For Immediate Release

More than 1,000 NH Workers Now Receiving Training Through State Grants

CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today announced that more than eight companies across New Hampshire will receive $72,000 in Job Training grants, bringing to 1,000 the number of New Hampshire workers now receiving training through the recently re-instated program.

Job Training grants are aimed at keeping jobs in New Hampshire by helping New Hampshire companies compete globally. Gov. Lynch made it a priority to reinstate the Job Training Fund, which distributes up to $1 million annually in matching grants to allow companies to train new workers or retrain longtime employees.

"Job Training grants play a valuable role in helping New Hampshire workers and companies succeed. By partnering with New Hampshire companies, we are helping workers get the skills they need for good jobs and helping our companies get the skilled workforce they need to stay and grow in New Hampshire," Gov. Lynch said. "I am pleased to see so many New Hampshire workers receiving valuable training. I hope more New Hampshire businesses will use this important tool designed to help strengthen our economy."

The April 2008 recipients are: Merchants Auto Group in Hooksett; Acme Staple Company of Franklin; HiRel Systems in Dover; High Liner Foods in Portsmouth; Microspec Corp. of Peterborough; Connecticut River Bank in Littleton; Nobis Engineering Inc. of Concord; and Littleton Coin Company of Littleton.

The eight companies will receive a total of $72,330 in state grants, with those companies providing matching funds. The grants will allow 339 workers to receive job training.

Since the first grants from the re-established Job Training Fund were awarded in December, 26 companies from across New Hampshire have received state grants totaling over $561,000. Companies receiving grants have contributed more than $907,000, bringing the total amount invested in new training for workers to more than $1.46 million.

A 10-member Job Training Grant Review Committee reviews the applications and makes recommendations to state Department of Resources and Economic Development Commissioner George Bald. The Workforce Opportunity Council administers the Job Training Fund for DRED.

For more information about the Job Training Fund, go to www.nhjobtrainingfund.org.

# # #