks, he and his students will install at 28-KW solar system on the roof of the college’s Industrial Technology Center (ITC) to increase efficiency and reduce consumption in the building. The ITC is one of eight state-owned buildings competing in Georgia’s First Annual State Building Energy Competition.

Additionally, a group of faculty members in the Industrial Technology division are working together to develop a new diploma program in Green Technology built around existing classes in electrical construction, heating and air conditioning, energy efficiencies and measures, and solar energy. It will be the first program of its kind in Georgia says Wiggins. “We have to develop new state standards for teaching in these areas because we’ll be the first to have this curriculum.”

And being first is nothing new to Savannah Tech. The college was the first technical college in Georgia to offer hands-on training in photovoltaics for solar energy installation. That first garnered a lot of attention locally, regionally and nationally. It was the photovoltaic program that caught the White House’s attention and led to a Presidential visit and major green energy policy announcement in the campus auditorium.

After visiting the college’s solar energy lab a little more than a year ago, President Barak Obama said at the time, “From the instructors to the students, you saw just an incredible enthusiasm for America’s future. And I was just talking to President Love about the focus of Savannah Tech on clean energy, the idea that this can be a real model for green energy as a way of linking students to the enormous job opportunities and business opportunities that exist in the future. These are the skills that will help our country transform the way we produce and use energy.”

Savannah Technical College continues to develop programs that support green energy technology education and training. The college currently enrolls about 100 students in the electrical construction and solar energy programs and an additional 55 are enrolled in Historic Preservation.

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).