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ETA News Release: [05/07/2008]
Contact Name: Jennifer Kaplan or Terry Shawn
Phone Number: (202) 693-5052 or x4676
Release Number: 08-0600-CHI

U.S. Department of Labor awards $250,000 grant to Minnesota to develop long-term workforce strategies

Project will assist the Seven Rivers tri-state region

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $250,000 Regional Innovation Grant to Minnesota to develop long-term workforce strategies for the Seven Rivers tri-state region, which includes southeast Minnesota, western Wisconsin and northeast Iowa.

"Leaders in the Seven Rivers tri-state region are working together to create a strong regional identity and to coordinate their educational activities in building the area workforce's potential," said acting Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Brent R. Orrell.

The grant, awarded to Minnesota's Workforce Development Inc., will also support efforts to identify, analyze and map the assets of the Seven Rivers tri-state region. It includes 11 counties in southeast Minnesota, eight counties in western Wisconsin and eight counties in northeast Iowa.

The project will build on relationships that already exist among the region's four workforce investment boards. The project's leadership group consists of members of workforce development organizations, educational institutions, training providers, employers, chambers of commerce and economic development agencies from across the region.

Regional Innovation Grants are drawn from National Emergency Grant funds to assist state workforce agencies and local workforce investment boards, as well as their key partners, in the design of strategic regional plans focused on talent development that is aligned with the demands of the 21st century economy.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information on National Emergency Grants, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.