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Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes this week met with Chinese Embassy officials to continue to cultivate the economic and cultural relationship between Kentucky and the People’s Republic of China. Grimes is Kentucky’s chief business official.
“As Secretary of State, I look for every opportunity to help grow Kentucky’s economy and further develop connections for our state and its businesses,” Grimes said. “Kentucky’s trading relationship with China is strong and continues to grow because of the many factors that make our state a great place to do business. I am hopeful that with continued dialogue we will see even more investment in the commonwealth.”
China is the commonwealth’s 4th largest export partner with more than $1.9 billion of Kentucky exports in 2015, a growth of more than 16 percent year over year.
Grimes traveled to China in 2015 to provide information about Kentucky, its business climate and economic development opportunities in the state as part of a delegation coordinated and funded by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.
During the week-long trip, Grimes spent time in several cities and met with various government and business officials. Numerous Kentucky companies, including Lexmark, KFC/Yum! Brands, Brown Forman, and Ashland Oil, have offices in China.
Grimes has also made visits to Birtley Industrial Equipment Corporation’s headquarters in Lexington and offices in China. Birtley, a manufacturer of advanced coal preparation products, was the first Chinese manufacturer to locate in Kentucky, investing approximately $10 million and creating as many as 50 new full-time jobs.
“Encouraging businesses to make Kentucky their home is vital to growing jobs and opportunity in our commonwealth,” said Grimes. “There are also many opportunities for Kentucky businesses to do business abroad, further growing Kentucky’s economy, and I am committed to helping build relationships with other countries to provide the foundation for those investments.”
Gov. Matt Bevin and Cabinet for Economic Development Sec. Terry Gill were in Detroit last week, promoting Kentucky and speaking with automotive industry leaders at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
NAIAS, which runs through Jan. 22, is considered one of the world’s largest and most prestigious automotive industry showcases. More than 800,000 people expected to attend. The event features dozens of concept and new-vehicle introductions, a showcase of technology for the rapidly evolving mobility industry, interactive displays by suppliers and hundreds of production vehicles.
“We’re here today at the North American International Auto Show to promote Kentucky as the top location for automotive engineering, manufacturing and distribution,” said Gov. Bevin. “Kentucky’s newly enacted pro-business laws are being well received as we meet with executives from global vehicle manufacturers and automotive suppliers, and discuss opportunities that can lead to new jobs and investments. A new day is dawning for Kentucky’s engineering and manufacturing industries and the future is looking bright.”
Sec. Gill, recently named to lead the Cabinet for Economic Development, said the trip provides key exposure for the state at the internationally attended event.
“Kentucky’s automotive industry is a pillar of its economy, and it’s crucial we continue to grow and expand it,” he said. “Kentucky already has more than 500 automotive-related facilities that employ nearly 95,000 people, but we believe we can grow those numbers even more. Our meetings at this show will create and solidify relationships that we expect will lead to more growth.”
The trip is the Governor’s second time attending NAIAS on behalf of Kentucky and comes just days after the General Assembly passed and Gov. Bevin signed legislation making Kentucky a right-to-work state. Already a premier location for businesses thanks to its central location, robust logistics and distribution industry and low costs of conducting business, this latest business tool holds the promise of further accelerating Kentucky’s economic growth, boosting employment and supporting the creation of better jobs and higher wages for residents.
Kentucky’s automotive industry continued to grow rapidly throughout 2016. The industry announced nearly 70 new-location or expansion projects totalling more than $923 million in investments. Those are projected to create nearly 3,200 new full-time jobs.
The automotive jobs and investment account for a significant portion of the 16,200 jobs and $3.1 billion in investments announced in Kentucky manufacturing, service and technology industries last year. The state is the number one vehicle-producing state per capita and among the top vehicle producers in the U.S.
Last year, the show featured the introduction of 61 vehicles, the majority of which were worldwide debuts, with more than 5,000 journalists from 60 countries in attendance. The public show runs Jan. 14-22. For more information on NAIAS, visit www.NAIAS.com.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion on Facebook or follow on Twitter. Watch the Cabinet’s “This is My Kentucky” video on YouTube.
Free training to quickly prepare Louisville residents for good jobs in construction, manufacturing and other fields is available in west Louisville, and new classes are starting soon, Mayor Greg Fischer announced today.
Applications are being accepted now for training courses that range from two to seven weeks and will help participants connect to the many jobs created by the city’s building boom, or in manufacturing at companies such as GE, Ford, Algood Foods, Dakkota Integrated Systems and other companies.
Also, the REimage re-entry program is enrolling young people involved in the court system to help them stay in school, get a job or in dealing with family and social issues – with the goal of breaking the cycle of violence.
Job training and re-entry programs are Louisville Metro Government priorities and were high on the recently released 10-point plan of suggestions to reduce violence from the Brothers Reaching Brothers and Community Connections citizens’ group.
“Giving an individual the basic skills, support and connections to opportunities that are out there right now can turn that person’s life around, change their family’s outlook, and change their neighborhood,” said Mayor Fischer. “Most people just need that one break, that one opportunity. Incrementally, that helps reduce the hopelessness and violence, one person at a time.”
Classes for Kentuckiana Builds, which prepares people for construction-related jobs, are based at the Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway. The manufacturing training is being held at Nia and at the Kentucky Manufacturing Career Center, 160 Rochester Dr., in south Louisville.
More on the programs:
- Kentuckiana Builds is a seven-week program with participants receiving training that prepares them for building trades such as plumbing, pipefitting and carpentry. Students meet four hours each day, five days a week. Those completing the training receive job placement assistance and other supportive services, such as financial empowerment and housing assistance. The next trainings are Jan. 23 for a class meeting in the evenings, and a daytime class starting on Feb. 6. Persons interested should attend an orientation session, held twice weekly at the Louisville Urban League, 1535 W. Broadway. For more information, call 566-3371 or go to kentuckianabuilds.org.
Kentuckiana Builds is a partnership between the Louisville Urban League, KentuckianaWorks, The Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, the Jesus and a Job program and New Legacy Re-Entry Corporation.
The program is designed to get more people, especially women and minorities, quickly prepared to work on major projects under way or planned, including the expansion of the Kentucky International Convention Center, the Omni Hotel and many other hotel projects and new bourbon distilleries and tourism facilities.
- Manufacturing training is available through a shorter, two-week program, the Manufacturing Training and Employment Connection (M-TEC) and a more intensive 30-day program, the Certified Production Technician (CPT) course. In 2016, the two programs have graduated more than 150 individuals, with more than 105 securing jobs with an average hourly pay of about $14.25. The next classes begin Jan. 3 with additional offerings in February, March and May. For more information or to enroll in either training program, call 276-9711, extension 4001.
- REimage is a city-funded initiative that helps stop the cycle of crime and violence by intervening with youth, ages 14-24, who have been charged with a crime or are at high risk of criminal behavior. Case managers and adult volunteer mentors work with the young people in the program.
Recruitment for REimage, which is run by KentuckianaWorks, focuses on the Russell, Shawnee and Park Hill neighborhoods of west Louisville, although eligible youth from any neighborhood can participate. Young people wanting to enroll in the program or adults who would like to volunteer as mentors can call 574-4115 or apply online at kentuckianaworks.org.
“These training programs are designed to quickly get people prepared and employed in business sectors where there is high demand and a clear path to job and wage growth,” said Michael Gritton, executive director of KentuckianaWorks, the region’s workforce development agency. “The bottom line is helping people succeed, and helping our community and region succeed.”
“Identifying and helping minorities secure jobs that will improve their family’s standard of living is a strong focus for the Louisville Urban League,” said Sadiqa Reynolds, president and CEO of LUL. “This often requires developing training programs and initiatives that can prepare minority groups to seize opportunities.”
Kentuckiana Builds orientations and classes:
- Orientation: Thurs., Dec. 29,, 5:30 p.m. at Louisville Urban League, 1535 W. Broadway
- Orientation: Thurs., Jan. 5, 10 a.m. at Louisville Urban League
- Jan. 23 – evening class begins at Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway
- Feb. 6 – daytime class begins at Nia Center
M-TEC manufacturing classes in 2017:
- 3 – 13 at the NIA Center, 2900 W. Broadway
- 13 – 24 at the Kentucky Manufacturing Career Center, 160 Rochester Drive,
- March 6 – 17 at the Kentucky Manufacturing Career Center
CPT manufacturing classes in 2017:
- 9 – Feb. 3 at the Kentucky Manufacturing Career Center
- March 6 – 31 at the NIA Center
- May 1 – 26 at the Kentucky Manufacturing Career Center
Council members Jessica Green (D-1), Mary C. Woolridge (D-3) and Kelly Downard (R-16) are supporting a petition started by the Reverend Kirk M. Bush of Harrods Creek Baptist Church, asking Wal-Mart to reconsider their recent decision to cancel plans for the new supercenter development that was planned for 18th and Broadway.
“We Need Wal-Mart, We Want Wal-Mart, we are encouraging them to rethink their decision and come back to the table,” said Green. “We are desperate for the same goods, services and conveniences available in other parts of our community and implore Wal-Mart to give the 18th and Broadway development another chance.”
A petition of nearly 5000 signatures in support of Wal-Mart at 18th and Broadway was collected in less than three weeks early in 2016, in an effort to keep Wal-Mart at the table during litigation. The hope is that this new petition will far exceed those numbers and inspire Wal-Mart to revisit the 18th and Broadway development in west Louisville.
“With the loss of the Food Port, the announcement of the closing of the Shively Kroger, it is vital to the residents of West Louisville that we have GOT to have this Wal-Mart at 18th and Broadway,” said Woolridge.
“We need Wal-Mart, the BEST operator in the United States, to bring their wide array of quality products to people who want them and need them but, don’t have access to them now,” said Councilman Kelly Downard. “We need EVERYONE to sign the petition and bring Wal-Mart back.”
The online petition asking Doug McMillon, President and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Greg Foran, President and CEO of Wal-Mart U.S. to reconsider the decision regarding the 18th and Broadway location and reconsider building the supercenter to provide West Louisville with quality goods, services and jobs. The petition can be found at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/654/659/716/#
“We believe in Wal-Mart and what they will bring to the people of the west end who feel marginalized and forgotten,” said the Reverend Kirk M. Bush. “Wal-Mart will bring much needed economic development, opportunities, jobs and will serve as a symbol that the residents of West Louisville have not been forgotten.”
Mayor joins national experts, universities, employers at Ali Center on Dec. 9
Registration is now open for Power Forward, a workforce and education summit that brings together national and local experts, schools, universities and employers to collaborate on a more productive transition between education and career – helping create a stronger pipeline of talent for Louisville-area employers.
The event is Friday, Dec. 9, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Muhammad Ali Center. Registration is free at kentuckianaworks.org.
Power Forward is presented by KentuckianaWorks, 55,000 Degrees and Greater Louisville Inc. and funded by the JPMorgan Chase Foundation.
Mayor Greg Fischer, who has set goals for talent attraction and raising the education attainment and skills level in Louisville, will present at the start of the summit, and close with a challenge to the community.
Keynote speakers will include:
- Peter Cappelli, the George W. Taylor Professor of Management at The Wharton School and Director of Wharton’s Center for Human Resources at the University of Pennsylvania,
- Dr. Kate Ziemer, Vice Provost of Curriculum of Northeastern University, which has transformed from an urban commuter university into a top-50 national university partly on the strength of a comprehensive co-op program.
Additional breakout sessions and lightning and TED-style talks will feature an eclectic lineup of presenters and topics.
Light refreshments begin at 8:30 a.m., and lunch will be provided.
Doss High School faculty and students joined local manufacturers and community leaders last Friday to announce the creation of the school’s new Manufacturing Engineering Technology program. The program aims to expand the manufacturing workforce pipeline with students who understand emerging technologies, and exposes young people to the significant career opportunities available in advanced manufacturing.
Anchored by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council’s (MSSC) Certified Production Technician Training Program (CPT), students completing the program will earn certifications already identified by nearly 100 local industries as the skills and knowledge needed by front-line production technicians.
“Very few high school programs exist that are dedicated to preparing students with the variety of skills needed to directly enter manufacturing upon graduation, and even fewer high schools partner with local businesses to match learning with workforce needs,” said Doss Principal Marty Pollio. “This project offers training and advancement opportunities for student who want to work, learn and earn in a manufacturing field.”
Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow, a member institute of Manufacturing USA, along with local manufacturing companies GE Appliances, Republic Conduit and Louisville Ford Assembly Plant, as well as local United Auto Workers with Ford, have committed both financial and in-kind support to develop and implement the program.
“Doss High School and JCPS are showing great leadership by implementing this program which directly ties education and training with workforce needs,” said Chip Blankenship, GE Appliances president & CEO. “Programs like this are essential to providing manufacturing companies in Greater Louisville with the talent we need to run and grow our operations while providing good career opportunities for our citizens.”
The partnership with these organizations, as well as with KentuckianaWorks, will enable Doss to offer students who choose this program of study:
- a four-course program of study in Manufacturing Engineering Technology Technician;
- development of a hands-on laboratory equipped with trainers that align to the skills required for MSSC-Certified Production Technician certification;
- experience and training that develop employability skills for personal success and safety, as well as manufacturing organizational skills;
- opportunities to complete a work-based learning experience with a local manufacturer before completing the program of study; and
- opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications, including MSSC-Certified Production Technician Certification and the National Career Readiness Certificate.
Manufacturers in the United States are facing a steep skills gap. According to a recent Deloitte study, as many as 2 million manufacturing jobs may go unfilled by 2025, a trend being experienced in the Greater Louisville area.
The U.S. Dept. of Labor has announced over $50.5 million in grant awards to 37 states to help expand apprenticeship opportunities across the U.S. – including $896,600 for Kentucky.
The proposal calls for a workforce pipeline to be created in Kentucky, increasing the number of Registered Apprentices by 1,300 individuals, including women, minorities, 16-24 year olds, individuals age 45+ or older, veterans, and people with disabilities.
“In Kentucky we recognize the value of apprenticeships and the vital role they play as the Commonwealth works to become the manufacturing hub of excellence in America,” said Gov. Bevin. “Employers across the state are in need of skilled laborers, and this funding will help train a workforce ready to fill that need. By re-committing ourselves to fully embracing the power of apprenticeships, we place ourselves in the best position to move Kentucky forward.”
“Receiving this funding is critical to the Labor Cabinet’s goal of expanding the scope of industries with Registered Apprenticeships,” Labor Sec. Derrick Ramsey stated. “We’re very proud of the approximately 1,100 employers and 150 different programs that already exist here in Kentucky, but this award will play an important role in growing those numbers. Kentucky is working toward becoming the manufacturing hub of excellence in America, and I’m proud that this vision is being endorsed by this grant award.”
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who contacted U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez on behalf of the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, said, “there is a shortage of skilled workers in Kentucky in a number of critical industries, and this competitive funding will help the Kentucky Labor Cabinet implement employer-driven training programs for Registered Apprenticeships in the healthcare, manufacturing, and construction industries. This important project could significantly benefit those seeking a path to employment and meet the demand for skilled labor in an effort to make Kentucky a more competitive place for employers to locate and expand. I was happy to work with Governor Bevin and the Kentucky Labor Cabinet to help secure this important grant.”
Called the ApprenticeshipUSA State Expansion Grant Initiative, this is the second phase of the Dept. of Labor’s strategy to diversify Registered Apprenticeships into new sectors and engage under-served populations. According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, the grant initiative is intended to:
- Help States advance Registered Apprenticeship as a workforce development strategy and post-secondary education career pathway that maintains the nation’s strong, adaptable, and highly skilled workforce.
- Support integrated, statewide apprenticeship strategies and State capacity to engage industry and meet the demand for new programs in both traditional and non-traditional industries such as IT, Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing, Building Trades, Cybersecurity, and Business Services.
- Catalyze State innovations to significantly increase Registered Apprenticeship opportunities for all American workers, particularly underrepresented populations in apprenticeship including opportunity youth, women, communities of color, Native Americans, and persons with disabilities, and taking steps to facilitate their successful completion of apprenticeship programs.
Full information on the ApprenticeshipUSA State Expansion Grant Initiative can be found HERE.
For more information on Registered Apprenticeships in Kentucky, click HERE.