Merchants excited about school's downtown center

Staff Writer

Flint River Technical College's new downtown campus is now open for business and merchants around the square are excited.

So far, offices of Child Care Resource and Referral, Economic Development and Continuing Education have been moved into the newly-renovated, former Thomaston Mills building.

Flint Tech President Kathy Love said in January 2005, Adult Education classes, New Connections to Work, and Georgia Fatherhood will also be moved there.

The opening of the new downtown campus is expected to create permanent foot traffic downtown of at least 200 people.

Shop owners say they couldn't have asked for a better Christmas present.

"The number of students will vary each quarter," said Kathy Love, the school's president.

"We estimate 150 to 200 staff and students a day," she said. "The Child Care Resource and Referral should bring even more in."

"The Community Development Center should increase foot traffic," said Patrick Greer of Greer Store for Men. "We hope to gain sales."

Other business owners are equally as enthusiastic.

"Hopefully when the bigger crowds come in January, it will help business," said Carel Sewell of T-Town Billiards. "They can come eat, drink, and play pool during breaks."

"It will be a wonderful addition to downtown," said Valerie Moore of Downtown Home and Hardware. "More people downtown helps improve the community."

"The students and staff can get together to study, meet, eat, and just enjoy the environment," said Sarah Harper of Remember When.

But the new center downtown does more than just help local merchants.

"The addition of this building frees up classrooms for creditable classes," said Love.

Flint Tech has grown 62 percent annually in the past two years.

"The Community Development Center is intended to enhance the community," said Love. "Our mission is simply workforce development."

The building was purchased last May when the Flint River Technical College Foundation agreed to pay just more than $350,000 for the property.

Love, at the time, said the building will offer space designated for use as a "business incubator."

"If we have a new industry locating here that needs support and start-up space, we're going to have that available," she said.