Stronger Workforce. Greater Community.
Overview
Mountain Gateway Community College proudly opened the Joe Wilson Workforce Center in June 2025. This transformative facility reflects a five-year journey of collaboration, vision, and dedication.
The Center provides hands-on training in high-demand fields including welding, precision machining, diesel technology, construction, CDL, plumbing, electrical, and more. In Fall 2025, the College will launch the MG-TEC IT Academy, creating pathways for students to enter careers in IT, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
More than a building, the Joe Wilson Workforce Center represents a shared commitment to workforce development, educational access, and the future of our region.
About Joe Wilson
Joe Wilson, a proud son of Buena Vista, exemplifies hard work, generosity, and community spirit. His donation of the former Courtesy Motors and Robey Ford buildings laid the cornerstone—both literally and symbolically—for what is now the Joe Wilson Workforce Center.
This facility stands as a testament to the generosity, perseverance, and spirit of Mr. Joe Wilson—a lifelong advocate for hard work, education, and the community.
Growing up in Buena Vista, Joe Wilson cherished his close-knit connections and his days at Parry McCluer High School. From delivering newspapers at age twelve to working at Mack’s Five and Dime and his uncle’s Amaco station, Joe’s work ethic was forged early and became his key to success.
After high school, Joe embarked on a 55-year career in business—first with Orkin, then as founder of PermaTreat, and later as a real estate leader. Throughout, he never forgot his roots. His generous donation of the former Courtesy Motors building enabled the transformation of this site into a center for technical training, career preparation, and economic opportunity.
For all his success, Joe was named Region III Small Business Person of the Year by the United States Small Business Administration. He reminds us: “You don’t have to be smarter than the next person, but you can always outwork the competition.”
With deep gratitude, the Mountain Gateway Community College Real Estate Foundation dedicates this building to Joe Wilson—whose life and legacy continue to inspire future generations.
Need
The Joe Wilson Workforce Center was developed to meet the growing demand for technical workforce training and to strengthen the region’s economy.
Located in Buena Vista, Virginia, within a designated Opportunity Zone, the 18,750-square-foot facility increases Mountain Gateway’s workforce training capacity by 200% and is expected to boost enrollment in career and technical areas by at least 120%.
The anticipated regional impact includes the creation of more than 160 new jobs, retention of more than 450 existing jobs, and more than $11 million in regional investment.
Support the Future
Your support ensures that the Joe Wilson Workforce Center continues to provide opportunity, training, and economic growth for our region.
Join us in supporting our Buy-A-Brick Program and leave a lasting mark on our fundraising efforts to enhance the facility. For $100 per brick, you can personalize one (or more) with a laser-engraved message. Your brick will become part of the walkway surrounding the building.
To buy your brick, click here.
Direct donations to the Real Estate Foundation can be made by clicking here.
Recognition may take the form of articles in college publications, listing in any annual reports, announcements on the college website, press releases, and at campaign special events. All donors of $5,000 or more are offered the opportunity to name one or more college facilities commensurate with the total amount of their pledge.
Donor Recognition
The Joe Wilson Workforce Center was made possible through the generosity of more than 130 donors. Together, more than $7.3 million has been raised so far to bring this vision to life.
Key contributions include a $3 million investment from the U.S. Department of Commerce – Economic Development Administration; more than $1 million in total support from the Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation; and the generous donation of the former Courtesy Motors and Robey Ford buildings by Joe Wilson.
Additional vital support came from Rockbridge Odd Fellows Lodge #58, USDA Rural Development, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, and the cities of Buena Vista, Lexington, and Rockbridge County.
All donors of $5,000 or more are offered naming opportunities, and donors of $1,000 or more are recognized on a plaque displayed inside the building.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. John Rainone, MGCC President | 540.863.2827 | jrainone@mgcc.edu