Service Center Almost Open

The New Region 13 Education Service Center in La Grange (in the old Bealls building) is on the brink of opening.

‘‘We are waiting on a couple of items, one is a supply chain issue and the other with technology,” said Region 13 Chief Executive Director Rich Elsasser. “As soon as we get both of these items completed we will be able to do a “soft opening” and start hosting workshops at the facility. We do plan on setting up a “Grand Opening” with an open house soon after the equipment is installed as well.”

The new complex will host educator training sessions for dozens of schools around the region.

Though mostly complete, the facility is still awaiting moveable walls that will allow the main training facility space to adjust from a single large room to four smaller rooms that can hold between 30-40 people each.

The only other to-do item for the facility, Elsasser said, is related to it’s internet system.

“Each room will be set up with projectors, screens and a ‘command center’ that will consist of the laptop and equipment for the projectors and screens. We will have wireless internet throughout the building so that our equipment can ‘talk’ to each other as well as providing wireless internet for our clients,” he said.

Region 13 is also currently in the process of hiring someone to be the “face of Region 13, La Grange,” Elsasser said. That person “would welcome clients as well as helping set up the rooms for meetings throughout the day. They will also help with room reservations and general care of the facility. As the facility gains more client attendance, we will look at expanding the staffing as well.”