[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 25, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E236-E237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING MANUFACTURING MATTERS

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                            HON. LUKE MESSER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 2014

  Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the first 
graduates of Manufacturing Matters, a fast track training program in 
Richmond, Indiana.
  The collaborative program is being spearheaded by Ivy Tech Community 
College WorkOne, and the Economic Development Corporations and Chambers 
of Commerce from Wayne, Rush, and Fayette counties to provide 
individuals the skills to succeed in the manufacturing industry. I am 
proud to announce that twelve people became the first graduates of this 
program on January 31, 2014. The first class includes Jarrod Andrews, 
Mary Ann Frazier, Bob Harding, Mark Hawkins, Marc Lechuga, Dylan 
McLemore, Darren McEwen, Rita Robinson, Chris Studt, Randy Tucker, 
Wilmi Vizcaino, and Kenny Warner.
  Manufacturing Matters aims to cultivate a skillset that program 
participants can apply to future manufacturing jobs. The program 
provides hardworking individuals the opportunity to develop a 
comprehensive understanding of manufacturing processes, safety, 
quality, and leadership.
  In addition to the technical skills learned, the program participants 
attended a job fair to connect with potential employers. Manufacturing 
Matters has partnered with several organizations in Indiana from 
leading energy groups to local governments in an effort to employ the 
program graduates. The job fair matched employers with applicants who 
were ready for on-the-job success.
  This program equips individuals with the tools to work and provides 
competent staff to businesses in the manufacturing industry. As a 
Member of Congress, I strongly support programs like Manufacturing 
Matters that strengthen the American manufacturing industry.

[[Page E237]]



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