>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Local employers have a golden opportunity to pick up some money for worker training — but they need to act fast to get in on the current round of

funding.

Workforce Region 13, covering Union, Wallowa and Baker Counties, has about $60,000 in grant money available now from the Employer Workforce Training Grant Program.

The catch? In order for applications to be processed by a Dec. 31 deadline, they must be submitted locally by Dec. 16.

"Anything that's left from this $60,000 after that Dec. 31 will go back to the governor's office instead of into the local economy," said Bob Nelson of the Oregon Employment Department.

A total of $120,000 has been earmarked for Region 13. The other half of the money will be available in a round of funding after Jan. 1.

"If it is impossible for a business to complete the application now, they can apply at the end of the year," said Teri Simonis of the Union County Training and Employment Consortium.

The purpose of the program is to support retention and growth of living- wage jobs, a skilled workforce and a competitive business climate.

Nelson said the workforce training money originates with the U.S. Department of Labor and is distributed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski's office.

Grants of up to $40,000 are available to companies that have been in business at least 120 days and meet regional funding priorities for the three-county area. A dollar-for-dollar match of cash or in-kind contribution is required.

Priority will be given to trade sector businesses and industry clusters.

Training programs that provide transferable skills, raise individual competencies and result in "career ladder" advancements will be given extra consideration.

The Northeast Oregon Economic Development District is processing applications for the workforce training grants. Applications can be filled out online at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

For more information, call Donna Betts of the La Grande office of the NEOEDD, 963-2399, or Simonis at 963-7942.

Workforce Region 13 is a coalition of public and private partners concerned with workforce issues and job creation and retention in the three county area.