Columbia State develops and delivers on-site, customized training that addresses specific business and industry needs. Training courses usually range from four hours to several days.

We will help business and industry customers assess needs and develop an appropriate training program. Our very skilled and qualified instructors will work with your company to ensure that course content meets specific training requirements and produces desired outcomes. ECD will deliver the training at a Columbia State campus, business/industry site, or other convenient location. Course fees include instruction, materials, and continuing education units.

For additional information, call ECD at (931) 540-1121.

Courses offered include:

• American Management Association (AMA) training:

  Columbia State’s Center for Economic and Community Development (ECD) offers AMA certificate programs in cooperation with the AMA Extension Institute. Courses include, but are not limited to First Line Supervision; Communication Skills for Managers; Team building; How to Manage Conflict in Your Organization; Fair, Square and Legal; How to Sharpen Your Business Writing Skills; Successful Project Management; and Taking Control With Time Management.

  ECD will deliver a 15-hour AMA course in two 7.5-hour sessions or five three-hour sessions at a Columbia State campus, business/industry site, or other convenient location. One-day and half-day courses are also available. Supplemental services, including Myers-Briggs assessments and other tools, are also available.

  Glenna Mingledorff and Beth Smith are the featured instructors. Glenna has delivered AMA training to numerous business, industry and government organizations throughout middle Tennessee. She has leadership experience in both the public and private sectors and holds degrees from Harvard University and Emory and Henry College. Beth Smith has experience as a career management consultant, human resources manager and trainer in the Nashville, Tennessee area. Her human resources background includes basic staffing and employee mentoring. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt University.

• Principle-Centered Leadership training:
  

  Columbia State’s Center for Economic and Community Development (ECD) offers principle-centered leadership training, including The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People; 4 Roles of Leadership and Focus: Achieving Your Highest Priorities. People and organizations are natural systems governed by natural laws. Participants will develop leadership skills and learn to deal effectively with the constants of change, principles and choice.

  ECD will deliver the 24-hour 7 Habits course in three one-day or six half-day sessions. The sessions can be held on consecutive days or spaced over several weeks. Similarly, ECD will deliver the 16-hour 4 Roles course in two one-day or four half-day sessions, and the 8-hour Focus in one day or two half-days. Supplemental services, including ropes courses and youth leadership courses are also available.

  Bill McEwen, the featured instructor, has delivered principle-centered leadership training to multiple firms and hundreds of individuals in southern middle Tennessee and other parts of the southeastern United States for over ten years. He consistently receives high marks from our customers and is a past recipient of Franklin Covey’s prestigious facilitator of the year award. His efforts contributed to Franklin Covey awarding Columbia State the 2002 Spirit of Community Service Award. Bill holds bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Tennessee.

• Software Applications training:
  

  Columbia State’s Center for Economic and Community Development (ECD) offers Beginning Computer and introductory, intermediate and advanced courses in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. ECD will deliver a 7.5-hour software applications course in one day or two half-days.

  Joel Oswalt, the featured trainer, is a retired US Army officer and experienced computer information systems instructor. He has extensive experience in both wide area networks and business applications, and has worked as both a network supervisor and database manager. He is a Microsoft Office User Specialist and has held several network certifications. Joel has a bachelors degree from the University of Tennessee and a masters degree from the University of Southern California.

• Quality Administration training:
  

  Columbia State’s Center for Economic and Community Development (ECD) offers its Quality Administration Program in cooperation with Quality Services International, a widely respected training and consulting firm.

  Courses include Statistical Process Control (Basic and Advanced), Process Problem Solving, Measurement System Analysis, Production Part Approval Process, Advanced Blueprint Reading, and Certified Quality Engineer Preparation. Participants can earn a career advancement certificate by completing five required courses and three additional electives. Courses range from one-half day (PPAP, APQP) to 30 hours (CQEP). Our most popular quality courses are two-day (SPC, PPS, DOE) and one-day (MSA).

  Phil Ross is the president and lead trainer for Quality Services International. He has worked with Columbia State for several years and provided quality training to numerous manufacturers in the southern middle Tennessee area. Ross is a certified quality engineer, graduate of the General Motors Institute, and holder of three patents. Ross has taught statistical and quality courses in the United States, Great Britain, Holland, Japan, Trinidad and Singapore. He is the author of Taguchi Techniques for Quality Engineering along with numerous articles on related topics.

• Learning Skills training:

  Columbia State’s Center for Economic and Community Development (ECD) offers a Develop Your Learning Skills course that helps participants prepare for college and other learning environments. It’s designed especially for adults who are thinking about entering or returning to college or beginning a new training program.

  Participants will learn to improve study habits, set goals, manage their time, and concentrate on the task at hand. Skill items include taking notes, taking tests, improving communication and solving problems. ECD will deliver the 15-hour course in five three-hour sessions at a Columbia State campus, business/industry site, or other convenient location.

  Susan Pruitt and Beth Smith are the featured instructors. Susan Pruitt has instructed several different Study Skills classes at Columbia State as well as GED classes. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from David Lipscomb College and masters in counseling from Trevecca. She has worked specifically with clients who experience barriers in learning as well as employment. Beth Smith has experience as a career management consultant, human resources manager and trainer in the Nashville, Tennessee area. Her human resources background includes basic staffing and employee mentoring. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and has a Master's Degree from Trevecca University.