Ribbon cut to open Ralph Phillips Conference Center

A Grand Opening Reception and Ribbon-Cutting for the Ralph Phillips Conference Center was held today on the third floor of the James W. Kehoe Center of North Central State College in Shelby.

The North Central State College Foundation raised $1.2 million in private donations to complete Phase 1 of the new conference facility. The lead investment was made by the family of late industrialist and philanthropist Ralph Phillips.

Both the Richland Community Development Group (RCDG) and the Mansfield/Richland County Convention & Visitors Bureau support this major effort for the benefit of north central Ohio community development.

Dorey Diab, president of NC State sees the conference center playing dual roles in economic development and in educating students, “The conference center will support regional community development and give the College the opportunity to expand its educational offerings.”

The Kehoe Center and the Ralph Phillips Conference Center is positioned adjacent to a new business park that was being developed by Ralph Phillips at the time of his death in September 2009. Now, Mr. Phillips’ family is continuing with his plans for a Technology and Innovation Park where tenants will work closely with North Central State.

From the beginning, the Ralph Phillips Conference Center project was planned in two phases:
Phase 1 ($1.1 million) Features 500-seat, high-tech meeting and banquet facility with wireless Internet service for corporate training and meetings, seminars, awards events, retreats, and College course classes, workforce training, and programming.

Phase 2 ($600,000) Features renovated, high-tech breakout rooms, a functional business center with duplicating, internet access, an exhibit hall, boardroom, events office, and large meeting room spaces. Existing rooms will be used as is for conference activity in 2014 and 2015.

President Diab applauds the investment of the donors and their shared vision with Mr. Phillips, “Education is the key to economic development. Without well trained workers, our businesses shrink from within. The Phillips Conference Center is a wonderful example of private support for education, for workforce development, and for the future of north central Ohio. I join with the Board of Trustees of North Central State College, the Foundation’s board, our faculty, staff and students in thanking the Phillips family and everyone who helped bring Mr. Phillips’ vision to reality.”