FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                    

 

Contact:
Lonn Hoklin: 503.378.6169
Charlie Burr: 503.378.6496

 

 

Salem, Or. – Governor Ted Kulongoski proclaimed September Workforce Development Month today, emphasizing that a trained, skilled workforce plays a critical role in Oregon’s economy.

 

“I am committed to keeping Oregon competitive in the global economy, and investing in critical workforce training,” the governor said.   “We’re helping build an economy that is competitive, strong and fair. Upgrading the skills of workers and job seekers is an important part of my economic strategy, and I appreciate the good work of WorkSource Oregon’s partner agencies and state and local workforce investment boards.” 

 

Oregon has nearly 1.9 million workers.  The state’s economy continues to expand, adding more than 57,000 jobs in the past 12 months.  With the fifth-fastest growing job rates in the country, the governor acknowledged efforts of the Oregon’s public and private workforce education and training partners as an important part of Oregon’s success.

 

Each year, WorkSource Oregon centers and partner agencies work with thousands of job seekers to connect employers with skilled and well-trained workers.  Innovative technology, such as the award-winning iMatchSkills computerized job-matching program, has enabled employers and job seekers to connect in new ways.

 

During Workforce Development Month, the Oregon Workforce Investment Board and the local and regional Workforce Investment Boards will acknowledge the many public and private efforts to provide job-training that bolsters the economic health of local communities.  Job fairs, events, and seminars throughout the state will help both employers and job seekers. 

 

 

A list of events appears online at: http://egov.oregon.gov/WORKSOURCE/WDM/WDM_activities.shtml.

 

For information on the Governor’s plan, Winning in the Global Market, go to: http://egov.oregon.gov/WORKSOURCE/OWIB/index.shtml.

 

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