Montana Governor Schweitzer to Present Nearly $1.4 Million in Workforce Training Funds to GE in Billings

Governor Brian Schweitzer will present total of nearly $1.4 million in Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF) and Workforce Training Grant (WTG) funds to GE Commercial Finance in Billings, Wednesday, May 21 at 11:30 a.m.

“Montana is on the move,” said Governor Schweitzer. “This project will create hundreds of good paying jobs with benefits for Montana families. It’s exactly the type of economic development Montana needs to keep our already strong economy on the right track and I am committed to supporting these types of projects in the future.”

Governor Schweitzer also extended his thanks to U.S. Senator Max Baucus, who played an integral role in GE Commercial Finance’s decision to expand into Billings.

GE Commercial Finance, a division of General Electric, will use $1 million in WTG funds to hire and train 200 new employees over the next two years. Big Sky Economic Development Authority will administer a $375,000 BSTF grant which the company will use to purchase equipment related to employee training. GE Commercial Finance will provide $7,900,000 in matching funds. The company will open an Operations Center in Billings in November, 2008.

WHO: Governor Brian Schweitzer, GE Commercial Finance Representatives, Area Legislators, Local Officials, Montana Department of Commerce Officials

WHAT: Present nearly $1.4 million in funds to GE Commercial Finance

WHEN: Wednesday, May 21 @ 11:30 AM

WHERE: Big Sky Economic Development Authority

Granite Tower, 222 North 32nd Street, Billings

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Marissa P. Kozel

Communications Director, Director’s Office

Montana Department of Commerce

406-841-2772

[email protected]