Senator Farley And Lieutenant Governor Announces $1.3 Million To Train Workers In Capital District And Mohawk Valley

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady) joined Lieutenant Governor Mary Donohue in announcing more than $1.3 million in Building Skills in New York State (BUSINYS) job training grants for 33 area private-sector companies to upgrade the skills of 1,456 workers in New York’s Capital District and Mohawk Valley Regions. The announcement was made at Spray Nine Corporation in Johnstown, in Senator Farley's district.

"New York's workforce is among the most highly-skilled in the nation, and BUSINYS grants are helping to ensure that we continue to make significant investments in our workforce," said Lt. Governor Donohue. "Through Governor Pataki’s initiatives such as the BUSINYS grant awards, we are helping Capital District and Mohawk Valley businesses build a solid foundation for their future right here in the Empire State."

The BUSINYS initiative was developed in consultation with business representatives from a variety of industries whose future business development and sustained economic growth depend on having a skilled workforce. The training grants will match significant investments by companies in their current workforce and will enable workers to gain valuable industry-recognized certifications or credentials.

State Labor Commissioner Linda Angello said, "Governor Pataki’s commitment to New York State’s workforce is helping thousands of workers statewide to diversify their skills. We are pleased that businesses like Spray Nine are taking advantage of this worthwhile endeavor."

Spray Nine Corporation, which manufactures specialty cleaning products, received a BUSINYS grant of $41,850 to train all of the Johnstown and Gloversville staff in Lean Manufacturing and Lean Office procedures.

Carol Johnston, Human Resources Director, Spray Nine Corporation said, "Our employees require training in the concepts of ‘Lean’ both in the manufacturing facility and the administrative area for Spray Nine Corporation to survive as a small manufacturer in the competitive field of cleaning chemicals. They need the tools to become more efficient, which will make our organization a better, stronger operation. Further, the training they receive from the Building Skills in New York State grant will be skills that they can take anywhere. It is a win-win for both the employee and the employer."

Gail Breen, Executive Director of FMS Workforce Solutions System (the Fulton-Montgomery-Schoharie Workforce Development Board) said, "We are delighted that Spray Nine, one of our local business partners, has received a grant to upgrade the skills of its workers. This type of support from New York State is critical in helping us to fulfill our mission of providing a quality workforce for local businesses and quality jobs for our residents."

Senator Farley said, "Our highly educated work force is one of New York's competitive advantages in the global marketplace. Training grants such as those announced today will help workers in our area to keep their skills up-to-date, improving productivity and enhancing our ability to attract more businesses and jobs. I'm thrilled that Lieutenant Governor Donohue has come to Fulton County to make this important announcement."

Assemblyman Marc W. Butler said, "Today's announcement by Lt. Governor Mary Donohue is a further indication of the commitment of Governor Pataki's administration to improve the economy of upstate New York. We hope to continue working closely with the Governor and his staff to see that our regions economy is restored to the prominence it once held in that of our state and our nation."

In June 2002, Governor Pataki announced that BUSINYS grants would provide more than $20 million in grants to promote career growth and increased wages for thousands of workers across the state. To date, more than 864 awards have been made, totaling more than $47 million to train a total of 52,108 employees.

For more information about BUSINYS, contact the New York State Department of Labor at (518) 457-0361 or visit the Labor Department's website at http:///www.labor.state.ny.us.

Awardees in Senator Farley's district are: Schenectady International, Inc. awarded $46,750 to train 29; Spray Nine Corporation awarded $41,850 to train 124; and Power Pallet, Inc. awarded $47,200 to train 90.