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June 3, 2008 - The Union Towns Employer Committee, the Blairsville-Union Chamber of Commerce, and the Towns County Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a Lunch & Learn at Young Harris College Campus Restaurant. Employer Committee Chairperson Joyce Gandy welcomed over 80 people to the luncheon. Towns County Chamber of Commerce Membership Director Jane Holland introduced guest speaker YHC President Cathy Cox to the group.

President Cox talked about the “Four Year Transition Plan for Young Harris College” and the economic impact on Towns and Union County. Exciting things are expected to happen at Young Harris College in the near future that will directly affect the local area. Cox said, “ Young Harris College is looking beyond our campus boundaries… We anticipate a need for cafes, coffee shops, bookstores, and other businesses that serve four-year students. Juniors and seniors are going to be looking for something to do… Also, as employers, you will appreciate the fact that four-year students will need part-time jobs. Many will also be looking for employment after graduation.”

YHC is growing in many ways. A four year program and increased enrollment will require more classroom space. Besides a comprehensive strategic plan for the campus, several new construction projects are already in the beginning design stages. Anticipated additions include a new performing arts center, larger dining facilities, a student center, a new library, extended lab space, a new administration building, a basketball gymnasium, and new residence halls. One design phase even calls for a “senior village” with small apartments. Cox commented, “Around here we don’t usually associate the word “seniors” with college students!”

Everything depends on accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. If all goes as expected, YHC will offer degrees in Business, Music, English, Biology, and possibly Education. Enrollment is expected to be between 1200 and 1500 students. YHC will hire 12 new faculty members by August 2008 and another 12 next summer. There will be a 50% increase in faculty. The first anticipated junior class will start in the fall of 2009.

Things will definitely change at YHC although the administration and trustees do want the college to retain certain friendly elements. Cox said, “We do not want students to have to get in a car and drive to class. When students walk around campus, they meet new people and make friends. This helps develop a loyal alumni… The Trustees are urging us to do things the right way. We do not want a mediocre college. We expect excellence.”

Another change is the return of the basketball program. A winter sport is required for accreditation and it’s no surprise that basketball won out over hockey.

YHC will host a community meeting in July to officially announce plans. Cox adds, “We are proud of our heritage and we are proud to be a part of this community.”

The new Lunch & Learn events are part of expanding opportunities available to members of the Union Towns Employer Committee and the Chamber of Commerce in 2008. Partnering with the Blairsville-Union Chamber of Commerce and the Towns County Chamber of Commerce, the Employer Committee brings exciting and knowledgeable guest speakers together with local business representatives from Union and Towns counties.

The Union Towns Employer Committee Lunch & Learn events are informative, fun, and a great way to get in some friendly networking during lunch. Held every other month at various locations in Towns and Union counties, interested employers are encouraged to attend. Membership provides the opportunity for informational sessions on issues directly affecting day to day business operations.

The next Lunch and Learn is scheduled for August 5, 2008 at North Georgia Technical College, Blairsville Campus. Scheduled guest speakers are Tim Grizzle and Mitzie Holloway, Youth Apprenticeship Coordinators from Union and Towns Counties. For more information or to be added to the contact list, call Fran Reilly at the Georgia Department of Labor (706) 745-6959.