Governor Awards Bedford Co. Company Job Training Grant

BEDFORD VISION Awarded $20,900

NASHVILLE – Governor Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner Burns Phillips have awarded $20,900 to Bedford Vision in Shelbyville.

“If Tennessee is going to become the number one location in the Southeast for high-quality jobs, then we must offer a well-trained workforce to employers,” said Governor Haslam. “This kind of training grant not only helps educate workers, but also provides incentive to employers looking to relocate or expand in Tennessee.”

“The Incumbent Worker Training program has played a valuable role in both job retention and creation in Tennessee,” said Commissioner Phillips.  “Since the program’s inception, Incumbent Worker Training grants have assisted more than 600 businesses by providing $14 million to train approximately 50,000 employees.”

In their application for the grant, Bedford Visions stated this grant will improve employees’ skills in customer service relations, staff management, in-house training, practice events, accounting, marketing, sales, benchmarking, reporting, patient work-up, patient protocols, understanding products and product demand.

“I would like to thank Governor Haslam and Commissioner Phillips for their involvement in awarding this grant to the workers of Bedford County,” said Senator Jim Tracy. 

“By investing in the skills of Tennessee’s workforce, we’re also investing in our future economic success,” said Representative Pat Marsh.

Workforce Solutions played a key role in awarding the grant to Bedford Vision.

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development administers the Incumbent Worker Training program. The program has been structured to be flexible to meet the business's training objectives. The business may use public, private, or its own in-house training provider based on the nature of the training.

The following criteria must be met to qualify for the Incumbent Worker 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.

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