The Executive Committee of the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Board of Trustees convened a meeting on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Simpson Building, Second Floor Conference Room. Dr. Theresa Banks, Chair, presided.
In addition to Dr. Banks, the following members of the Executive Committee were present: Matt Kern and Frances Ramsey. Himanshu Karvir participated by phone.
Others present for the meeting included: Dr. John Gossett, President; Ms. Beth Green, Director of Facilities Support; and Carolyn Rice, Secretary to the Board.
Futures Factory
Dr. Gossett introduced the Executive Committee to the Futures Factory project, which would advance digital manufacturing in Western North Carolina. The Futures Factory is a building approximately 50,000 to 75,000 square feet big, with 15,000 to 20,000 square feet of space designated to A-B Tech for the Advanced Manufacturing Training Center.
The building would be constructed on donated land from Biltmore Park West. We are currently pursuing a grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to build the building. If the grant is funded, A-B Tech will contribute $5 Million from Article 46 funds to get the land ready for construction. An additional $5 Million of General Assembly funds will be used to outfit the building.
Dr. Banks moved to pursue the use of Article 46 funds for the Futures Factory project. Mr. Kern seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
A-B Tech Enka
The College wishes to continue with repairs to the Enka Campus using Article 46 funds. A-B Tech Enka needs new windows, updated electrical systems, plumbing improvements, and work done on the HVAC systems.
Dr. Banks moved to continue the repairs and renovations at A-B Tech Enka using Article 46 funds. Mr. Kern seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
AHWD Cooling Tower
The cooling tower for the AHWD building (the largest and newest building on campus) needs to be replaced. Several parts of the current cooling tower are made out of plastic. Dr. Gossett recommended that the cooling tower be replaced with a stainless steel system so that it will last 20 plus years.
Mr. Kern moved to replace the cooling tower, also using Article 46 funds. Dr. Banks seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Adjourn
On a motion properly made, the meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn H. Rice
Board Secretary