Workforce Alliance Initiates Florida Back to Work Program

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Workforce Alliance announced today that it is Palm Beach County's link for the statewide "Florida Back to Work" program recently introduced by Governor Charlie Crist to bolster the economy of the State and to create new jobs.

Under the rules of the "Florida Back to Work" program, public and private employers will be able to submit an application through Workforce Alliance for participation in this project. If the State approves the application, the majority of salary costs for new employees will be covered on a time-limited basis.

The pool of federal funds being made available to Palm Beach County is to help drive down the County's unemployment rate, which reached 11.7 percent in November, compared to the State's unemployment rate of 11.5 percent.

Kathryn Schmidt, President and Chief Executive Officer of Workforce Alliance, said, "Some of our local businesses and municipalities are struggling because of the current downturn in our economy. The Florida Back to Work program presents an excellent opportunity for them to lower the cost of hiring additional employees while expanding or improving their operations. At the same time, the program will help invigorate the regional economy and help local businesses remain fully competitive in the marketplace."

Businesses or municipalities interested in participating in the program should call Workforce Alliance at (561) 340-1060, ext. 2600, or inquire by e-mail: [email protected].

Workforce Alliance is the non-profit organization chartered by the State of Florida to create and manage a workforce development system for Palm Beach County. Its various programs and employer services, to include employment, employee training, labor market information, and professional recruiting services, contribute to the growth opportunities of all businesses in the region. Complete information is available at the organization's website: www.pbcalliance.com.

SOURCE Workforce Alliance