NICC holding open house for renovated Agricultural Technology Building Nov. 2

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) is holding an open house on Wednesday, November 2, for its renovated Agricultural Technology Building at the Calmar campus. Community members, agriculture and business leaders may tour the renovated facility from 3 - 7 p.m. and attend a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m.

The Agriculture Technology Building renovation project included upgrades and enhancements to all John Deere TECH classrooms and lab areas, new roofing, doors and electrical and mechanical needs. The interior renovation included lobby upgrades, including updates to the front entrance, lobby and office areas, as well as enhancements to display and seating areas.
The College also added a new computer lab to support increased technology needs and completed finish updates to all labs, such as refinishing of flooring and painting of walls and door frames. Additional new engine shelving and painting of existing engine shelving was completed to accommodate larger capacities, and all hoist systems were replaced to accommodate heavier equipment loads.

“The complete upgrading of this facility is Northeast Iowa Community College’s commitment to and investment in agriculture and celebrating our successful partnership with John Deere,” expressed Liang Chee Wee, Ph.D., NICC president. “We know investment in agriculture is a good investment.”

Larson Construction Co., Inc., of Independence, served as construction manager for the $1.5 million project, and Invision Architecture, of Waterloo, was selected for architectural work and design. Contractors involved in the project included: David Finholt Construction, ClearMax LLC, Northern Cedar Service, Personified, Inc., Skarnes, Rusty Berger Masonry, Schweiss, Zephyr Aluminum, Becker Hardware and Voltmer Electric.

The John Deere TECH program at NICC is designed to upgrade the technical competence and professional level of the incoming John Deere dealership technician. Developed in partnership between John Deere Company and NICC, students receive classroom lecture and real life laboratory experiences on John Deere products at the Calmar campus and a unique opportunity to work at a John Deere dealership. Each specialized subject is studied in the classroom and laboratory on campus, followed by related work experience at the dealership.

Classroom instruction covers the basics as well as the latest developments in all John Deere agricultural and consumer products. For more information about the John Deere TECH program, visit www.nicc.edu/jdtech.