Press Release
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $500,340 to Boost Workforce Training Efforts on Behalf of Manufacturers in Osceola
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
September 19, 2017
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $500,340 grant to the Village of Osceola, Wisconsin, to build a fabrication lab and workforce development facility that will help attract and retain skilled manufacturing workers. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create 39 jobs, retain 55 jobs, and generate $975,000 in private investment.
“We commend the Village of Osceola for its strategy to further support and develop its manufacturing workforce,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Affairs Dennis Alvord. “The new facility will provide workers with the skills local manufacturers need to thrive.”
The project supports the Village’s efforts to establish a fabrication lab and workforce development facility that will provide skilled workers for local manufacturing businesses. The West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission recently completed a feasibility study and market analysis that defined the need for the facility to support the region’s manufacturing base by addressing the regions skill gaps and to further support entrepreneurial community through prototype development.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
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.