NASHVILLE – Governor Don Sundquist today announced the grand opening of the South Central Tennessee Career Center in Columbia, calling on employers and workers to utilize the comprehensive employment centers.

"These centers are where people connect with jobs and employers find qualified workers," Sundquist announced. "The centers are the cornerstone of our Workforce Development initiative with the goal of making Tennessee’s labor force the best in the nation."

Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Michael E. Magill was joined in ribbon cutting ceremonies by Barbara McIntyre, Mayor of Columbia; Ed Harlan, Maury County Executive; and Reggie Brown, Local Workforce Investment Board Chairman for the LWIA 10.

"The center will broaden our ability to bring employers and job seekers in this region together while offering a wide range of services," Commissioner Magill explained. "In the past, employment efforts have been too scattered and have too often left out the employer’s needs. The Tennessee Career Center System is changing that and will provide one central place to meet employment needs. Fourteen Career Centers will be operational by July. These centers combined with our existing offices and already successful partnership with the Department of Human Services will enhance the Workforce Development system."

According to Ed Harlan, Maury County Executive, it has been a successful joint effort.

"The opening of the South Central Tennessee Career Center will be the centerpiece for bringing together job seekers and employers," Harlan said.

Mayor of Columbia Barbara McIntyre said, "The opening of the Career Center is an exciting event and will certainly contribute to workforce development in Columbia and the surrounding area."

The South Central Tennessee Career Center partners include the Departments of Labor & Workforce Development and Human Services, Local Workforce Investment Area 10, Maury County Board of Education, the Older Worker Program, and Columbia State Community College. The South Central Tennessee Career Center will provide assistance to all customers, while serving as a geographic job center for Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Marshall, Maury, Perry and Wayne counties.

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NOTE: Media coverage is invited.

El Departmento del Trabajo de (Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development) es un patrono que ofrece igualdad de empleo. Ayudas auxiliaries están disponibles para individuos con impedimentos.