Free Demonstrations, Mini-Sampler Courses Offered;
Newly Renovated Mall Classroom Offers Multiple Advantages

CONTACT: LISA GARRETT, EXT. 2315

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4/6/2001
(By Lisa Garrett)

ANDERSON -- After months of renovations, Tri-County Technical College's Anderson Mall Business Training Center is open for business. An Open House is planned for April 19 - 28 when the public is invited to tour the facility and participate in demonstrations and mini-sampler courses from the Continuing Education area free of charge.

"We are excited about the new facility and welcome the public to take advantage of the many free mini-sampler courses we are offering during this 10-day Open House, said Tracy Ethridge, director of the Business Training Center. "We urge everyone to pick up a coupon book good for discounts on many of our courses."

Free mini-samplers include topics such as: Ask the Computer Expert, Restoring and Manipulating Old Pictures Using PhotoShop, Personal Safety, Basic Self-Defense, Outdoor Photography, Health Screenings, Chair Massage, Japanese Braiding, Russian Egg Decoration, Garnishing and Food Presentation, Career Planning, Time Management, and CPR/First Aid/Home Safety.

Call the College's Mall office at 224-0453 for a complete schedule. A daily events calendar will be posted at the Mall. (No activities are scheduled for Sunday, April 22.)

"This long-awaited expansion will allow many additional educational and training opportunities to serve the tri-county community," said Ms. Ethridge.

The Mall site, which previously held two computer labs and a classroom, has been expanded and completely refurbished. The off-campus site now offers classes in three computer labs, a large classroom, and a small classroom/seminar room. It is the central location of the College's Business Training Center, which includes continuing education course offerings and training in areas of computers, small business management, criminal justice, photography and office-related occupations.

When Tri-County's Anderson Mall classroom facility opened its doors in 1985, it was the first in the state's Technical College System. Its convenience and accessibility made it an immediate success.

"This expanded facility will allow the College to offer additional continuing education programs to better meet the needs of business and industry, health care personnel and residents who are interested in programs of special interest," said Ms. Ethridge.

"Enrollment in the mini-samplers will be on a first-come, first-served basis. We anticipate they will be popular and will fill up quickly," she added.

For more information, contact the Mall classroom office at 224-0453 or check the College's web page at www.tricounty.tec.sc.us and click on Mall Open House.
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