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ETA News Release: [10/29/2008]
Contact Name: Terry Shawn or Jennifer Kaplan
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x5052
Release Number: 08-1516-DEN

U.S. Department of Labor announces grant exceeding $428,000 to assist Iowans affected by Northern Engraving closure

WASHINGTON —The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $428,138 grant to assist workers affected by the closure of the Northern Engraving Corp. plant in Waukon, Iowa.

"This $3.2 million grant will provide these Illinois workers with access to employment services including job search assistance to help them return to the workforce as quickly as possible," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

"This grant will supply these workers with the training and employment services necessary for transitioning to in-demand occupations in other fields," said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Brent R. Orrell.

Today's grant, awarded to Iowa Workforce Development, will provide Northern Engraving workers with the full array of dislocated worker services, which may include skills assessment, basic skills training, individual career counseling and occupational skills training. Re-employment services and retraining will focus on preparing the impacted workers for jobs in growing industries such as health care. The project will be operated by the Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission.

Northern Engraving Corp. closed the Waukon plant in August.

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, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.