Maltese Ambassador to Visit A-B Tech
The Maltese Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency John Lowell, will visit A-B Tech's Small Business Incubator at the college's Enka campus from 2 to 3:45 p.m. April 1.
Incubator Director Russ Yelton will conduct a presentation about the incubator in Room 302 of the Haynes Center, followed by a walking tour of the facilities.
Malta has a business incubator program of its own, and like others, is trying to find the best practices available. The ambassador learned of the Mountain South Incubator Alliance, which includes A-B Tech, and decided to visit two of its centers. He visited East Tennessee State University March 31.
Formed in August, the Mountain South Alliance is comprised of seven incubators in Western North Carolina, Northeast Tennessee, and Southwest Virginia that identify and share best practices and serve as a client referral network.
The ambassador will be accompanied by his wife, MarieTherese nee Zarb, and The Honorary Consul of Malta, Bruce Shine.
"This is a wonderful opportunity of open exchange of information between programs in another country," said Yelton. "It will help support the international portion of our incubator program."
PTK Brings Home Awards From Regional Conference
The A-B Tech Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa received numerous awards at a regional conference in Charleston, including the highest-level award possible. Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society of two-year colleges.
Members and advisors were on hand in March to receive the 5 Star Award, Level 5, which is the highest level that can be achieved. The A-B Tech Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa also received the 5 Ring Challenge Service Award, Carolina Super Stars, Hallmark Award for Service and an honorable mention for the Scholarship Hallmark.
James Russell Pressley and Sharon Smith were inducted into the hall of honor, and Pressley was also awarded honorable mention for distinguished chapter member while Smith was given an honorable mention for distinguished chapter officer.
Veronica Dooly received an honorable mention as a distinguished chapter advisor. Dooly and Pamela Silvers also received Horizon Awards for New and Senior Members Active in the Region.
Honorable mentions were also given for the Website Award and Yearbook Award.
Attending were members Kamala Parker, Sharon Smith, Kathy Johnson, Flaria LaCourse and Alice Powell, as well as advisors Marlene Roden and Veronica Dooly.
Altrusa Spelling Bee
Spellers from the A-B Tech team and Phi Theta Kappa showcase their talent at the 15th Annual Altrusa Literacy Spelling Bee March 14 in Ferguson Auditorium. The A-B Tech team (top) of Mary McClurkin, Ruth Shakelton, and Eric Parsels placed as first runner-up. Members of the Phi Theta Kappa team (bottom) were Carey Bothwell, Meg Redding and Nikolas Franks.
