CTB Inc. Opportunity Lab Unveiled At Cardinal Services

August 2, 2024 at 5:43 p.m.
Representatives of CTB and Cardinal gather in front of the new CTB Inc. Opportunity Lab sign at Cardinal Services. Pictured (L to R) are, front row: Mindy Brooks, Tina Streit, Sandy Bibler, Jack Deeter, Jo Coverstone; middle row: Vickie Lootens, Mike Kissane; back row: Josh Brown, Drexel Sales and Josh Higdon. Photo Provided.
Representatives of CTB and Cardinal gather in front of the new CTB Inc. Opportunity Lab sign at Cardinal Services. Pictured (L to R) are, front row: Mindy Brooks, Tina Streit, Sandy Bibler, Jack Deeter, Jo Coverstone; middle row: Vickie Lootens, Mike Kissane; back row: Josh Brown, Drexel Sales and Josh Higdon. Photo Provided.

By Staff Report

As they near the completion of their campus renovation, Cardinal Services announced a milestone in their journey toward empowering the community with the completion of the CTB Inc. Opportunity Lab.
Thanks to a $1 million pledge from CTB, Cardinal has brought their vision to life, culminating in a state-of-the-art, 3,000-square-foot addition to their main building, according to a news release from Cardinal.
This CTB Inc. Opportunity Lab is set to revolutionize skills training in Kosciusko County. Focused on the high-demand fields of manufacturing, hospitality and healthcare — identified through a comprehensive job market survey — the lab is designed to meet the immediate needs of local employers and offers unparalleled opportunities for community members, the release states.
“CTB is thankful to have a long-standing working relationship with Cardinal Services,” said Victor A. Mancinelli, chairman and chief executive officer of CTB Inc. “We are honored to assist Cardinal as they build a stronger future.
“Cardinal is making a difference for the individuals and families they serve by helping people live purposeful and meaningful lives.”
The CTB Inc. Opportunity Lab offers an immersive and hands-on learning experience, including:
• Classroom space: Modern, tech-equipped classrooms for dynamic learning.
• Commercial kitchen and café: Real-world culinary training to ignite careers in hospitality.
• CNA lab: Comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant training for healthcare careers.
• Hotel room setup: Practical experience in the hospitality sector.
• Forklift training: Essential skills for the manufacturing industry.
• Grocery store layout: Retail training to prepare participants for various roles.
The team at Cardinal Services, led by Executive Director Vickie Lootens, is working closely with local employers to ensure training programs are aligned with their evolving needs.
"The CTB Inc. Opportunity Lab is more than just a facility; it's a gateway to brighter futures for our community members," said Lootens. "We are committed to adapting and growing our programs to provide the skills that our employers demand."
One of the most exciting aspects of the Opportunity Lab is its accessibility, the release states. You do not need to be a current participant in other Cardinal programs to take advantage of this opportunity. All community members are welcome to apply and embark on a path to a rewarding career.
Cardinal Services invites the community to join in celebrating their ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Friday, Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cardinal Services. Guests can tour Cardinal, including the CTB Inc. Opportunity Lab, and witness Cardinal’s vision for a more skilled workforce, and limitless possibilities for individuals across Kosciusko County.

As they near the completion of their campus renovation, Cardinal Services announced a milestone in their journey toward empowering the community with the completion of the CTB Inc. Opportunity Lab.
Thanks to a $1 million pledge from CTB, Cardinal has brought their vision to life, culminating in a state-of-the-art, 3,000-square-foot addition to their main building, according to a news release from Cardinal.
This CTB Inc. Opportunity Lab is set to revolutionize skills training in Kosciusko County. Focused on the high-demand fields of manufacturing, hospitality and healthcare — identified through a comprehensive job market survey — the lab is designed to meet the immediate needs of local employers and offers unparalleled opportunities for community members, the release states.
“CTB is thankful to have a long-standing working relationship with Cardinal Services,” said Victor A. Mancinelli, chairman and chief executive officer of CTB Inc. “We are honored to assist Cardinal as they build a stronger future.
“Cardinal is making a difference for the individuals and families they serve by helping people live purposeful and meaningful lives.”
The CTB Inc. Opportunity Lab offers an immersive and hands-on learning experience, including:
• Classroom space: Modern, tech-equipped classrooms for dynamic learning.
• Commercial kitchen and café: Real-world culinary training to ignite careers in hospitality.
• CNA lab: Comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant training for healthcare careers.
• Hotel room setup: Practical experience in the hospitality sector.
• Forklift training: Essential skills for the manufacturing industry.
• Grocery store layout: Retail training to prepare participants for various roles.
The team at Cardinal Services, led by Executive Director Vickie Lootens, is working closely with local employers to ensure training programs are aligned with their evolving needs.
"The CTB Inc. Opportunity Lab is more than just a facility; it's a gateway to brighter futures for our community members," said Lootens. "We are committed to adapting and growing our programs to provide the skills that our employers demand."
One of the most exciting aspects of the Opportunity Lab is its accessibility, the release states. You do not need to be a current participant in other Cardinal programs to take advantage of this opportunity. All community members are welcome to apply and embark on a path to a rewarding career.
Cardinal Services invites the community to join in celebrating their ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Friday, Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cardinal Services. Guests can tour Cardinal, including the CTB Inc. Opportunity Lab, and witness Cardinal’s vision for a more skilled workforce, and limitless possibilities for individuals across Kosciusko County.

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