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Remarks Prepared for Delivery by
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
BRAC Workforce Development Grant Announcement
Fort McPherson, Georgia
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Thank you, Governor Perdue, for that introduction. And thank you for your leadership and your commitment to increasing economic opportunity for Georgia's workers.
We are delighted to be joined today by Senator Chambliss and Senator Isakson. They are doing a great job for the people of Georgia, and they are tremendous supporters of our men and women in uniform and the civilians who support them.
Let me also recognize the leaders who are here from Fort McPherson, Fort Gillem, the Naval Supply Corps and Fort Benning.
We thank them for their strong and steady leadership.
Welcome also to the members of academia. We are joined by presidents here from area universities and technical and community colleges. Thank you for your leadership in helping to prepare our nation's workforce for careers in the 21st century economy.
And finally, let me acknowledge the many members of the employer and economic development community, workforce investment representatives from Georgia's "Work Ready Regions," and state officials who are here today.
All of you play a critical role in creating an environment where Georgia workers can access the new and exciting career opportunities that bring us together today. Thank you for being here.
We just finished a tour of Fort McPherson. We learned about some of the exciting new plans to re-develop the base. We also heard about redevelopment plans in store for Fort Gillem and the Naval Supply Corp, and growth anticipated at Fort Benning and its surrounding communities.
So today, I am announcing a $5 million DOL grant award to the state of Georgia to support strategies for workforce development that will better prepare workers for growing opportunities in the state.
This investment will help the Innovation Crescent region, from Athens to Atlanta, transition their workforces into new jobs and new careers in the life sciences industry. This is a growing sector of Georgia's economy, and there is a tremendous demand for skilled workers.
It will also help the Chattahoochee Valley region prepare workers for new defense industry jobs that will be created when the Armor School, from my home state of Kentucky, is relocated to Fort Benning. This region also needs skilled workers for job opportunities in the aerospace and automotive manufacturing sectors.
Education and skills training is essential to helping workers thrive in the 21st century economy. Today, our entire country is transitioning to a knowledge-based economy. Two-thirds of the new jobs created over the next decade will require some kind of post-secondary education or training. By definition, these jobs pay above average wages because employers are paying a premium for workers with skills that are in demand.
So more than ever, education, training, and re-training are the keys to future employment and earnings. In order to leverage this grant so it will have the greatest impact, all stakeholders must work together. And the presence here today of so many state leaders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors shows that Georgia is right on target with its strategy to address this challenge.
Let me also mention that in addition to today's announcement, the Department continues to invest in our returning servicemen and women through a variety of job placement and employment assistance services.
The leadership and professionalism of the men and women in uniform make them superb candidates for jobs in the civilian workforce. Here in Georgia, we have so many brave men and women who have answered the call to serve.
America's military, veterans, and their families are there for all of us. Now it's our turn to be there for them by providing resources that can help them build rewarding new careers.
So congratulations! And thank you for everything you are doing to help make a real and meaningful difference in the lives of the people who live in this community.
Allow me to present this check for $5 million to support the growth and development of Georgia's 21st century workforce.
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