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Retraining Money Available To County Workers





Federal money is available for people who need job training because they’ve been laid off, lost jobs, or are looking for a better future.

Lisa Arend, Fulton County economic development director, gave that information to members of the Archbold Area Chamber of Commerce at the Monday, May 11, noon luncheon.

Arend said the county will issue requests for proposals for summer youth programs for young people ages 14-24. The goal is to prepare young people to enter the workforce, she said.

She told chamber members she had more than $184,000 in federal economic stimulus money to support the program.

Fulton County Commissioners established a “one-stop” office where persons seeking work, or retraining for a new job, can find the information and help they need. The office is located in the Detwiler building, Shoop Ave., Wauseon.

Arend said Fulton County is working with Owens Community College and Northwest State Community College to bring in a variety of programs.

She told the story of one laidoff factory worker, who had been making $15. The worker went through railroad conductor training at Owens, and is now a railroad yardmaster making $28 an hour.

High Demand

Arend also talked about highdemand occupations, including the medical field, fabricators, and almost any alternative energy related skill.

Alternative energy is a hot field. She recently returned from an alternative energy show. Last year, about 12,000 people attended. This year, she said there were 20,000.

She would like to get more Fulton County manufacturers involved in alternative energy work, including such things as manufacturing parts for others.

There is a list of manufacturers and their capabilities on the Internet for the wind power industry. Few Fulton County firms are registered. Arend said she’s sending out email messages, encouraging manufacturers to get on the list.

“We have a skilled, trained workforce with a good work ethic,” she said. The workers could make things for alternative energy producers.

“Should we get out of the auto industry? No.

“But we do need to find alternative production work to keep industry alive in Fulton County,” she said.

Arend said her office is working with the Fulton County wind project, which includes the Archbold, Pettisville, and Fayette school districts, plus Northwest State.

The goal is to establish large wind turbines at their locations to supplement the school district energy needs and lower electric bills.

“Our next step is to help the schools get the right-sized turbines,” she said.

2007 Summit

In June 2007, an economic summit was held in Fulton County. All local officials were invited to the event.

Arend said county officials asked how they could help; the answer was to make more contacts on the federal and state level.

As a result, Arend said Fulton County has gotten involved in several groups and organizations.

Fulton County joined Team Ohio. County officials attend trade shows, working the Team Ohio booth.

Arend also joined an association for economic development officials, and Fulton County joined the National Association of Counties.

Fulton County officials are meeting with federal and state legislators, keeping Fulton County needs out front, she said.


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