between Albany Tech and Mars. The initiative involved the continuous evolution of operating principles and manufacturing processes to save time and money and to advance product quality. Associates in this program continue to be taught skills and a shared way of thinking, which systematically drives out waste. In addition, a Manufacturing Excellence Training Program in coordination with Albany Tech evolved in 2007. Courses range from decision-making and root cause analysis, to mechanical troubleshooting and computer skills. Continuing education for Mars associates continues to thrive between the Albany Plant and Albany Tech. “Albany Technical College was pleased to nominate Mars Chocolate North America for the statewide Manufacturer of the Year award and to recognize them as our Manufacturer of the Year here in our service delivery area. We appreciate and value the partnership that we have with Mars and look forward to a continued relationship as we assist the company in meeting their workforce needs,” said Matt Trice, Vice President of Economic Development at Albany Technical College. The Albany site for Mars Chocolate North America continues to contribute to the Georgia economic base through providing a secure future for the associates at their site. During 2007-2008, the company reinvested in their Combos® line and made the plant infrastructure improvements of $6 million. In 2009, they upgraded their Nut Plant Systems and Combos® processes
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and reinvested in their Marathon® Bar line for a total of $7 million. In 2010, they expanded their Combos® snacks line to create a new Buffalo Blue Cheese. The pretzel flavor won a national product of the year award. In 2011, they hired 59 associates from the surrounding communities totaling over $2.9 million. These activities were all completed while the Albany associates continue to work efficiently while driving down costs. “It is indeed an honor and a privilege for Mars Chocolate North America Albany Plant to be selected as a nominee for 2012 Manufacturer of the Year. As a long-time community member and winner of the award in 2007, our Mars associates are once again very proud to be recognized for this esteemed award in the state of Georgia,” said Kelvin Graham, Supply Chain Director at Mars Chocolate North America Albany, GA.
ATC Launched Associate Degree Nursing Program
from the community wanting to get information on the admission/entrance requirements,” said Mattie Buchannon, Dean of the Health Care Technology division at Albany Technical College. “Our program is designed to assist those interested persons to pursue their goals of becoming a Registered Nurse. We built our program based on some of the successful models that we have seen, while not destroying the goals of any entity in our region.” “We are excited to help alleviate the nursing shortage and health disparities in our community by providing well-trained registered nurses,” said Schvon Bussey, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C, Program Chair for the new program at Albany Tech. Albany Tech has submitted a prospectus by its accrediting board, to the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), on this program and anticipates approval within the next few months. The traditional track for the program will be six semesters.
Albany Technical College was given provisional approval by the Georgia Board of Nurses to accept students into its new Associate of Science Nursing program. The program is designed to meet the needs of the community by complimenting Albany Tech’s existing nursing program. Students will be able to complete their nursing career choice by one of two tracks – the traditional path and the LPN-RN bridge path. “There has been a tremendous response Albany Technical College | Annual Report 2012 | 10