Business and Industry Center Receives HVAC Donation

Business and Industry Center Receives HVAC Donation

March 15, 2017 |

East Central College instructor David DeArmond never minds visitors in his HVAC lab, but he was particularly excited about a visit from Russ Bade on March 15.

“He reached out to us and asked if we needed equipment for students to train on,” DeArmond explained. “We said absolutely!”

Owner of Air Pro Heating and Cooling and member of the East Central College HVAC advisory board, Bade recently helped secure nearly $7,000 worth of equipment to the Business and Industry Center in collaboration with the Benoist Brothers Supply Company.

“They graciously donated a rooftop unit, furnace units and air conditioning units,” said Business and Industry Division Chair Richard Hudanick. “This will give our students a chance to learn about the type of equipment that is currently out there.”

“We want our students to be prepared for the workforce,” said DeArmond. “They need to be able to work on different types of brands and models. This donation helps us do just that.”

Opening in October 2016, the Business and Industry Center serves as the home of ECC’s precision machining, industrial engineering technology and HVAC programs. It is also equipped with lab and classroom space to accommodate short-term welding programs. The college’s Center for Workforce Development is also located in the facility.