Governor Awards Incentive Grant to East Tennessee Human Resource Agency

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner James Neeley have awarded $100,809 to East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA) in Knoxville, Tennessee, for meeting their workforce development performance goals .

“I am pleased to award this grant to the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency to assist employers and jobseekers in East Tennessee,” said Governor Bredesen. “Our ability to match the needs of employers and employees is key to our work to continue to strengthen and grow Tennessee’s economy.”

“I am proud to award this grant money to this area,” said Commissioner Neeley. “The counties served will benefit greatly from this incentive grant. It will help employers find the right workers and jobseekers in finding the right job.”

“I appreciate Governor Bredesen and Commissioner Neeley awarding the incentive grant to benefit these counties,” said Senator Tim Burchett. “This will help keep area workers employed and help improve our economy.”

Each year the state is measured on how they meet or exceed negotiated performance goals that include placing program participants in employment, assisting participants in retaining their jobs and improving their earning capacity. In turn, the state rewards local programs that contribute to the overall success of the state. This year, Tennessee ranked third in the nation in regards to federal incentive awards for this program.

ETHRA administers one of 13 local workforce investment areas and provides workforce development and career services to the citizens of Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Cumberland, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan Roane and Scott Counties.

“We are honored to accept this grant to help the employers and workers we serve,” said East Tennessee Human Resource Agency Executive Director, Gordon Acuff. “Our appreciation goes to Governor Bredesen and Commissioner Neeley for their continued support of our agency.”