Huck’s Funds Equipment for New CTE Training Center in Carmi
Huck’s in Carmi has generously donated $15,000 to the new Southeastern Illinois College Stanford D. Williams Career and Training Center in Carmi. The funds are earmarked to purchase equipment for new programs in the training center.
Paulette Hosick, Director of Petroleum at Huck’s, said, “Huck’s is very excited to grow our partnership with SIC with the addition of the Stan Williams Career and Training Center. The programs offered through this new facility will be extremely beneficial.”
The inaugural classes in welding and programmable logic controllers began mid-August for primarily Carmi High School students, and Class A CDL classes began in September. The overall curriculum planned for the site is suited for regional industry with training in mechanics, and workplace ready skills like communication skills, time management, and other soft skills employers need.
“Support from area businesses like Hucks make programs like this viable by equipping our students with cutting-edge training tools, aligning their learning experiences with real-world industry demands,” said SIC President Dr. Jonah Rice. “The eagerly anticipated second phase of our expansion is on track for completion in the coming year. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hucks for their forward-thinking commitment to nurturing the future workforce.
Dr. Frank Barbre, Vice Chair of the SIC Board of Trustees, further emphasized the pivotal role played by local business and industry allies like Hucks in actualizing SIC’s commitment to expanding career training prospects.
“The invaluable support from our community’s business and industry collaborators not only enriches the array of advanced training options for our local high school students and residents but also paves the way for enduring opportunities well into the future,” said Barbre.
About Hucks
In 1960, Bob Martin and Frank Bayley partnered to establish Big John supermarkets in Southern Illinois, later expanding to Kentucky and Tennessee. They launched their first convenience store, “HUCK’S,” in 1974 in Grayville, IL. Today, they oversee 125+ locations in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Through innovation, hard work, and a future-oriented vision, Martin & Bayley, Inc. has become a financially robust company with 2500+ employees. In March 2001, the Martin & Bayley families sold the company to its employees, making Huck’s a 100% employee-owned company. For more information, visit hucks.com.
About Southeastern Illinois College
Southeastern Illinois College was founded in 1960 and offers more than 50 degree and certificate programs. At $106 per credit hour, SIC boasts one of the lowest tuition rates in the region. More than 70% of students receive some form of financial aid or scholarships. SIC serves 4,100 full and part-time students per year, includes locations in Harrisburg and Carmi, and employs approximately 150 full and part-time employees. For more information, visit sic.edu.
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