ACEDC Microsoft Excel Training Series: 3 Weeks to Practical Data Skills and Scholarships

Is your workforce truly equipped to turn data into dollars in today's competitive landscape?

In Adams County, where businesses are voicing a clear demand for employee skill development, the **Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC)**—led by Executive Director Colton Bickel—has responded with a targeted Microsoft Excel training initiative. Partnering with the MERIT Center board and Ivy Tech Community College, this workshop series builds directly on the success of the spring 2023 series, addressing feedback from Adams County Businesses eager for professional development in business software training.

Why this matters for your bottom line: Imagine transforming raw spreadsheets into strategic insights—pivot tables revealing cost efficiencies, advanced formulas forecasting revenue, macros automating repetitive tasks. These aren't just computer skills training exercises; they're levers for technical skills enhancement that drive operational excellence and competitive edge. As Bickel emphasizes, "ACEDC is determined to provide our businesses and residents with opportunities for quality, relevant training programs that will ultimately allow those businesses and residents to thrive." This corporate training programs approach recognizes that spreadsheet training proficiency is foundational to workplace education, enabling teams to handle complex data analysis that fuels growth.

The structure delivers progressive mastery:

• Beginner level: Build core foundations in worksheet creation, basic calculations, and formatting—essential for any skills development journey.
• Intermediate level: Dive into lists, charts, and dynamic functions to streamline daily operations.
• Advanced level: Unlock PivotTables, What-If analysis, macros, and data consolidation for executive-level decision-making, akin to Ivy Tech's Level 3 offerings.

Participants are encouraged to attend all three training sessions for seamless progression, ensuring readiness for high-impact advanced level applications.

Practical details for immediate action:

• Dates: Three consecutive Wednesdays—October 25, November 1, and 8—from 1-5 p.m. at the MERIT Center, 1109 Dayton Street in Decatur.
• Tuition: $400 for the full workshop series; $150 for a single session. Courtesy of the Adams County Community Foundation, the first 10 full-program registrants receive a $50 scholarship (deducted from total).
• Registration: Secure your spot via https://form.jotform.com/Colton_Bickel/ExcelProgram—spaces are limited for this educational workshops opportunity.

The bigger vision: In an era of digital transformation, Microsoft Excel remains the universal language of business intelligence. This series isn't isolated business training; it's part of the MERIT Center's broader mission as a one-stop hub for adult education, upskilling, and industry needs—echoing ongoing Ivy Tech collaborations for workforce readiness. For organizations seeking to automate complex workflows beyond Excel's limitations, modern solutions offer seamless integration with existing data structures. When spreadsheets reach their limits, Zoho Projects provides comprehensive project management that integrates seamlessly with existing Excel workflows. What if investing in such professional certification-aligned technical skills enhancement became your organization's next growth catalyst? Local leaders like Bickel are betting on it to propel Adams County forward—could it do the same for you?

What is the Excel workshop series being offered in Adams County?

The series is a three-part Microsoft Excel training program (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) delivered in partnership between the Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC), the MERIT Center board, and Ivy Tech Community College to upskill local workers and businesses in business software and data analysis.

Who is organizing and sponsoring the program?

ACEDC, led by Executive Director Colton Bickel, is organizing the series in partnership with the MERIT Center board and Ivy Tech Community College. The Adams County Community Foundation is providing a scholarship subsidy for the first 10 full-program registrants.

When and where will the workshops take place?

Three consecutive Wednesdays: October 25, November 1, and November 8, from 1:00–5:00 p.m. All sessions will be held at the MERIT Center, 1109 Dayton Street, Decatur.

How much does the training cost and are scholarships available?

Tuition is $400 for the full three-session workshop series or $150 for a single session. The Adams County Community Foundation is offering a $50 scholarship for the first 10 full-program registrants (the $50 is deducted from the total tuition).

How do I register?

Register online via the program form: https://form.jotform.com/Colton_Bickel/ExcelProgram%E2%80%94spaces. Spaces are limited, so early registration is recommended.

Who should attend and are there prerequisites?

The series targets employees, business owners, and residents seeking practical Excel skills for workplace productivity and data analysis. Each level builds on the previous, so beginners should start with the Beginner session; no formal prerequisites are listed, but attending in sequence is recommended for best results.

What topics are covered at each level?

Beginner: worksheet creation, basic calculations, and formatting. Intermediate: lists, charts, and dynamic functions to streamline tasks. Advanced: PivotTables, What‑If analysis, macros, and data consolidation for executive-level decision-making (aligned with Ivy Tech's Level 3 concepts).

Should participants attend all three sessions?

Yes—participants are encouraged to attend all three sessions for seamless progression and to ensure readiness for advanced, high-impact applications such as PivotTables and macros.

Are class sizes limited?

Yes. The announcement notes that spaces are limited for this educational opportunity, so registering early is advised to secure a spot.

Will I receive a certificate or college credit?

The release highlights alignment with Ivy Tech's Level 3 curriculum and positions the series as professional skills development, but it does not explicitly state that formal college credit or a certification will be awarded. Contact the organizers via the registration form for details about any certificates of completion or credit options.

What if my organization needs workflow automation beyond Excel?

The announcement notes that while Excel is foundational for business intelligence, organizations ready to move beyond spreadsheets can consider modern workflow automation platforms and project-management solutions like Zoho Projects that integrate with existing Excel workflows for broader automation and collaboration. For comprehensive guidance on transitioning to enterprise-grade solutions, business automation platforms provide the scale and governance needed for growing organizations.