County college cuts ribbon on high-tech conference center

New facility at Mercer designed to help the area’s workforce compete in the global marketplace.

By: George Frey

"Attendees

Staff photo by Frank Wojciechowski
Attendees gather for the ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked the official opening of a new conference center at Mercer County Community College in West Windsor.


"College

Staff photos by Frank Wojciechowski
At left, College President Robert Rose speaks at the official opening of MCCC’s new conference center.




Below, pictured just after the ceremony are Mercer County Executive Robert Prunetti, MCCC President Robert Rose and college Board of Trustees member William E. Baroni Jr.

"Mercer


   To help the area’s workforce prepare and compete in the global marketplace, Mercer County Community College officially opened its conference center at the college’s main campus in West Windsor Feb. 20.
   The $10-million conference center already has hosted meetings for several dozen groups visiting since its actual opening on Jan. 16.
   "Those who have used the facility are extremely satisfied," said the college’s president, Dr. Robert Rose. "This project is a great match for the college, as workforce training has long been a big part of our mission."
   The center’s many technological advantages have been attracting attention, especially its Webcasting, satellite teleconferencing and global videoconferencing capabilities, the college said. Its tiered auditorium, which seats 219 people, is equipped with individual laptop ports. The center also has six high-tech computer labs and nine conference-style management-training rooms. In addition to providing facilities, the center will be offering a range of custom designed professional training services.
   Mr. Rose said the project wouldn’t have happened without the generous support of the State of New Jersey, Mercer County and area businesses such as Yardville National Bank. The college named the building’s atrium for the bank. Merrill Lynch also had a meeting room dedicated to the company for its generosity to the college, as did Jamil Faridy of Faridy Veisz Fraytak Architects of Trenton.
   The Conference Center at Mercer is located at 1220 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. For more information, visit the Web site at www.mccc.edu. The phone number is (609) 586-4800.