O’Mara, Hornell Chamber of Commerce announce state-funded job training contract with TTA/Transitair in Hornell (UPDATED, November 3rd: Read and watch more)

Hornell, N.Y., November 2—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats), a member of the Senate Task Force on Workforce Development, today joined Hornell Area Chamber of Commerce President James Griffin to announce that the Chamber is signing its first contract under this year’s state-funded job training assistance program with  TTA Systems, LLC and Transitair Systems, LLC (TTA/Transitair) to provide on-the-job training to a new employee.

For more than three decades, state funding has assisted the Hornell Chamber of Commerce’s CSS Workforce NY program continue a valuable on-the-job-training and placement program aimed at supporting the economically disadvantaged, veterans, displaced workers and the unemployed and underemployed throughout Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben counties.  The annual state grant is administered through the Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben Workforce Investment Board (WIB) and the state Labor Department.

The program offers local businesses and industries the chance to train new employees at reduced costs and be reimbursed up to 50% of the training wage over an approved amount of time.   

Griffin said that over the past six years, O’Mara has helped secure more than $700,000 for the Chamber’s CSS Workforce NY initiative which, in turn, has provided on-the-job-training funds to over 50 businesses throughout the tri-county region and helped employ over 500 area workers.  During this time, over 90% of the trainees have gone on to full-time, unsubsidized employment.

Griffin said, “Senator O’Mara believes in this program, recognizes it for the wise investment that it is and his continued support allows us to assist local businesses find new employees and encourages them to create new jobs.  The Chamber has provided on-the-job training for over thirty years and has one of the best records in transitioning trainees into full-time unsubsidized employment.  We can’t thank Senator O’Mara enough for his steady and strong support.”

O’Mara said, “State investments like this one in local job training, workforce development and employment placement programs represent a key step in the ongoing and overall effort to strengthen regional economies.  The Hornell Chamber of Commerce has a longstanding, proven track record of utilizing this strategy for finding jobs for local workers and developing a quality, highly skilled workforce for regional businesses and manufacturers.  It’s a winning combination and we’re grateful for the opportunity to help the Chamber’s economic development strategy grow, prosper and succeed, including this specific contract with TTA/Transitair in Hornell.”

TTA/Transitair Managing Director & CFO Mike Nisbet said, “TTA and Transitair are proud to be a part of this community.  The Workforce Development Training Program has benefited our company greatly throughout the years.  This program assists in supplementing the costs of hiring new employees to train for the specifics of our company, or in training for specific skills.  When new projects are beginning and hiring takes place, this assistance is beneficial to help defray the learning curve costs and aid in keeping us competitive in the industry.  TTA/Transitair will continue to be highly supportive of the outstanding job that Senator Tom O'Mara has succeeded in keeping the Senate Task Force of Workforce Development available to area businesses.”

For over three decades in Hornell, TTA and Transitair have designed, manufactured, repaired and overhauled, a broad range of systems & components for the Mass Transit and Transportation Industry. Our capabilities include railcar assembly, railcar overhaul, products (HVAC, Trucks, Electrical Panels etc.) system upgrades & installation, contract manufacturing, engineering and field services. With a focus towards quality, on time delivery and customer service, Transitair has consistently provided equipment and services to the complete satisfaction of our customers. 

TTA/Transitair currently employs approximately 60 area workers.  TTA's newly hired employee is Sully Sherwood, a 2015 graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School.

The Senate Task Force on Workforce Development on which O’Mara serves was created early last year to examine the state’s existing job training programs and seek to develop new strategies to strengthen employee readiness in ways that better meet the needs of existing private-sector employers and potentially help the state and our region attract new businesses and industries.

[UPDATE, November 3rd: Read and watch more from AM1480 WLEA News, "O'Mara Teams with Hornell Chamber of Commerce for New Program" and see the attached article above from The Evening Tribune]