Workforce Development Alliance receives $10,000 grant

By Kyle Schmidt

The U.S. Bank Foundation presented a $10,000 check Thursday to the Workforce Development Alliance, a group led by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce that focuses on training initiatives to improve the labor force.

“The reason why is because U.S. Bank likes to help with economic development in St. Joseph and help grow our city,” said Amanda Lundy, mortgage loan officer with U.S. Bank. “We have been working on this for probably the last six months, working on trying to find who has the best use for U.S. Bank funds.”

Kristie Arthur, director of workforce development, received the check on behalf of the group. She said she was grateful for the funds.

“The Workforce Alliance very much appreciates your support as well as the Chamber of Commerce,” Arthur said.

Lundy was optimistic about the future of the workforce in St. Joseph.

“It helps all of us in the long run,” Lundy said. “By making sure we have educated employees and keep our employers in the area.”

Before the check was presented, Arthur spoke about improving awareness of manufacturing-type jobs in the area.

“It’s not what your grandfather’s manufacturing job looked like and we need to make sure we are up-skilling these folks,” Arthur said. “We’re doing an expansion that will get more high school students … Expanding all these programs and adding a diesel mechanic program and expanding allied health.”