LIMESTONE COUNTY – The Limestone County Economic Development Association (LCEDA) is proud to announce that it was awarded a Workforce Invest Grant by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to support collaborative efforts in training and education.
“The Limestone County Economic Development Association is honored to receive the Workforce Invest Grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority,” said Limestone County Economic Development Association President & CEO Bethany Shockney. “This funding will enhance our ongoing efforts to strengthen workforce development through education and training, ensuring that our local businesses and industries have access to a highly skilled talent pool.”
In response to the increasing demand for a trained workforce by business and industry, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), along with third-party consultant VisionFirst Advisors, developed an innovative initiative, known as Workforce Invest, in 2022. The goal of the program is to address critical workforce development needs.
The scope of the project is to provide scholarships, in partnership with the Limestone County Churches Involved, Inc. (LCCI), for short-term certificates in the healthcare and manufacturing industries to non-participants of the workforce, veterans, single parents, low-income individuals, English language learners, individuals with low literacy, and individuals without a high school diploma/GED.
All interested participants need to contact the LCCI office at (256) 262-0271 or visit their office between 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, located at 201 N. Jefferson St, Athens, AL 35611, or complete the online application here: https://forms.office.com/r/
The Tennessee Valley is a region abounding in geographic and economic opportunity. Workforce Invest, a first-of-its-kind program, leverages funds to develop a highly trained and qualified workforce to meet current and future market demands.
“TVA Economic Development is committed to our communities. Workforce Invest allows us to invest in programs that address the specific workforce and education needs at a local level. Each project funded provides needed training to residents while also filling the needs of industry. We are proud to support our local economic development partners,” said John Bradley, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for TVA.
“Providing meaningful workforce training is a cornerstone issue of our national economy. TVA’s insight to develop the program will provide a multitude of opportunities not just for the participants but for entire communities. VisionFirst is thrilled to serve as the programmatic coordinator for Workforce Invest,” said Gray Swoope, President & CEO of VisionFirst Advisors.
Over the last two years, TVA has awarded Workforce Invest grants to more than 30 communities totaling more than $2 million.
Media Release/Blake Williams, TMP Communication & Research Specialist/Limestone County Economic Development Association
