[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 152 (Thursday, November 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE REGIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD FOR CONTINUED 
                    EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 12, 1998

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate the 
Regional Workforce Development Board for its service to the greater New 
Haven community in Connecticut. The backbone of any community is the 
relationship between businesses and residents. For the past twenty 
years, the Board, which is the Private Industry Council for greater New 
Haven, has nurtured this relationship to expand the regional economy. 
The Regional Workforce Development Board has served as a liaison 
between the business community and area residents, narrowing the gap 
between employers' needs and the skills of the region's potential and 
existing workforce.
  With advancing technology rapidly changing the business environment, 
employers face the challenges of upgrading the skills of their 
workforces. Employees must obtain the skills needed by industry. The 
Board has implemented a strategy that gives residents of Greater New 
Haven essential skills, and creates a pool of qualified individuals 
available to work.
  The Regional Workforce Development Board provides job training to 
thousands of greater New Haven residents each year. It focuses on the 
entire community including summer youth job programs and special 
opportunities for the economically disadvantaged. The contributions 
that the Board has made to the New Haven community are remarkable. Its 
work truly represents the heart and the spirit of our community by 
ensuring that residents and businesses grow together.
  1998 marked three anniversaries for the Board. It marked the 
twentieth anniversary of the creation of private industry councils. 
Fifteen years ago, the council assumed responsibility for overseeing 
federal employment and training programs. And, the Private Industry 
Council evolved into the Regional Workforce Development Board five 
years ago.
  By administering a variety of innovative federal and state job 
training programs, the Board has filled a need for thousands of area 
residents and businesses. Businesses are helped by ensuring that job 
applicants have the training they need. Employees are helped by 
receiving skill training so that they are employable after downsizing 
or a layoff. Area residents have been trained to work in manufacturing, 
at hotels, and to develop the skills of at-risk youth. They have 
assisted many families in making the transition to the workforce 
following passage of the welfare reform bill.
  The Workforce Development Board has made greater New Haven a far 
better place to live and work. I am proud to honor the Board for these 
accomplishments, and for all of the work it has done to help our 
region's workforce, businesses and community.

                          ____________________