Governor Awards McNairy Co. Companies Job Training Grants

THREE COMPANIES AWARDED A TOTAL OF $67,482

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner James Neeley have awarded $24,082 to General Electric Company, $23,400 to Reitter and Schefenacker USA and $20,000 to Monogram Refrigeration all of Selmer, 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 this grant money to keep area workers on the job.”

“I commend Governor Bredesen and Commissioner Neeley for awarding the Incumbent Worker grants to these companies,” said Lt. Governor John Wilder. “This will help keep McNairy County workers employed and help improve our economy.”

“The Incumbent Worker grants are a wonderful tool for companies to train their workers in the latest technology and production skills,” said Representative Randy Rinks.

The Southwest Human Resource Agency played a vital role in awarding the grants to General Electric Company, Reitter and Schefenacker USA and Monogram Refrigeration.

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.