Montana Department of Commerce Awards Primary Sector Workforce Training Funds to PrintingForLess.com in Livingston and Centene Corporation in Great Falls

Today Governor Brian Schweitzer announced the Department of Commerce has awarded a total of $960,700 in primary sector Workforce Training Grants to the Centene Corporation http://centene.com/corporate in Great Falls, and PrintingForLess.com http://www.printingforless.com/ in Livingston. The Centene Corporation will receive $480,700 in WTG funding.

PrintingForLess.com will receive $480,000 in WTG funding. Both applications were approved by the Workforce Training Grant Application Review Committee, in the Department of Commerce.

“Montana employers must have a skilled workforce to compete in the global market economy,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “The Workforce Training Grant program is a critical component in our economic development efforts. It’s a tool that ensures Montana’s on the move.”

“The Workforce Training Grant program was designed to help new businesses and those looking to expand,” said Anthony Preite, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. WTG is an effective partnership that helps businesses succeed, guarantees a good wage and enhances employee skill levels.”

At Governor Schweitzer’s request, the 60th Montana Legislature increased funding for WTG from $1.4 million annually, to nearly $4 million annually. The program is targeted toward businesses that create at least one net, new job that pays at least the lower of the current county average or the current state average. That wage can include fringe benefits. New employees must work at least thirty-five hours per week year round. Program applicants must demonstrate that at least fifty percent of their sales originate outside of Montana. The maximum funding available to train a single employee is $5,000.

Centene is a medical claims processing corporation in Great Falls. The company plans to use its $480,700 grant to add and train 100 new employees in the next three years. Centene opened its offices in Montana in 2004 and constructed a new facility in 2006. The second floor of that facility is currently being finished to accommodate the additional employees. An onsite, cost-competitive daycare facility was opened earlier this year. The company currently employs 110 people in Great Falls.

PrintingForLess.com (PFL) is an internet printing service based in Livingston. PFL plans to use its $480,000 grant to add and train an additional 96 employees. PFL’s Internet printing service has been called one of the fastest growing companies in the US today. PFL’s training curriculum is based upon high standard customer service and comprehensive software training that covers all customer software and real world printing knowledge. PFL constructed a new facility on the western edge of Livingston in 2006 and currently employs 185 people.

“The WTG program makes money for the State of Montana,” said Governor Schweitzer. “It helps fund the state budget and many state programs. In most cases, companies repay the amount of awarded funds before they actually draw down those funds.”

Since 2004, twelve WTG awards have been made and award funding has ranged from $75,000 to $1,955,000. Those awards have been leveraged with more than $73 million in business investments. More than 1,500, good paying, new jobs have been created for Montana workers.

All WTG funds for fiscal year 2008 have not been awarded. Additional WTG funds are available.

Contact Nancy Guccione, WTG Program Manager, at 406-841-2744 or [email protected] for program specific questions.

Interested applicants can find guidelines and current and country average wage rates on the web at: http://www.mtfinanceonline.com/WorkForceGrnts.asp