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"We've wanted to have a site in Alexandria for over eight years," said John Dulaney, Technical Service Manager at Suzuki Marine USA. "We fell in love with Alexandria and it's centrally located for most of our dealers. This is the top college facility we've worked in."

Dulaney, who assists dealers with warranty claims, dealer development, and training, particularly values the opportunity to work with emerging talent. "I enjoy working with the young guys and seeing where the future is going," he noted.

The partnership leverages ATCC's modern equipment and instructor expertise while giving students access to cutting-edge technology. Suzuki Marine USA plans to expand course offerings for their dealers at the Alexandria campus.

Duane Anderson, Training Instructor and Technical Support representative for Suzuki Marine USA, divides his time between summer phone support for dealers and winter training seminars. "Alexandria is centrally located for Midwest dealers, and this is a phenomenal facility," Anderson explained. "Mike and his team have been fantastic in providing everything we need to teach classes."

Training sessions simulate real-world challenges, with instructors creating "bugs" in equipment based on actual issues reported by dealers and through their technical support lines.

ATCC Graduates Highlight Program's Impact

The partnership announcement featured testimonials from In Tune Marine employees, both  ATCC Powersport program graduates. Since continuing their careers at the Richmond, MN business, they've maintained strong connections to the college.

"The instructors are fantastic and got me to where I am today," said one of the employees, who credits the program with emphasizing work ethic, high standards, and proper professional conduct alongside technical skills.

His coworker, Adam Taylor, added, "I chose Alex Tech because the facility was great and the instructors were excellent. I use the fundamentals I learned in school every day."

Both graduates noted that while the campus has updated its products over the past decade, the quality education and familiar environment remain consistent.

Mutual Benefits

Dulaney emphasized how this partnership benefits everyone involved: "The beauty of this Powersports program at ATCC is that graduates already know the products and are ready to go." He appreciates seeing the industry cycle continue as graduates open businesses and hire new ATCC alumni.

"When I walk through this campus, I'm in awe," Delaney reflected. "I'm so glad to be a part of it now, watching students start their careers. My younger self would've never thought I'd be here."

For ATCC students, the partnership provides exposure to state-of-the-art products and technology, making them "yards ahead of everyone else," according to Dulaney, who describes them as creative thinkers that dealers are fortunate to employ.

The collaboration represents a significant development for both the college and Suzuki Marine USA, combining industry expertise with educational excellence to train the next generation of service technicians.