New College Tourism Training Center: A Key to the Future

Visitors to the Home of American Golf® have come to expect both a premier experience and superior customer service — be it on the golf course, or while at the hotel or restaurant of their choice. Without it, they will take their business elsewhere and in the competitive tourism sector that is the equivalent of economic suicide. Thus, communities across the country are re-thinking how they can ensure their labor market attracts and educates the skilled workers needed both today and in the future.

In Moore County, a major initiative has been launched to ensure the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area maintains its competitive edge with its tourism labor force. Last month brought the opening of Sandhills Community College's (SCC) $ 7.0 million George W. Little Hall. As local dignitaries gathered outside at the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the new 44,400 sq. ft. facility, inside students had already begun utilizing the state of the art kitchen facilities and classrooms. Students at SCC have many options available to them in tourism-related fields including: golf course management/turf grass management technology; hotel and restaurant management; resort and spa management; and culinary arts; plus a wide range of business and computer technology classes.

Little, a local insurance executive, has served as past chairman of both the Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Community College boards, and has always been a huge supporter of local tourism interests. His vision will be realized in the new building, which will provide ample classroom space for the hundreds of students that come through it each year to be educated and eventually serve the local tourism industry. These students will help guarantee that the destination lives up to its promise to deliver an unforgettable experience for visitors for years to come.

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Content for the story above provided by:
The Pilot Newspaper
(910) 692-7271
www.thepilot.com

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