Press Release
U.S. Commerce Department Supports Job Growth in Alaska's Hospitality and Trucking Industry Clusters
August 9, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
Economic Development Administration Investment Helps to Expand Workforce Training
WASHINGTON - Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Dr. Rebecca Blank today announced a $1 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the State of Alaska (AVTEC-Alaska's Institute for Technology) to boost workforce training in support of the state's hospitality, tourism and trucking industry clusters. The project is expected to create 100 jobs and generate $10 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
"The Commerce Department and the Obama administration are working diligently to bring jobs and economic growth to local communities," Blank said. "This project will help Alaska residents qualify for higher-skill, higher-wage jobs at local companies in vital regional clusters like hospitality, tourism and trucking that support the Alaska economy."
"This award will assist statewide competitiveness and economic development throughout Alaska," said Fred Esposito, AVTEC Director for the State of Alaska. "It will allow the Alaska Culinary and Truck Technician programs to provide enhanced training for some of Alaska's most in-demand jobs."
This investment will fund construction and the installation of equipment at the Alaska Culinary Academy and facilitate the purchase of heavy duty truck training equipment in the AVTEC facilities in Seward, Alaska. The equipment will support the Professional Cooking and Baking and Medium/Heavy Truck Technician programs. AVTEC is Alaska's largest vocational technical training center and the State's premier training institution.
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.