Gov. Lynch Announces Job Training Grants Awarded to 10 NH Companies

For Immediate Release:                                          Contact: Colin Manning
Monday, August 11, 2008                         (603) 271-2121
                                                            (603) 361-4459 (cell)

Gov. Lynch Announces Job Training Grants Awarded to 10 NH Companies

More than 600 workers will receive training as a result of the latest grants

CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today announced that an additional 600 New Hampshire workers will receive job training through $300,000 in matching grants awarded to 10 companies across the state.

Job Training grants are aimed at keeping jobs in New Hampshire by helping companies provide training to their workers that will enhance their skills and allow them compete globally. Gov. Lynch made it a priority to reinstate the Job Training Fund, which distributes up to $1 million annually in matching grants to allow companies to train new workers or retrain longtime employees.

"It is important that we make wise investments in our economy, especially during this downturn in the national economy. Job training helps our companies - and their workers - grow and compete, and helps keep New Hampshire's economy moving," Gov. Lynch said. "These Job Training grants are helping workers get the skills they need for good jobs and helping our companies get the skilled workforce they need to stay and grow in New Hampshire. I am pleased to see so many New Hampshire workers receiving valuable training and so many businesses using this important economic development tool."

The July 2008 recipients of the Job Training grants are: Nobis Engineering, Inc., of Concord; Pleasant View Gardens, Inc., of Loudon; NH Precision Metal Fabricators, Inc., of Londonderry; Hypertherm of Hanover; and Littleton Coin Company of Littleton.

Receiving grants in June 2008 were: Thompson Center Arms of Rochester; Millipore Corporation of Milford; Tidland Corporation of Keene; HCP Packaging USA of Hinsdale; and Nashua Corporation located in Merrimack.

In the nine months since the Job Training Fund was re-established, companies from across New Hampshire have received state grants totaling more than $1 million. Companies receiving grants have contributed more than $1.7 million, bringing the total amount invested in new training for workers to more than $2.8 million.

As a result of the initiative, 1,891 workers are receiving training.

A 10-member Job Training Grant Review Committee reviews the applications and makes recommendations to state Department of Resources and Economic Development Commissioner George Bald. The Workforce Opportunity Council administers the Job Training Fund for DRED.