From the Desks of

New York State Senator Ted OBrien Assembly Majority Leader Joseph D. Morelle
MEDIA RELEASE MARCH 7, 2014:

OBRIEN, MORELLE HIGHLIGHT $1.7 MILLION IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS FOR ROCHESTER, FINGER LAKES REGION
ROCHESTER, N.Y. Today, Senator Ted OBrien and Assembly Majority Leader Joseph D. Morelle joined leaders of local educational and community organizations to discuss a $1.7 million state investment in programs designed to provide local job seekers with training and skills that will enable them to work in high-demand fields. The funding will grow or create initiatives that will train people as Certified Nurse Assistants, skilled workers for the advanced manufacturing industry and theatre managers, among other positions. These organizations have a proven track record of giving individuals the tools they need to succeed in our rapidly changing economy, Senator OBrien said. The state has a commitment to investing in one of our regions most important resources, its highly capable workforce, and ensuring it keeps up with changes in technology and the growth of new economic sectors. I believe the grants being highlighted today are a powerful demonstration of that commitment. The future of our regions economy depends on our ability to align workforce training with the needs of an ever evolving manufacturing industry, Majority Leader Morelle said. Programs such as the Accelerated Precision Tooling Certificate Program at MCC are providing cutting edge training in advanced manufacturing, ensuring Rochesters workforce continues to produce exceptionally well-qualified employees. As we continue to make critical investments in these training programs companies across the globe will identify Rochester as leader in career and industry development and possessing the human capital needed to accelerate innovation. Since 2011, the system of Regional Economic Development Councils has brought coherence and focus to the states economic development efforts by bringing leaders from business, government, higher education and community organizations together to create strategic plans for the use of state funding. In the most recent round, the following programs with significant focus on worker training received grants: Monroe Community College $100,000 for the Accelerated Precision Tooling Certificate Program The MCC Accelerated Precision Tooling Certificate Program was designed in partnership with the Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association in response to the needs of the local advanced manufacturing industry. Program participants earn a certificate in machining in 6 months, instead of the usual one year, said MCC President Anne Kress. This grant will make it possible for MCC to offer this proven program to residents of the El Camino neighborhood in the City of Rochester at no cost, and including job placement assistance upon completion. Putting people back to work is a win for everyone the individual, the community, industry, and the economy as a whole.

Rochester City Schools Office of Adult and Career Educations Services $300,000 for the SNAP Opportunities program The Rochester City School District Office of Adult and Career Education Services (OACES) as the premier provider of entry level workforce training in the region is happy to provide approximately 150 individuals training for in-demand occupations in this region, said Paul Burke, OACES Director. The OTDA SNAP Opportunities grant was supported and ultimately secured by the regional economic council through the state consolidated funding application which was a very competitive process. This funding allows individuals access to tuition reimbursement for sought after training leading to employment with hundreds of regional employer partners. This is vitally important because, as you know, stable income for families positively impacts a child's academic success in K-12 education. Thanks to Senator O'Brien and Majority Leader Morelle for their consistent support and actions taken to ensure a healthy economic climate in our communities.

Rochester Childrens Theatre $9,000 for two entry level arts management positions to assist their Special Projects initiative in bringing live performances and professional development sessions for teachers to school districts throughout the Finger Lakes region. The strength of the arts in our community greatly enhances the tourism industry in the Finger Lakes region, said Deborah Haber, Executive Director of Special Projects for the theatre. The REDC grant will be used for establishing two interns, which will allow for efficient and cost effective operations for two highly successful outreach programs. These proven community programs addresses socially and historically significant projects aiming to make a difference in the lives of our younger generation by creating revitalization through arts education. The opportunity will strengthen team building and job skill sets, offer first-hand experience with operations of a professional theatre company and build a resume for future employment with an arts organization through field experience.

Rochester Institute of Technology $1,000,000 for the establishment of a Center for Urban Entrepreneurial Support (CUE) to be located in a historic 1927 Landmark building in downtown Rochester. "The Center for Urban Entrepreneurship, with support from RIT and Saunders College of Business, focuses on enabling local entrepreneurs to launch and sustain successful businesses in the city of Rochester, said Ebony Miller, the centers program manager. We are happy to have the urban-focused programming and support that we provide join a network of workforce development programs in the region that is enabling our economy to be even stronger and more resilient.

Urban League of Rochester $150,000 in Urban Initiatives funding for improvements to its historic headquarters building in Rochester's Center City District. The Urban League headquarters houses programs that provides training and certification for minority and women owned businesses, we operate an After School Academy for 7th and 8th grade students in the RCSD, a Day Habilitation program that provides life skills training for individuals with developmental disabilities, and training and educational programs for out of school youth that prepares them for the workforce, said William G. Clark, President and CEO of the Urban League of Rochester. We are grateful to the FLREDC for providing necessary funding to ensure that the structural integrity of our building remains intact. As a result, the Urban League can continue to provide these needed community services in a safe and structurally sound facility for many more years.

Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES $98,560 to train 56 long-term unemployed workers as Certified Nurse Assistants, including supervised clinical experience and job seeking assistance. This grant allows Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES to provide meaningful training to many unemployed individuals, said Chris Angus, Coordinator for Health Programs. Upon completion of our Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program these individuals will be entering an exciting career path with high demand for their newly acquired skills. -30-

Senator OBrien represents the 55th district in the Senate, which is made up of the eastern portion of Monroe County and the western portion of Ontario County, including much of the city of Rochester. Assembly Majority Leader Morelle represents the 136th Assembly District, which includes portions of the City of Rochester and the Monroe County suburbs of Irondequoit and Brighton. Media contact: For Senator OBrien: Thomas J. Morrisey Communications Director office: (585) 218-0034 e-mail: tjmorris@nysenate.gov For Majority Leader Morelle: Sean Hart Communications Director office: (585) 467-0410 email: sth@morelle.com