Thyssenkrupp Elevator Wins State Award for Worker Training

NASHVILLE –Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner James Neeley presented the second annual Jim Alford Memorial Award for Outstanding Incumbent Worker Training to ThyssenKrupp Elevator in Middleton, Tenn. The award publicly acknowledges the exceptional efforts of a Tennessee business that has provided incumbent worker training through the Incumbent Worker Training program. ThyssenKrupp Elevator spent $99,214 to train more than 800 workers in three components of lean manufacturing. They are projected to create 20 new jobs and save 350 jobs by providing this training.

 

The Jim Alford Memorial Award is given to companies that enhance job skills and personal development, help to prevent downsizing, create new jobs, prevent relocation while increasing the profitability of the company and improve short- and long-term wage levels of the employees being trained. The award is given in memory of Jim Alford, former director of employer services for the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. His hard work and dedication helped train more than 24,000 employees. Alford passed away in 2007.

 

"I am honored to give this award to ThyssenKrupp," said Commissioner Neeley. "This company has gone above and beyond the call of duty to provide workplace training in tough economic times, and as a result they have been able to add and stabilize jobs for employees. I know Jim Alford would be proud of the hard work ThyssenKrupp has done.”

 

Southwest Tennessee Human Resources Agency played a key role in assisting ThyseenKrupp Elevator in winning the Jim Alford Memorial Award and assisting them with the Incumbent Worker Grant program.

 

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development administers the Incumbent Worker Training program. The following criteria must be met to qualify for the training program. Employers must be in operation in Tennessee for at least one year prior to application date. Employers must have at least five full-time employees, demonstrate financial viability and be current on all state tax obligations. Funding priority is given to businesses whose grant proposals represent a significant layoff avoidance strategy and represent a significant upgrade of skills.

 

*Photo: Commissioner Neeley presents Don McDonieal with the Jim Alford award. Pictured from left to right: Craig Butler, State Workforce Board, James Neeley, Commissioner of Labor, Don McDonieal, Human Resources Manager, ThyssenKrupp Elevators, Susan Cowden, Administrator, TDLWD, Gary Miller, State Workforce Board, Lafayette McKinnie, WIA Director and Patrick Bleecker, Grants Manager, TDLWD.