Submitted by the Governor's office:

At the monthly meeting of the Governor's Workforce Board today, Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee and GWB Chair Constance A. Howes announced $1.3 million in training grants to 83 RI companies. Collectively the grants, which are geared toward existing employees and not new hires, are anticipated to improve the skills of more than 3,800 workers. Because matching grants require recipients to match or exceed their awards, the total for this public-private investment in the Rhode Island workforce is more than $2.6 million. 

Thirty-seven of the businesses awarded grants are manufacturers, representing the largest industry sector among the recipient pool.

Chafee said, "This sector's interest in training shows that the manufacturing industry is still a viable force in the Rhode Island economy. This training will allow our existing manufacturing base to become more competitive in the global marketplace."

Woonsocket companies that received funds include Diversified Global Technologies, LLC, for $10,000; and Technic, Inc., for $19,897.