Nashville, Ga. – Berrien County has been awarded a $35,000 state grant to assist in accelerating earning Certified Work Ready Community status, a designation showing the county has the talented workforce that business demands and the educational infrastructure to drive economic growth and prosperity.

To be designated a Certified Work Ready Community, counties must demonstrate a commitment to improving public high school graduation rates and drive current workers and the unemployed to obtain a Work Ready Certificate.

The county’s efforts are being lead by a team of economic development, government and education partners including: The Berrien County Chamber of Commerce, Berrien County Development Authority, Berrien County School System, Valdosta Technical College, and Berrien County’s local governments.

“Earning Certified Work Ready Community status will ensure our citizens have the talent necessary to staff existing jobs and to master the innovative technologies new jobs will require tomorrow,” said Rob Lovein, Chairman, Berrien County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “We will help transform our economy and give our community a competitive advantage in attracting new business and jobs.”

Governor Sonny Perdue awarded 20 counties grants to assist in the Certified Work Ready Communities process. These counties serve as models for the initiative, showcasing successes and best practices for other communities to follow. Each county has pledged to complete the process within 18 months as a part of the eligibility requirements.
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“These accelerated counties are leading the way to creating a competitive advantage for our state,” said Governor Perdue. “By jumpstarting the process, they can drive momentum and participation in the Work Ready initiative throughout the state.”

In addition to the 20 accelerated counties, 14 other counties have made a commitment to becoming Certified Work Ready Communities and will have three years to reach the goals necessary to earn the designation.

“In less than two years, Work Ready has helped transform our state and make our workforce our number one competitive advantage,” said Governor Perdue. “This initiative is creating new opportunities for Georgia workers and employers, both of whom are realizing significant benefits.”

Georgia’s Work Ready initiative is based upon a skills assessment and certification for job seekers and a job profiling system for businesses. By identifying both the needs of business and the available skills of Georgia’s workforce, the state can more effectively generate the right talent for the right jobs. Since January 2007, more than 16,500 Georgians have earned Work Ready Certificates. Additionally, 20 companies have hired 965 Work Ready Certified Georgians over than past 12 to 18 months.