---

CFADA and SCC Builds Automotive Training Center

3 December 1997

Central Florida Auto Dealers Association Teams With Seminole Community College to Build Automotive Training Center

    ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 3 -- The Central Florida Auto Dealers
Association (CFADA) and Seminole Community College (SCC) will join forces to
build an automotive training center on the SCC campus in Sanford, it was
announced here today just prior to the opening of the 1998 Central Florida
International Auto Show, which began a five-day run at the Orange County
Convention Center.
    To kick-off the fund raising efforts for the expected $4.5 million
project, CFADA President Alan Murphy presented a $250,000 check to Dr. Ann
McGee, SCC's President.
    "For the past year, we have been studying the feasibility of building an
automotive training center on the SCC campus and I'm proud to announce that
both the association and the college have approved taking the next step," said
Murphy.  "This project will demonstrate the way business and education can
work together to train the work force of the future."
    The Professional Automotive Training Center (PATC) will be utilized by
manufacturers, dealers, the college and the community offering comprehensive
career training.  Additionally, the proposed 43,000-square-foot facility,
which will cover six acres donated by the college, will house the CFADA's
administrative offices.
    "A technological revolution has transformed the automotive industry,"
added Jim Cox, SCC's Automotive Technology Department Chair.  "This revolution
has brought with it the need for newly trained and continually re-trained
technicians, qualified administrators and professional sales people.  The
proposed PATC will meet those needs offering career training which is both
comprehensive and current -- something not offered by any other program in the
nation."
    According to Murphy, access to the PATC for dealers will also cut training
and meeting costs dramatically reducing the need to send employees out of
town.  Programs developed by and in conjunction with the CFADA will provide
dealers with local training adapted to their needs.  Classes will be scheduled
during the day, evenings or on weekends relative to convenience.
    For more than 65 years, the CFADA has been an active force in local
charitable and educational organizations, while providing services and
programs for the automotive industry in Central Florida.  It serves
77 franchised new car and truck members (dealerships), holding nearly
11O separate franchises, domestic and import.

SOURCE  Central Florida Auto Dealers Association