NY Auto Dealers Break Ground on $25 Million Education & Training Construction Project in NYC

90,000 sq. ft. Facility will Provide Training for New and Existing Automotive Employees

WHITESTONE, N.Y., Nov. 25 -- By breaking ground today on its state-of-the-art education and training center, the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA) is setting a new standard in the automobile industry. GNYADA's Center for Automotive Education & Training will serve as a training ground for students preparing for careers in the industry as well as a continuing education facility for dealership and auto manufacturer personnel. Eileen Long, Deputy Secretary to Governor Pataki; Andrew M. Alper, Chairman, New York City Industrial Development Agency; Raymond Martinez, Commissioner, NYS Department of Motor Vehicles and several Congressmen and state legislators joined Association Chairman Marvin Suskin for today's groundbreaking in College Point, Queens.

The $25 million project, a first-of-its-kind to be built and managed by an automobile association, will help curb the shortage of highly trained and qualified automotive technicians by creating a larger pool of candidates. Currently there is a national shortage of more than 60,000 technicians.

"This project is a good example of a public/private partnership that benefits the local and state economies by providing individuals with the necessary skills to obtain fulfilling and well-paying jobs in this area," said GNYADA President Mark Schienberg.

GNYADA's Center for Automotive Education & Training, which is scheduled to open in spring 2005, will provide students with the training needed to pursue careers in the automotive industry. The facility will feature high tech service training areas, classrooms outfitted with the latest digital communications systems, lecture halls, and a simulated model dealership complete with a showroom and a working parts department. Lincoln Technical Institute, a leader in automotive education for more than 50 years, will serve as GNYADA's education partner by providing service technician training to students.

Suskin, who sees the project as a clear demonstration of how committed the auto industry is to maintaining a skilled and professional workforce, believes that education and training is key to the future success of the industry.

"Thankfully our Association has the vision and foresight to anticipate the changing needs of new car dealers and auto manufacturers," said Suskin. "This facility will ensure that technicians, sales people, office workers and other employees have the technical and interpersonal skills necessary for today's dealerships. What makes this center special is that it will serve as a model dealership, preparing students in an environment that allows for real world learning experiences."

Economic Impact

Once completed, the facility will employee between 100-125 personnel and is estimated to generate more than $8 million in tax revenue over the next 25 years. The project has already received approval for $1.3 million in real estate and sales tax incentives support from New York City Industrial Development Agency (IDA) for its positive economic impact on the area.

"This is a very important project for GNYADA, the City and the young people of New York City," said Andrew M. Alper, Chairman of IDA. "The new training facility will create 100 new jobs for residents and put thousands of young people on the path to rewarding careers in automotive marketing and service. With the involvement of Lincoln Tech, it will also help provide GNYADA members with the professional workforce they will need to remain successful. I congratulate GNYADA and Lincoln Tech Institute on this collaborative effort."

Political Support

With its ability to generate jobs in the area and create a more highly skilled workforce that is better equipped to repair and maintain consumers' vehicles, the project has been well received by government agencies and elected officials.

"GNYADA would like to acknowledge the New York State legislators who strongly supported this program, both financially and politically. Their involvement and commitment were essential to getting the Center for Automotive Education & Training off to a banner start," said Association President Mark Schienberg.

"Special thanks to Senator Frank Padavan, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Assemblyman Mark Weprin, Assemblywoman Margaret Markey, Assemblyman Michael Cohen, Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry, Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer, Assemblywoman Ann Margaret Carrozza, Assemblywoman Vivian Cook, Assemblyman Michael Gianaris, Assemblyman Ivan Lafayette, Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn, and Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin. Without their support, we would not be here today."

The construction project has also received support from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in the amount of $250,000 for its energy efficiency and environmentally friendly construction and design.

Others attending the groundbreaking included Congressman Joseph Crowley, State Senator Toby Stavisky, and Assemblyman William Scarborough.

Education Partner

Lincoln Technical Institute will train up to 700 post secondary education students as service technicians each year at the new facility. Upon graduating from the Lincoln Tech program, students can begin their careers at dealerships or continue their education through automaker-specific programs before entering the workforce. Lincoln Tech has signed a long-term lease with GNYADA to use 50,000 of the facility's 90,000 square feet.

"We are proud to partner with such a prestigious institution, known for its superior vocational education programs, and we are confident that the industry's workforce will receive a higher level of training because of Lincoln Tech's involvement with the Center," said Suskin.

In addition to the Lincoln Tech students, the facility will accommodate GNYADA's own education and training programs and courses, which currently consists of nearly 100 seminars and workshops held each year for local dealership personnel. Auto manufacturers, OEM suppliers, and dealership service providers will also use the facility for ongoing dealership education and training.

GNYADA's Center for Automotive Education & Training will be located four miles from LaGuardia and eight miles from John F. Kennedy airports in the College Point Corporate Park, an area managed by the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

The Greater New York Dealers Association, a not-for-profit organization, represents 650 franchised automobile dealerships in the metro New York area. GNYADA members sell more than 700,000 cars each year, generate more than $1 billion for state and local governments, and employ (directly and indirectly) approximately 52,000 individuals in metro New York.