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Press Release

For Immediate Release
Contact: Sean Bonyun
202-225-3761
March 13, 2009

Upton Helps Deliver $381,000 for Job Training in Benton Harbor
Upton secured the funding in the spending package that President Obama signed into law on Wednesday

BENTON HARBOR, MI – While visiting the offices of Michigan Works! in Benton Harbor today, Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) announced that he was successful in securing $381,000 for job training in Benton Harbor.  Upton secured the funding through the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration to support a new workforce training initiative that will work in tandem with the upcoming $500 million Harbor Shores mixed-use economic development project.  The funding was included in the spending package that President Obama signed into law on Wednesday.  Michigan’s two Senators, Carl Levin (D) and Debbie Stabenow (D) also lent their support to the project in the Senate.

“This project is testament to the great collaboration that we have in Benton Harbor and the greater southwest Michigan region to better our community and put folks back to work,” said Upton.  “This project is of significant importance as it will help train local residents to fill the jobs that will be created as the exciting Harbor Shores project moves forward.  I applaud the tremendous commitment and dedication of Marcus Robinson, Todd Gustafson, and all of their colleagues to ensuring our community continues to blossom.  This just proves that working together, we all can make a difference.”

The project will help reduce unemployment and increase per capita income through basic skills training, literacy remediation, and services to assist laid-off workers transition into high-growth occupations, particularly as the Harbor Shores project develops.  Michigan Works! will collaborate with local organizations including the Consortium for Community Development in training local residents for new careers.

“This funding is a powerful example of putting the pieces together,” said Marcus Robinson, president and CEO of the Consortium for Community Development.  “It connects a central project with job training.  For local workers, that opens the door to employment, and provides them with marketable skills that last a lifetime.”

Members of collaborating agencies supporting this initiative anticipate the skills training will have a substantial impact on the region’s overall economic development.

“This opportunity is the result of unprecedented efforts to collaborate with community partners to reach common goals,” stated Todd Gustafson, executive director of Michigan Works! “We cannot solve these problems overnight, or all alone, but several dedicated organizations with proven programs and expertise are pulling together to make a positive impact in this community.”

Michigan Works! is a non-profit, workforce development organization providing free services to employers and jobseekers in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. Their mission is to provide a skilled workforce to meet the needs of employers. Contact 1-800-533-5800 or www.miworks.org for more information.

Contact for Michigan Works!: Candice Elders, Director of Community Relations - (269) 927-1064 ext 1144

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