FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 24, 2025

 

Alamance Community College Expands Workforce Partnerships with Carolina Biological Supply and Zimmermann-Dynayarn USA Through New MOUs

Graham, N.C. — Alamance Community College (ACC) continues to strengthen its role as a regional leader in workforce development with the new signing of two new Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between the College, Carolina Biological Supply (CBS), and Zimmermann-Dynayarn USA. Supported through the North Carolina Community College System’s NCEdge Customized Training Program, these partnerships will expand hands-on training and career advancement opportunities for residents while meeting critical workforce needs. 

 

Empowering People Through Partnership: Carolina Biological Supply

Headquartered in Burlington, Carolina Biological Supply has served as a cornerstone in science education for nearly a century. The company supplies laboratory resources and digital tools to over 200,000 educators nationwide and in more than 170 countries. With support from ACC and NCEdge, CBS’s new $436,859 Customized Training Project will reach 450 employees over the course of the next three years. The initiative aims to strengthen leadership, technical, and communication skills—ensuring that future company leaders are ready to uphold CBS’s legacy of innovation.                

Tyshea Lewis sigins agreement alongside Katina Richmond

Sara Lloyd, Regional Director of NCEdge Customized Training, says, “Working with CBS has been a great experience and a real opportunity to learn about their strong learning and development culture.“ This marks the continuation of CBS’s long-standing partnership with ACC and the NCEdge program. “During this project cycle, 148 employees were promoted as a direct result of the training provided, with clear evidence that this investment in people was instrumental to CBS’s continued success,” Lloyd said.

 

Driving Innovation and Opportunity: Zimmermann-Dynayarn USA

Also joining forces with ACC, Zimmermann-Dynayarn USA is a precision yarn manufacturer based in North Carolina and part of the global Zimmermann Group. The company’s first-ever NCEdge training initiative, valued at $40,886, focuses on productivity enhancement and employee development across multiple operational levels. Training will consist of safety certifications (OSHA, CPR, Lockout/Tagout), Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing, Power BI, and Spanish in the Workplace—helping equip the company’s expanding automation and technology integration.                              

Tyshea Lewis, sigining agreement with Zimmermann-Dynayarn CEO Will McGowen

Zimmermann-Dynayarn’s partnership with ACC underscores the college’s commitment to supporting both established corporations and growing manufacturers that are reshaping the region’s industrial landscape. “With over 25 years of manufacturing in Alamance County, Zimmermann Dynayarn has long valued the partnership with ACC.  Many of our staff have degrees or certifications from ACC, and others have received great training from the Corporate Education program,” said Will McGowen, chief executive officer of Zimmerman-Dynayarn. 

   

Over the next three years, the company anticipates adding 10 new positions, contributing to economic growth and long-term workforce stability. “With the Customized Training Project we designed, we look forward to building a stronger team here in Graham. We are growing our business and look to unlock more efficiencies and process improvements through both soft skills and technical skills training,” said McGowen.

“These partnerships ensure students and community members have access to the skills needed in today’s manufacturing economy,” said Tyshea Lewis, corporate education coordinator at ACC. Through this program, ACC continues to strengthen its partnerships with local industries, empowering businesses and workers across the region to grow together.

About Alamance Community College

Founded in 1958, Alamance Community College (ACC) serves more than 10,000 students annually through curriculum, continuing education, and workforce development programs. Located in Graham, NC, ACC is a cornerstone of education and economic development for Alamance County and the surrounding region. With a focus on innovation, accessibility, and student success, the College prepares graduates to be workforce-ready and empowers learners of all ages to achieve their educational and career goals.