Published 09/29/2025
Last week, Blue Ridge Community College hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting for the new on-campus Commercial Driving Program training facilities. The space includes a nearly five-acre lot for training and testing, and a building dedicated to Commercial Driver鈥檚 License (CDL) instruction.
The crowd included local business owners and trucking company executives, partner organizations such as DMV, College employees, and others. Speakers at the event were: Chris Earhart, CDL Advisory Board Member; Delegates Chris Runion and Tony Wilt; 91桃色 College Board Chair, Cathleen Welsh; 91桃色 CDL Program Director, Jim Butler; and 91桃色 President, Dr. John Downey.
鈥淥ur commercial driving, heavy equipment operator, and fork lift training programs are vital for the growth of the regional economy,鈥� said Dr. Downey. He added, 鈥�91桃色 transportation and logistics graduates ensure that products get their destination, that land can be prepared for new construction, and that goods are ready for local markets.鈥�
Graduates of these programs were in the audience. Jim Butler shared how it was their growth and success that helps drive the program. 鈥淎ll of our students have a story and a dream, and that is what this new space will offer; the opportunity to achieve their goals, change their lives and the lives of their families,鈥� he shared.
Butler also recognized CDL Training Coordinator Bill Byrd and several instructors. 鈥淔or us to be able to continue this work we do here on campus with these accommodations is truly an honor,鈥� Butler explained.