Education Cabinet
Education Secretary Owens awards $50,000 to south central Kentucky workforce board

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Glasgow native and Kentucky Education Cabinet Secretary Laura Emberton Owens presented a check on March 23, 2007 for $50,000 to Barren River Workforce Investment Board at the Barren River Area Development District in Bowling Green. The Workforce Investment Act statewide reserve funds were requested for an in-depth regional labor market survey for the district.

“Coming home and presenting these funds is an honor for me, because we are making a significant investment in the workforce and economic development for the region,” said Owens.  “South Central Kentucky is primed and ready for business expansion and new industry growth. This regional study will help identify critical workforce issues so more business and industry can be strategically addressed.”

“We appreciate Secretary Owens and the state supporting the funding of this regional labor market survey. The information we gain from this research will be valuable in identifying and addressing gaps in workforce skills and industry needs for corporate decision makers, site selectors, educators, and elected officials in recruiting business and industry, and expanding our local economies,” said Amy Walker, Barren River Workforce Board chair.

Commitments totaling $30,000 from regional partners will complete the funding for the $80,000 study. Partners include Glasgow/Barren County Industrial Development and Economic Authority, $10,000; Logan Economic Alliance for Development, $5,000; Warren County Chamber of Commerce, $10,000; and private sector contributors, $5,000. The study will assist BRADD and its partners in better understanding the availability, education and other characteristics of labor pools in the BRADD region, positioning the region to expand and attract more business to the area. The BRADD includes Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson and Warren Counties. For more information on the regional labor study, contact Director George Leamon, Barren River Area Development District/Local Workforce Investment Area, (270)781-2381, george.leamon@bradd.org.

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The Kentucky Education Cabinet coordinates learning programs from P-16, and manages and supports training and employment functions in the Department for Workforce Investment. WIA statewide reserve funds are administered through the Department for Workforce Investment, Office of Employment and Training, Division of Workforce and Employment Services.  These federal funds are allocated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration (www.doleta.gov) as authorized under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. For more information about our programs, visit www.educationcabinet.ky.gov or call (502)564-6606.