Governor Awards Loudon Co. Companies Job Training Grants

ASTEC UNDERGROUND AND KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION AWARDED

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner James Neeley have awarded $31,835 to Astec Underground, and $17,566 to Kimberly-Clark Corporation, both of Loudon, Tennessee, for incumbent worker training. More than $3 million in Incumbent Worker Training Grants was awarded in fiscal year 2005-06 benefiting almost 15,000 Tennessee workers who retained their jobs and received skill upgrades.

“The Incumbent Worker Training Grants are essential to help Tennessee’s workers look to the future with job growth and stability,” said Governor Bredesen. “These grants will help keep these companies competitive and increase the skills of their talented employees.”

“The Incumbent Worker Training Program provides grant funding for customized training for existing businesses,” said Commissioner Neeley. “I am proud to award the grant money to keep area workers on the job.”

The East Tennessee Human Resource Agency played a vital role in awarding the grants to both Astec Underground and Kimberly-Clark.

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development administers the Incumbent Worker Training program. The program has been structured to be flexible to meet the business’s training objectives. The business may use public, private, or its own in-house training provider based on the nature of the training.

The following criteria must be met to qualify for the Incumbent Worker Training Program. Employers must be in operation in Tennessee for at least one year prior to application date. Employers must have at least five full-time employees, demonstrate financial viability and be current on all state tax obligations. Funding priority is given to businesses whose grant proposals represent a significant layoff avoidance strategy and represent a significant upgrade of skills.

Senator Randy McNally represents Loudon County where the businesses are located.