Press Release

Department of Commerce Grant Gives Boost to Philadelphia Culinary Workforce Training Opportunities

June 25, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.5 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to The Enterprise Center Community Development Corporation of Philadelphia, Penn., to repurpose a vacant structure for use as a culinary workforce training center.

"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "The new Center for Culinary Enterprises will be built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards and will offer an array of support services for emerging food industry entrepreneurs, helping to train workers for jobs in the culinary sciences."

This investment is funded through EDA's Global Climate Mitigation Incentive Fund (GCCMIF), which is intended to foster a green economy by promoting economic competitiveness while enhancing environmental quality. The Center will include three shared-use commercial kitchens, an e-Kitchen Multimedia Learning Center, full service and training restaurants, and retail space dedicated to community-based food businesses.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov):

This year, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) marks 45 years of public service, with a mission of leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster job creation, collaboration and innovation.