Press Release
Commerce Department Invests $1 Million to Spur Economic & Job Growth in North Minneapolis
June 28, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.1 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Emerge Community Development of Minneapolis, Minn., to establish the Emerge Career and Technology Center. The Center will offer customized training and technology and human resources to fill the demand of industry sectors such as advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and "green" commercial property management. The project is expected to create 438 jobs and generate $3.5 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will create jobs by helping to build an environment where strategic services are provided to substantially improve the skills and opportunities available to the residents of economically distressed neighborhoods and by directing employers to qualified employees and resources."
Award winning Emerge Community Development is a non-profit that has a strong track record targeting people who have had limited success in traditional training. Partnerships with area employers in combination with strong, sustained staff and client relationships will provide support and access to services when needed. The jobs for which the project clients will be trained, are in stable or growing industry sectors that pay higher wages. The Emerge Career and Technology Center will be established in a refurbished historic library.
The Obama Administration is committed to building a stronger economy by investing in the research and technology that will lead to new ideas and new industries of the future - that means building new roads and bridges and manufacturing new products right here in America. Recently, the President announced several new commitments by the private sector, colleges, and the National Association of Manufacturers to make it possible for 500,000 community college students to get industry-accepted credentials for manufacturing jobs that companies across America are looking to fill. He also met with his Jobs Council to discuss ways we can spur private sector hiring in the short term and ensure our workers have the skills and training they need in this economy. The Jobs Council announced an effort to train 10,000 new American engineers every year, strengthening our competitiveness to ensure the new jobs and new industries are created right here in America.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration:
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.