Brooklyn's Progress
October/November 2005

Two Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Members have been awarded $79,000 in training grants to upgrade the skills of their workers. 

The funds, both administered by the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL), are called the Building Skills in New York State (BUSINYS) and Skilled Manufacturing Resource Training (SMART) grants and are intended to enable companies to help their employees stay competitive in the global economy.  The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce provided technical assistance for applicants responding to either grant programs. 

Eriksen Translations Receives $41,241 Grant
Eriksen Translations, Inc., a leading language services provider based in Downtown Brooklyn, was awarded a BUSINYS grant for $41,241.  Eriksen supplies comprehensive training services to Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, law firms, international organizations, educational institutions, health care facilities, and other translation companies.  Eriksen's grant will enable it to provide computer software training to 23 of its employees.

"Everyone at Eriksen Translations is thrilled to begin taking advantage of the BUSINYS training grant," Vigdis Eriksen, President and CEO of Eriksen Translations, said.  "Staying on top of the latest technology and sales techniques is crucial for our business." 

Ice Stone, LLC Receives $37,470 Grant
IceStone, LLC, a manufacturer of countertop material made from recycled glass, was awarded a SMART grant for $37,470 to train its employees in lean manufacturing.  The company, located at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, employees 25 people.

"Lean manufacturing training will help us become a world-class facility," says co-CEO Peter Strugatz.  "The Chamber was instrumental in helping us obtain this funding." 

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce held a workshop for Brooklyn businesses applying for the grants.  The Chamber also provided one-on-one technical assistance, answering questions about the application process and providing feedback on the applications themselves.

"Mayor Bloomberg has led the way for making New York City more business friendly, and these grants are another great resource for the city's businesses and workers," says NYC Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Robert Walsh. "Today, new technology can cause industries to change overnight.  In order to saty competitive, businesses need highly-trained employees with a flexible skill set.  We are also very excited to be working with the State Department of Labor – giving New York City's businesses access to an even larger array of grants and incentives.  These training grants provide employers with this competitive edge, while giving New Yorkers the skills to be successful in their careers."

For more information on the Brooklyn Chamber’s hiring, training, or workforce related incentives, contact Human Resources Specialist Jeanette G. Nigro at 718-246-5219  ext. 2025.