- News Release -
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
PO BOX 110, TRENTON, NEW JERSEY 08625-0110
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
LABOR COMMISSIONER VISITS HUDSON COUNTY COMPANY TO HIGHLIGHT GOVERNOR CORZINE'S COMMITMENT TO ASSISTING BUSINESSES THROUGH CUSTOMIZED TRAINING GRANTS
 
JERSEY CITY, October 8, 2009 - New Jersey Labor Commissioner David J. Socolow today saw first-hand how Governor Jon S. Corzine's commitment to the Department's job-creation and job-retention incentive grant program is working at General Pencil Company in Jersey City.
 
Commissioner Socolow praised the company for investing with the state in upgrading the skills of its employees through training, funded in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD). Socolow encouraged other New Jersey businesses to apply for matching customized training grants.
 
"Governor Corzine supports helping businesses retain employees and grow in New Jersey through joint investments in training that increase the ability of the workers and the businesses to be more productive and competitive," Socolow said.
 
"Employers like General Pencil, that are investing now in a stronger workforce also are helping move New Jersey toward emerging from this global recession stronger and more competitive than ever," said Socolow. "Training, customized to the needs of the business, lets workers add new knowledge and skills that are specifically needed by businesses and that help reduce a company's cost of doing business."

General Pencil Company owner, Jim Weissenborn, said, "It was hard to let my people off for six hours a day to get training, but it was well worth it."
 
Commissioner Socolow received feedback about the customized training program directly from a handful of workers during a roundtable exchange. Employees, ranging between 10 and 40 years of time working at the company shared their thoughts.
 
"The courses really helped us with our communication and team-building skills."
-- Albert Nesmith, 40 years

"Not only did the classes help me to become more efficient at work, they also helped me to become more efficient and organized at home."
-- Wendy Sosa, 16 years

"We have a pull system and we rely on each other (coworkers) to keep operations going and we don't have to involve management for every problem we may face. I think that it's important to invest in the people that work for the company."
-- John Casey, 11 years
 
The $40,802 grant to General Pencil Company paid for training to upgrade the skills of its workforce. The company matched the state investment by paying the wages of these workers during their training programs. JVS provided the training for General Pencil's staff that included customer service representatives, first-line supervisors and managers, shipping clerks, stock clerks, packers, and maintenance and repair workers. Training courses included: lean manufacturing skills, industrial manufacturing technologies, basic computer skills, and customer service skills.
 
Hanna Praport, JVS director of Business Development, said, "JVS is pleased to partner with General Pencil Company and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The training that General Pencil Company received through this initiative helped its employees acquire the skills needed to succeed in the workplace and are helping the company prosper."

General Pencil Company, a family-owned business operated by the Weissenborn family since 1889, manufactures pencils, artist supplies, and cosmetics.
 
 "General Pencil Company is delighted to see New Jersey's commitment to strengthen its manufacturing companies," said David Seeber, vice president of manufacturing at General Pencil Company. "Our customized training grant allowed us to train all of our employees and strengthen our ability to continue to deliver superior products to our customers."
 
Under the leadership of Governor Corzine, New Jersey Customized Training Grants have enabled more than 1,000 New Jersey employers to train nearly 236,000 workers and to hire 26,390 new employees.
 
Customized training grants are matching grants awarded to New Jersey businesses to provide training to the company's workforce in skills specifically needed to increase productivity and marketability.  The program allows employees to receive training in their specific fields through local providers, such as colleges. The grants, awarded through the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, are funded through the Workforce Development Partnership Program. For more information about competitive customized training grants or literacy grants call (609) 633-6799 or go online.