GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES TRAINING FUNDS TO QUAD-CITIES COMPANY

SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. George H. Ryan today awarded more than $200,000 to Case Corporation to assist in efforts to improve the skills of 600 Illinois workers.

"Equipping our workforce with the skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace is crucial," Ryan said. "This grant is an excellent example of what the Industrial Training Program is designed to do--help companies meet the technological challenges of today's working environment."

Case Corporation, a leading manufacturer of farm and construction equipment, will receive $200,176 to be used for management training, team building, safety and environmental training, computer skills and technical training at the company's East Moline facility. Training will be provided by Blackhawk College, equipment vendors and contractual trainers.

As part of his Fiscal Year 2000 budget initiative, Governor Ryan proposed a 41 percent increase in funding for the Industrial Training Program (ITP) to help more businesses across Illinois update the skills of their employees.

"The ITP program is an important part of my economic development plan," Ryan added. "I look forward to working with the General Assembly to give more companies the opportunity to thrive with well-trained, highly skilled employees."

The Industrial Training Program is administered through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA). Illinois companies with worker-training needs are urged to contact DCCA at 217/785-6004.