Member's Gather in Texas

NAFTC members gathered for a Member's Meeting and Professional Development Session in Arlington, TX, December 11-12. Staff and member representatives from the NAFTC and NAFTC National Training Centers (NTCs) met to network with one another, receive training, discuss future plans, and catch up with friends.

Several new members were recognized at the meeting. They were:
Yuba College - Marysville, CA
Lawson State Community College – Bessemer, AL
Salt Lake Community College - Miller Campus - Sandy, UT
Utah Valley University – Orem, UT
Central Piedmont Community College - Levine Campus – Charlotte, NC
Nash Community College – Rocky Mount, NC

In addition, the member's were provided with two professional development sessions. On day one, members were shuttled to the General Motors Hybrid Assembly Plant, where they were given an up-to-date look at GM's progress in alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, in both available and under-development vehicles. This included both a presentation and a guided tour through the assembly plant.

NAFTC Executive Director, Al Ebron, and Andy O'Neal, University of Northwestern Ohio, examine a 2009 hybrid Escalade fresh off of the assembly line. Photo Credit: NAFTC.

GM employees were proudly displaying toys purchased as part of a local fundraising drive. The fundraiser led to the purchase of eight tractor-trailer loads of toys for Christmas. Shown above is only a few of the toys purchased. Photo Credit: NAFTC.

On day two, NAFTC members were given a full-day "taste" of the new Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Propulsion Systems training program. NAFTC members have the opportunity to attend a 5-day Train-the-Trainer course to become an NAFTC approved trainer of this material, which will allow them to conduct the courses and workshops developed as part of this program, to end-users.

The one day "taste" of the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Propulsion Systems training left the members anxious for the entire 5-day training. Photo Credit: NAFTC.