State labor training grants

Three area companies will share in Wisconsin Development Fund awards, Gov. Scott McCallum has announced. The following summarizes the projects:
J.C. Penney, Wauwatosa, $250,000 Customized Labor Training Grant – J.C. Penney operates the second largest department store chain in the US with more than 1,000 locations in the US, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Brazil. The company is investing $10-15 million to convert its phased-out Wauwatosa facility into a regional Store Support Center to serve 108 company stores in the Midwest. The project will result in the creation of 650-700 new jobs. The training project will leverage $250,000 in additional private investment.
Norlight Telecommunications, Brookfield, $19,369 CLT – Norlight Telecommunications is a provider of modern telecommunications services. The company owns and operates one of the Midwest’s largest fiber-optic networks. As part of a $9.7 million-construction project, Norlight Telecommunications is investing $1.9 million to equip the new facility. The training project will leverage $19,369 in additional private investment.
Therm-Tech of Waukesha, Waukesha, $34,530 CLT – Therm-Tech of Waukesha is a medium size commercial business, offering a full scope of services in heat treating. In order to improve the effectiveness of their current quality management through the use of improved policies and objectives, data analysis, and management reviews, the company is seeking ISO 9002 Certification. The training project will leverage $34,530 in additional private investment.
The Department of Commerce staffs the Wisconsin Development Fund. The independent Wisconsin Development Finance Board considers proposals and awards funds. For further information, contact Todd Kearney, 608-266-6675.
State dislocated worker grant
A $500,000 Dislocated Worker Grant will help workers displaced by several Milwaukee-area businesses, including Tower Automotive, JCP Logistics, Wisconsin Color Press, Morris Material Handling, Milwaukee Valve, Krones Inc., and GLI Inc. The grant will increase the enrollment capacity of the Private Industry Council’s retraining program. The state’s Department of Workforce Development also will work with the PIC to submit an application for the National Emergency Grant to support training for these workers.
Dislocated Worker grants support training programs for individuals who lose their jobs and need retraining in another field of work. Dislocated Worker grant applications are considered on an as-needed basis. The state’s Council on Workforce Investment handles the situations.
Property leases
The following property leases have been reported:
Boerke Co.