Governor Awards Premier Diagnostics Imaging and OBGYN Associates Job Training Grants

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner James Neeley have awarded almost $47,000 for job training to two companies in Cookeville, Tenn. The two companies are Premier Diagnostics Imaging, awarded $25,535, and OBGYN Associates, awarded $21,440.  Incumbent Worker Training grants assist existing employers with training needs and help avert possible layoffs. Over the past three years, Incumbent Worker Training grants have totaled more than $5.7 million to assist more than 22,000 employees.

“It is vital for Tennessee employers to continually train and upgrade the skills of their workers for our state to remain economically competitive,” said Governor Bredesen.   “I’m pleased that Tennessee businesses have access to Incumbent Worker Grants for the purpose of retraining existing employees to help make their businesses more productive and the skills of their employees more valuable.”

“I am proud to award this grant money to keep area workers on the job,” said Commissioner Neeley.  “Not only will these companies benefit from the grant, but the surrounding communities of Putnam County will benefit as well.”

“I commend Governor Bredesen and Commissioner Neeley for awarding the Incumbent Worker grants to these two businesses,” said Senator Charlotte Burks. “These companies deliver healthcare services important to Putnam County.”

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

The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency played a key role in awarding the grant to Premier Diagnostics Imaging and OBGYN Associates.

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.