Get Up to $50,000 While Improving Your Staff's Work skills

I recently read an article entitled, "Economic experts recommend nurturing homegrown businesses" (http://bit.ly/zStIbN) written by Jeff Burlow, highlighting the Economic Development Forum in Tallahassee.

The Tallahassee Economic Development Council (EC) hosted a panel of experts Marty Reid, Thomas Henry and Dean Barber who discussed a number of issues related to economic development. A major topic was ways to focus on and meet the needs of local businsses already operating in the Tallahassee community. One suggestion for retaining and growing existing local businesses was training. Beth Kirkland of the (EDC) indicated that the major takeaway from the meeting was the importance of a skilled workforce. Jim Murdaugh of Tallahassee Community College (TCC) highlighted that there are jobs available and people who need those jobs, but he admitted that there is somehow a huge gap between the two. This gap, he believes exists because of the need to provide appropriate skills to Florida's workforce.

With that said, it should also be noted that Florida's businesses have numerous opportunties to improve their employees' work skills. Through the Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) grant, a for-profit business may recoup up to 75% of its training costs within a 12 month period. For example, an IT company that provides continuing education for its employees may qualify for an IWT award up to $50,000. This is GREAT news for businesses who need to train their employees.

Other benefits of participating in skills upgrade training are:

• Increased productivity
• Reduced employee turnovers
• Increase revenues

I understand that many companies are not taking advantage of these training grants, because they are unaware that these grants exist. If you have a client or know of a colleague who actively trains its employees, please pass along this information. You could potentially save them 50 -75 percent of their training costs.

Skilled manufacturing jobs emerge in South Florida

I recently read an article written Marcia Heroux Pounds of the Sun Sentinel about the increase of skilled manufacturing jobs in S. Florida.  According to the article, businesses like Nipro Diagnostics (formerly Home Diagnostics) and MAKO Surgical are providing high skilled, high wage manufacturing jobs.  Another company, ProSolus Pharmaceuticals committed to adding 45 headquarters jobs. The former Pennyslvania company is also considering a lab and manufacturing plant as well, which will further increase the potential for additional jobs in S. Florida.  To see the full article, click on the link: http://sunsent.nl/zevaZe.

Companies like these can benefit greatly from Florida's Workforce Training Grants.  These grants help defray the cost of training their workforce to increase their efficiency, competitiveness and ultimately their profitability.

Medical Facilities Mandated to Transition to Electronic Medical Records

The Federal Government mandated that all medical records in the U.S. are to be converted into an electronic format by 2014.  Penalties will be levied on healthcare organizations and physicians who fail to convert to an electronic format for storing and maintaining their patient's medical records.

In an article written by Charlotte Crane, (see full article here http://bit.ly/uIOn6U), an organization called the Big Bend Regional Healthcare Informationn Organization is helping to digitize medical records for Leon and the surrounding Counties.

Medical facilities who are training their employees on this new format to ensure accurate data transfers and maintenance of their patient's records are also taking advantage of Florida's workforce grants.  Through these training grants, a medical facility may reduce the cost of training its team by 50%. 

To find out how you can reduce the overall cost of complying with the Electronic Medical Records Mandate, give me a call at (850) 727-0293.

$2M in Training Grants for Florida Exports and Trade

I read an article on Florida's Training Grants that I'd like to share with you: Florida's Exports and Trade industry has just gotten a needed boost! Workforce Florida announced $2 million in training grants to support Florida’s growing export and international trade sectors. According to Dale Brill, FCF president. “Workforce Florida’s investment in the talent supply for the industries of the future will help position Florida to be the No. 1 job-creating state in the nation.”

Quick Response Training grants supports customized training for new and expanding businesses. Businesses receiving the grants decide what training is needed and who will deliver it to their employees. Participating employers must make a matching investment to qualify for QRT funds.

To view the full article, click on the link - http://bit.ly/oNW07t

Florida's training grants are a great way to subsidize the cost of your training. The State will reimburse 50% of the direct cost of training, up to $50,000. Don't you think this is worth the time and effort needed to apply? What do you have to lose? I'm sure you have more to gain!!

Increase your revenue by training your team...Plus subsidize up to 50% of the direct cost.

Why wouldn't you take advantage of Florida's training grants? Click on the link http://bit.ly/nHUHuY to find out how you can subsidize the cost of training your team.

Workforce Florida announces $2.2M in transportation training funding

Just read this article and wanted to share it with you: http://bit.ly/rtvlsF

Florida transportation industry workers will get a skills upgrade boost through a state-funded training opportunity through Workforce Florida in the amount of $2.2 million. Now, here is how the $2.2 million will be allocated:

$987,000 will be used to train about 1,000 new and current workers at port-related, manufacturing and logistics businesses. This portion of the money is aimed at retaining jobs and expanding international trade. Instruction will take place at the University of North Florida.

$630,000 will be used to improve skills for employees at air cargo-related firms. This training will take place at Broward College.

$600,000 will be used to create up to 15 career academies in high schools throughout the state, focusing on international trade.

State of Florida Recognized for Workforce Training Programs

I read this article about Florida's ranking as number one for its workforce and training opportunities in the Enterprising States report. Last year, Florida ranked second. This is a great accomplishment, as it makes the State more attractive to business development and growth. The State of Florida is showing its dedication to upgrading the skills of its workforce. Great Job!!

To read the full article, click the following link: http://bit.ly/pv9kHX