Eight companies will share $383,000 grant to fund training

The Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association has received a $383,000 grant from Workforce Florida Inc. to provide customized Quick Response Training for new and expanding businesses. Eight Southwest Florida manufacturers and SRMA members will benefit from the QRT grant, which will fund 168 new, full-time permanent jobs as well as skills enhancement for 261 existing employees.

The eight companies are: Fort Myers-based Storm Smart Industries and Pall Corp.; Cape Coral-based JRL Ventures/Marine Concepts; Naplesbased Air Technology, Loos & Company, Pelican Wire and Structured Medical; and Forestry Resources, with locations throughout Southwest Florida.

“The SRMA strives to bring our members information and opportunities that will help them continue to grow their business in Southwest Florida,” says Chet Sadler, executive director of the association. “Having worked with Workforce Florida in the past, we were able to notify our members of this incredible grant opportunity and guide them through the application process.

“The QRT grant money will play a critical role in continuing to create high-paying jobs in Southwest Florida,” he adds.

The eight companies have planned more than 50 customized training courses to be funded by the QRT grant. Training will begin immediately and continue under the terms of the grant for two years. Edison State College will act as the fiscal agent overseeing the requirements of the grant and the distribution of funds.

Created in 1993 by state statute and administered by Workforce Florida, the QRT program has provided customized training for more than 100,600 employees in more than 300 businesses and industries throughout Florida.

To learn more about the SRMA, visit www.srma.net or call Mr. Sadler at 634- 4295.’

To learn more about Workforce Florida, visit www.employflorida.com. 