PRESS RELEASE

Colorado Department of Labor and Employment • 633 Seventeenth Street, Suite 1200 • Denver, CO 80202 •

(303) 318-8004 • Fax: (303) 318-8070

 

For Immediate Release

 

Date:                      January 15, 2008

Contact:                 Office of Government, Policy and Public Relations

Phone:                   (303) 318-8004

Fax:                        (303) 318-8070

Web:                       www.coworkforce.com or http://www.puebloworkforcecenter.com/  

 

 

BUSINESS FORUM TO BE PRESENTED BY
PUEBLO WORKFORCE CENTER

Forum to showcase employer incentive packages and free assistance

 

Running a business is costly and employers who let costs spiral out of control are the ones that aren’t in business for very long.  The next Employer Roundtable presentation offered by the Pueblo Workforce Center will showcase a variety of free resources that can offset the costs of hiring and training workers.  These employer incentives help Colorado businesses stay competitive.

 

                            When:             Wednesday, January 30 from 11:30 AM to 1 PM

                            Where:            Pueblo Workforce Center

                                                    Riverwalk Conference Room, 4th Floor

                                                212 West 3rd Street, Pueblo

 

Employers are invited to bring their own brown bag lunch to the session.  Beverages and dessert will be provided.  This presentation will showcase the following business services:

 

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit that encourages employers to hire job seekers from eight different targeted groups.  Presenter Reina Wright of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment will explain how working with the WOTC program can reduce your federal tax liability by as much as $2,400 per new hire. 

 

The Federal Bonding Program serves as a tool to secure the job placement of ex-offenders and other high-risk applicants.  Reina Wright will explain how employers who participate in this program may receive up to a $2400 to $9000 tax credit.

 

Colorado First and Existing Industry Grants provide financial incentives to employers as they build a skilled workforce.  Colorado First grants are for companies that are relocating to Colorado or existing companies that are undertaking a major expansion.  Existing Industry grants provide for the training and retraining of workers for companies being affected by major technological change or where training is deemed crucial for the company and worker retention.  Presenter Amanda Ackerman from Pueblo Community College will explain the grants and the application process.

 

Workforce Investment Act Hiring Incentives provide on-the-job training opportunities that assist the employer in building a skilled workforce and enable individuals to be hired at an entry level and learn a skill and/or qualify for a particular occupation.  Presenter Bernadette Villalon of the Pueblo Workforce Center will explain how these hiring incentives can benefit the job seeker who is striving for economic self-sufficiency as well as  the employer who builds a skilled workforce.

 

Vocational Rehabilitation Hiring Incentives provide pathways to encourage employers to recognize that people with disabilities make up a resourceful and reliable pool of skilled workers.  Presenter Jason Crowe of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation shows how hiring from this group can benefit the employer as well as the disabled worker.

 

“This Employer Roundtable presentation is designed to showcase just a few of the free services you can put to work in your business,” says John Martinez, director of the Pueblo Workforce Center.  “We can provide financial assistance to upgrade the skills of current employees and tax credit information that may influence your hiring decisions.  The Pueblo Workforce Center is here to give you the professional edge you need.  Let us show you the consistent, reliable assistance we can provide your business.”

 

To attend the January 30 presentation, please RSVP to Steve Chorak at (719) 562-3741 or via email at steven.chorak@state.co.us by Friday, January 25.  Space is limited so admission is restricted to two guests per company.

 

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