WVU Parkersburg Board approves cafeteria renovation project

Nov. 5, 2009

WVU Parkersburg's cafeteria to undergo $329,000 major renovation.

CONTACT: WVU Parkersburg President Marie Foster Gnage, 304-424-8200.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A $329,000 cafeteria renovation project to include a coffee bar, food court, and restaurant style design is planned at West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

The college's Board of Governors approved the project at its November meeting Wednesday (Nov. 4).

WVU Parkersburg recently entered into a 10-year agreement with AVI Foodsystems Inc. for the college's food service and vending operations, Chris Clifford, interim chief financial officer, told the board. In effect July 1, the contract involves improvements in the food service program with a wider variety of healthy foods available in the cafeteria. AVI has served as the institution's food service provider for more than 20 years.

In addition to the food enhancements, AVI will complete a major renovation of the service and dining area of the cafeteria. Included will be a permanent coffee/breakfast bar, a stage for noon-time performances and a "soft seating" area, among other improvements, Clifford noted.

As part of the renovation, AVI will provide $152,000 toward the renovation construction and fund an upfront loan of $177,000 to WVU Parkersburg. Clifford explained that the loan would be repaid over the life of the contract from commissions.

The Board of Governors unanimously approved the renovation project.

Work is expected to be completed over the college's Christmas break between semesters to create the coffee bar and a sub shop. Construction on a contemporary grill and other enhancements will commence over spring semester break.

In other action, the Board approved the institution's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009. This is the first audited financial statement since the college was separated administratively from West Virginia University.

Also, the Board heard a presentation from consultant Bob D'Avria regarding a strategic planning process he has led with a college task force to gather and synthesize information for the development of the institution's next five-year strategic plan. The Board approved the strategic plan goals D'Avria presented which included: an exceptional place to learn; an exceptional place to work; an exceptional community resource partner; grants and contributed support; facilities, technology, and identity and image.

The next meeting of the Board of Governors will be at 5:45 p.m., Dec. 9 at the college.