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September 7, 2001

Louisiana Department of Labor presents checks to ULM

The University of Louisiana at Monroe was the recipient of checks presented by the state's labor department as part of their Incumbent Worker Training Program. the $2,691,297 in funds will go to help train workers at five employeers in the Monroe area. The presentations was held at 10:00 Friday morning in the Council Chambers in Monroe City Hall.

Louisiana's Incumbent Training Program involves a partnership between the state, Department of Labor, business, and training providers. ULM was recognized as an integral part of the process today, as they do all the training for the program.

The five businesses in Monroe to benefit from this state grant are Faulk and Foster Real Estate, Summerlin Lane Nursing Home, Allied Buildig Stores, Luv-n-Care Corporation, and Guide Corporation.

ULM'S Director of Development, Anne Lockhart and Gerontolgy Professor, Dr. Jan Bowman were on hand to accept the checks. Dr. Bowman worked closely with the businesses to help them receive the funding. Customized training programs were also designed for each business.

The Incumbent Training Program has many benefits from an education standpoint. It wil not only boost enrollment at universityies and colleges, it will increase the number of non-traditional studnets on their campuses. The program trains those already employeed so they will be able to move into better positions, thus creating a new need for entry-level workers at both large and small businesses. The program was put in place by the Louisiana Secretary of Labor, Gary Forster. Forster was on hand today to issue the checks. Forster said, "Ultimatly 50 thousand jobs will open up for people in Louisiana."

A luncheon honoring Mr. Forster at the West Monroe Civic Center followed the check presentation.

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