KENTUCKY RANKED 8^th IN NATION FOR WORKFORCE TRAINING

FRANKFORT, KY – In the October 2003 edition of Expansion Management magazine, Kentucky was ranked, by consultants, 8th in the nation for workforce training. This honor goes to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and its training branch, the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation (BSSC). BSSC's effectiveness is derived from its flexible customer driven approach and ability to create public/private partnerships. A significant portion of the Cabinet for Economic Development's success is due to BSSC's strong working relationship with the Cabinet for Workforce Development, Kentucky Community and Technical College System, and other public and private-sector workforce training partners.

"Companies, communities and economic developers can provide financial resources to buy land, building and equipment to locate, expand and retain existing company operations. The development and retention of a highly skilled workforce is a complex matter that will always require more than just financial resources," states Governor Paul Patton.

Workforce training programs can oftentimes be the tiebreaker between communities that are neck-and-neck in the running during the site selection process. A particular site may fit all parameters in terms of real estate, utility costs, transportation network and quality of life, but if a company can’t find quality, productive workers, they won’t be in business long.

"Kentucky's successful training programs demonstrate that the administration and legislature understand the importance of a well trained workforce," stated Ken Carroll, Executive Director of BSSC. Gene Strong, Secretary of the Cabinet agreed. "A company's number one asset is its workforce. Therefore, workforce development is always a priority in economic development."

Criteria for the rankings included job creation requirements, funding restrictions, use of local schools for training, employer costs, eligible industries, payout schedule and wage requirements. For further information on the rankings or to see the entire article, go to http://www.expansionmanagement.com/smo/newsviewer/default.asp?cmd=articledetail&articleid=15932 .

The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development is the primary state agency in Kentucky responsible for creating new jobs and new investment in the state. New business investment in Kentucky in 2002 totaled more than $3.2 billion with the creation of nearly 13,000 new jobs. Information on available development sites, workforce training, incentive programs, community profiles, small business development and other resources is available at www.thinkkentucky.com.