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Press Release

For Immediate Release
Contact: Sean C. Bonyun
July 24, 2009
(202) 225-3761

Upton Delivers $250,000 for Job Training in Benton Harbor
Funding comes on the heels of $381,000 that Upton secured for the program in March

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) announced today that he was successful in securing $250,000 for job training in Benton Harbor.  Upton secured the funding in the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education spending bill, H.R. 3293, which passed the House today by a vote of 264 to 153.  The funding supports a new workforce training initiative that will work in tandem with the $500 million Harbor Shores mixed-use economic development project.  The quarter of a million dollars comes on the heels of the $381,000 that Upton delivered in the omnibus spending bill which was signed into law on March 11th.  The measure is expected to be considered by the Senate in September. 

“This project is a testament to the remarkable 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 funding is a big win for our community and comes at a time when we especially could use a lift.  The program will help many local residents 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.  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.  Members of collaborating agencies supporting this initiative anticipate the skills training will have a substantial impact on the region’s overall economic development.

“It’s very encouraging to know our leaders are working hard to make sure their constituents have access to the training they need to be employable in today’s business environment,” said Todd Gustafson, executive director of Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren.  “We will use these funds to continue helping jobseekers build relevant skills and grow their careers.  We are confident that as the local economy begins to recover, there will be increased employment opportunities for local jobseekers, but those workers will need to have increasingly sophisticated skills to meet the demands of modern business.  This funding is the result of many community partners working together to find solutions to our current economic challenges.  Congressman Upton listened to our needs, and has proactively responded by bringing much needed resources to Southwest Michigan jobseekers.”

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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