Press Release
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.5 Million to Support Workforce Development and Entrepreneurship in Western Michigan
Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a more than $2.5 million grant to Muskegon Community College in Muskegon, Michigan to help establish the Applied Technology Center. According to the grantee, the project will create 246 jobs, save 29 jobs, and generate $15 million in private investment.
“The Obama Administration is committed to helping communities develop a workforce with 21st century skills,” said Secretary Pritzker. “As part of the Department of Commerce’s ‘Skills for Business’ initiative, this EDA investment announced today will provide vital training and resources for students and entrepreneurs throughout Western Michigan.
EDA’s investment will support Muskegon Community College’s effort to rehabilitate the former Chronicle Newspaper building in downtown Muskegon and convert it into a state-of-the-art technology and entrepreneurial workforce development training facility. According to the grantee, the Muskegon region has a plethora of manufacturers that are actively diversifying their products to compete in the global and green economy. Area manufacturers are facing problems in filling manufacturing jobs that require trained or skilled workers, and this investment will address the skills gap facing West Central Michigan. As a result of this project, numerous manufacturers have committed to creating jobs and investing in the region as a result of this project.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The Economic Development Administration marks 50 years of public service, leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.