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Friday, Sep. 18, 1998
Refugio companies get job grants
Nearly $60,000 in funds will help two businesses provide training
By ANNA M. TINSLEY
Scripps Howard Austin BureauAUSTIN - Two Refugio companies will receive nearly $60,000 in state grants to train employees for 37 local jobs, according to the Texas Department of Economic Development.
Smith Services Inc. will receive $23,342 to train workers in 16 jobs and MidCoast Lease Services Inc. will receive $34,495 to train workers for 21 jobs. Both are construction companies in Refugio.
The grants come from the Smart Jobs Fund, a workforce and business incentive program designed to provide a skilled workforce and boost Texas businesses' competitiveness, the economic development department's records show.
``Texas businesses are producing new and higher-paying jobs aided by the Smart Jobs program,'' said Rick Thrasher, the agency's executive director. ``That stimulates a growing Texas economy and provides a better life for Texans.
``We especially want to see more small businesses, such as these, apply for our grants.''
Both Refugio companies specialize in construction and maintenance contracting, mainly in the petroleum industry.
The grants will help the businesses provide the most updated safety training to keep up with changing federal safety regulations, according to the economic development department.
``The competition for (Smart Job grant) funding is intense and only those programs which truly enhance job skills and economic development are awarded grants,'' said state Rep. Judy Hawley, D-Portland.
Factors in these two Refugio companies receiving the grants were that they are small businesses that haven't received the grants before. And they offer skills training for jobs that are in demand, according to the economic development department.
Both companies will provide a 10 percent match to the grants in wages, salaries and benefits.
A company is eligible if it has been in business for at least one year, has at least one employee, demonstrates financial viability and is paid up on state tax obligations.
The maximum grant a company may receive is $1.5 million per fiscal year. Grant money goes for customized training in manufacturing or any job in demand.
Scripps Howard Austin Bureau reporter Anna M. Tinsley can be reached at (512) 478-9644 or by e-mail at tinsleya@scripps.comPost your comments about local news eventsFront Page || Main Index || News || Business || Texas || South Texas Outdoors || Birdwatching || Sports || Entertainment || Selena || Education || South Texas Attractions || World Wide Web