Economic Development is also home of the Center of Innovation for Manufacturing Excellence (CIME) and the Manufacturing Development Center (MDC). CIME provides advanced manufacturing training and support services, as well as research and development support, to manufacturing companies throughout Georgia. The MDC provides facilities and assistance to start up companies to help them succeed and grow.

Center of Innovation for Manufacturing Excellence
Located on Lanier Technical College's Oakwood Campus, Building 500, the Center of Innovation for Manufacturing Excellence (CIME) opened in February 2006. The center works with industry, government, entrepreneurs and educational institutions developing our state's manufacturing workforce, fostering innovation and increasing job growth in Georgia.

Staffed by a team of experienced manufacturing professionals, CIME offers advanced training, research and development support and incubation services to companies throughout the state. For additional information contact Russell Vandiver at 770.531.6340.

Computer Workshops
Needs of the business industry and the community are assessed and computer workshops scheduled to meet these needs. Day and evening workshops are offered. Options available include individual enrollment, one-on-one training and customized workshops. Online training is currently offered in many skill areas.

Customized Training
Industry specific or customized training varies from modification of an existing class to needs analysis and course development. Training is conducted on site at the business or industry location or at Lanier Technical College.

Quick Start
Quick Start training is available at no cost for qualifying businesses and industries. The service typically includes a needs analysis, development of a training plan, and the training itself.

Health & Safety Training
American Heart Association training is offered. CPR, First Aid, and instructor certification training as well as agency affiliation are available through our Community Training Center (CTC). Safety or health-related organizations may affiliate. ACLS and PALS courses are offered at our affiliate organizations. Forklift safety training is available specific to an organization's needs.

License Renewal Workshops
License renewal workshops are available in plumbing and electrical. Instructors are industry professionals.

Real Estate Courses
Both on-line and computer based courses are offered as preparation for the state licensing exam.

Credit Courses
Credit courses offered through Economic Development include the Certified Manufacturing Specialist (CMS), the Certified Warehouse and Distribution Specialist (CWDS) and the Certified Customer Service Specialist (CCSS). The HOPE Grant is available for those who qualify. These courses earn 15 hours of credit and are offered as independent enrollment, business and industry classes, and high school joint enrollment.

Human Resource Development
Workshop topics include SPC, QS 9000, ISO 9000, Training for Supervisors, and Team Training. Workshops and services are not limited to these topics and customized workshops in this area are available.

Maintenance Skills Assessment
This assessment covers 27 electrical and mechanical skills. The assessments are conducted individually and include written and "hands-on" assessments. An individualized training plan is determined for each person. Lanier Technical College provides training in all skill areas.

Georgia Ammonia Refrigeration
The current Ammonia Refrigeration Training schedule includes: Operator I, Operator II, Operator III, Process Safety Management/Risk Management, Ammonia Specific HAZMAT 24 Technician, HAZMAT On Scene Incident Command, and HAZMAT Eight (8) Hour Refresher.

All topics are available as customized training options to meet business and industry needs. Ammonia Refrigeration training is conducted in Lanier Technical College's new state-of-the-art facilities. For additional information on Economic Development programs, please call 770.531.6340.