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Wisconsin job training bill designed to help small businesses – "I’d rather pay for training than unemployment,"

March 27, 2005 /

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Bear Paw Development Corporation is a private non-profit organization created for the purpose of administering programs to help improve regional economic conditions in Hill, Blaine, Liberty, Chouteau and Phillips Counties and the Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy's Indian Reservations.

Local small businesses will benefit if the Wisconsin Advantage Jobs Training Bill becomes law.

The bill, drafted by State Rep. Brett Davis (R-Oregon) and Sen. Joe Liebham (R-Sheboygan) would focus on expanding worker training grants for small businesses. Davis said finding ways to upgrade employee skills and help businesses out, specifically smaller businesses, has been a primary focus since he took office in January.

"Small business is the primary economic engine throughout much of south-central Wisconsin," Davis said.

By Jason Busch of the Times

Full Story: http://www.themonroetimes.com/o0325pjo.htm

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Manufacturers say M-TEC pays off

By TOM CARR
Record-Eagle staff writer

MANCELONA – Dura Automotive Systems Inc. uses services obtained through a Northwestern Michigan College technology training program up to four times a month.

"Probably 70 to 80 percent of all of our people have had M-TEC training," said Tom Persons, human resources and safety specialist for Dura Automotive, an employer of about 325 people in Mancelona. "Last year, we spent $30,000 in one month on training.

"It offers custom-designed training for our business," Persons added. "There’s no other place to get that."

Community colleges throughout the state host Michigan Technical Education Centers – M-TEC for short. The programs aim to teach technical skills valued by regional employers, with businesses and the state financing the training.

Full Story: http://www.record-eagle.com/2005/mar/20mbiz.htm