On Tuesday, May 22, Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) and Hendrick Automotive Group dedicated the new Joe Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology at the CPCC Levine Campus in Matthews. Hundreds gathered for the event, including NASCAR drivers Jeff Gordon, Casey Mears, and Kyle Busch and Hendrick family members. Guest speaker Governor Mike Easley applauded the new training facility and what it will mean for the motorsports and automotive industry in this area. Other speakers included Rick Hendrick, Hendrick Automotive Group Chairman; Matthews Mayor Lee Myers, CPCC President Dr. Tony Zeiss, and CPCC automotive student Isaac Glenn.

The new 35,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility will serve as headquarters to many of the College’s training and re-training programs in automotive

technology. The new facility features six classrooms and six labs with the latest in equipment and technology. The Joe Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology serves technicians who are seeking updated technical skills through contract training and corporate and continuing education classes, as well as those who aspire to be technicians through curriculum programs.

The Center was named in honor of the late Joe Hendrick, a pioneer in North Carolina’s automotive and racing industries. At the event, a plaque and portrait of Joe Hendrick were unveiled and will be placed in the new Center. The facility also houses a timeline featuring the life of Joe Hendrick and significant events in racing and motorsports.

“In North Carolina, we are not only #1 in NASCAR and #3 in biotechnology, but today, we’re #1 in automotive technology training, thanks to this new facility,” Governor Mike Easley explained at the event. “Long gone are the days of the ‘shade tree mechanics.’ This Center is on the cutting-edge of technology, and I know ‘Papa Joe’ would be proud.”

”I am excited about the opportunities available to our students through the new Joe Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology,” stated Dr. Tony Zeiss, President of CPCC. “In these classrooms, students will have a chance to receive the latest in instruction by industry-trained, experienced instructors. We are grateful to the Hendrick family for their generous gift to CPCC. As a result of their support, many students will have an opportunity to pursue their dreams in the automotive industry.”

“This project has been a labor of love for many over the last several months,” explained Rick Hendrick, Chairman of the Hendrick Automotive Group.

“It was obvious to everyone who knew my father that he had a love of cars and a great desire to help others, especially young folks, reach their true potential. He would be so humbled to know that his name will be associated with an institution that honors both of those passions.

”The Joe Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology is all about creating opportunities in our industry and region. We are fortunate to have Dr. Tony Zeiss leading what I believe is the premier community college in this country. For more than 20 years, we’ve had a strong partnership with CPCC, and this new facility takes that relationship to an even higher level.”

About CPCC:

CPCC is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering 100 degree and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education and special interest classes. CPCC is academically,
financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. In 2002, the National Alliance of Business named CPCC the Community College of the Year for its response to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies.
About Hendrick Automotive Group:

Hendrick Automotive Group operates 52 dealerships representing 24 nameplates, 71 franchises and 14 collision centers across eight states. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., the company employs more than 4,500 people and is currently ranked by Ward’s Dealer Business magazine as the seventh- largest mega-dealer operation in the nation based on the 2006 calendar year. In 2006, retail vehicle sales exceeded 91,000 units and revenues were in excess $3.5 billion. For more information about Hendrick Automotive Group, please visit www.hendrickauto.com.