Workforce Tools of the Trade
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"I love my profession," says Kimberly Mildward, Director of Workforce Development Programs, for the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments. "I can not imagine a career outside of workforce development," she says in this month's interview.

* This month in Hot Topics 300,000 Veterans to Get "Key to Career Success" Employment Information Cards From U.S. Labor Department

Department Also Announces New Web Tool for Wounded and Injured Veterans

WASHINGTON - Approximately 300,000 wallet-sized cards and key fobs with critical employment and job training information will be distributed to military personnel and veterans over the next six months, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced today at its annual pre-Veterans Day salute. The department also unveiled the elaws Recovery and Employment Assistance Lifelines (REALifelines) Advisor. This new online tool will provide valuable information and resources to help returning wounded and injured veterans successfully transition into civilian employment.

* U.S. Labor Department Announces $4.3 Million National Emergency Grant for Hurricane Wilma Recovery and Cleanup Efforts in Florida

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a National Emergency Grant in the amount of $4.3 million to create approximately 575 temporary jobs to aid in the cleanup and recovery efforts taking place in Florida as a result of damage caused by Hurricane Wilma.
"This grant will create nearly 600 jobs to assist in the cleanup and recovery of these communities," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

* In this month's Featured Programs Labor Secretary Encourages Employers to Hire Vets First; Enhances Protection of Rights for Guard and Reserve Members

WASHINGTON - In a series of announcements today at a National Press Club ceremony, U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao kicked off Department of Labor plans to enhance protection of employment rights for America's citizen-soldiers; to strengthen assistance programs for veterans transitioning from military to civilian careers, and to encourage private employers to hire veterans.

* Department of Labor Announces 30 Grant Awards under the President's Prisoner Re-entry Initiative

The Department of Labor today awarded 30 grants totaling $19.8 million to faith-and community-based organizations to assist non-violent ex-offenders returning to their local communities. These grants were awarded under the President's Prisoner Re-entry Initiative grant competition and are designed to serve urban centers and areas of greatest need.
Listing of Grantees

* U.S. Department of Labor's Partnerships for Compliance Assistance Program Re-opens

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) today re-opened its Partnerships for Compliance Assistance Program (PCAP) by inviting national third-party nonprofit organizations to apply to become partners, along with the eight organizations currently in the program. PCAP partners help DOL promote greater awareness and compliance with federal employment laws and regulations administered by DOL. Participating PCAP organizations help spread the word about easy-to-access compliance assistance to help employers comply with federal labor laws and regulations.

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