�The intent of this building is to provide a quality facility to equal the quality program that has evolved over the years,� he said. �There are many folks in the community who helped us achieve this building.� President Bailey went on to thank locally elected officials, members of the State Board of Community Colleges, the A-B Tech Board of Trustees, A-B Tech Foundation Board of Directors, the 2000 Bond Referendum Committee, the building�s architects and construction contractors.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony also featured remarks from local elected officials, Buncombe County Commission Chair Nathan Ramsey, Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy, State Rep. Bruce Goforth, and State Sen. Martin Nesbitt. In addition to President Bailey, former President Harvey Haynes, who is now chair of the college�s board of trustees, Hospitality Education Department Chair Sheila Tillman, Instructor Gary Schwartz and 1984 A-B Tech graduate Lawrence McFadden spoke.

McFadden is now vice president of culinary and corporate chef for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. McFadden is responsible for developing the overall vision of food and beverage for the company, and directs and mentors chefs who, themselves, are among the top one percent in the country.

Guests were treated by demonstrations by alumni chefs, along with tours of the new building. Students and faculty put in countless hours preparing food displays and tastings. Students prepared demonstrations and interactive training sessions, providing visual treats, as well. Guests were able to see ice carvings created on the specially created deck.

Goforth spoke about the outstanding track record A-B Tech�s Hospitality Education Department has built. �From creating the first culinary program of its kind in North Carolina back in 1967,� he said �to establishing the state�s first baking and pastry program in 2003.�

�A-B Tech is truly a dream machine where people are willing to work hard and make dreams come true,� said Ramsey. �Tourism and hospitality continue to grow in the region. This will create an impact on our community. Charlotte may have Johnson and Wales, we have A-B Tech, a better investment.�

Nesbitt mentioned that A-B Tech�s impact reaches to the capital. �Sometimes we don�t realize the gems we have,� he said. �People in Raleigh come to you and brag to you about the things you have.

Bellamy recalled when her mother attended A-B Tech, taking culinary classes. �It opened a door for her. It�s an honor to see this house of hope. This is truly the community�s college,� she said.

McFadden was grateful for the chance to �publicly give thanks to the education institution that has directed, supported, and enhanced my life during my professional growth.�

�With every program, the physical environment is only 50 percent of the experience. What I found entering this educational institution was the tremendous talents in the faculty that shaped, challenged and rewarded each student within their own chosen curriculum.�

Funded through the 2000 state higher education bond referendum, the 39,000-square-foot Magnolia Building features:

• Four state-of-the-art kitchens
• A 150-person banquet hall and a private dining room
• A demonstration hall that seats 120
• An ice-carving deck
• A seven-room lodge

For more information, visit www.abtech.edu.

(Images provided by AB Tech.)

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