Maryland Commerce Awards More Than $110,000 in Training Grants to Local Companies
PWQ program was recapitalized by Governor Hogan last year
BALTIMORE, Md. — Eight Maryland companies have been awarded a total of more than $110,000 in training grants from the Maryland Department of Commerce, which will help them increase production and boost efficiency. Through funding provided by the Department’s Partnership for Workforce Quality (PWQ) program, the companies will collectively be able to send 300 employees to training sessions to learn new skillsets and train on advanced equipment.
The PWQ program was established in 1989 to invest in workforce training, particularly in the manufacturing and technology fields. After not receiving funding for a number of years, the program was recapitalized with $1 million in Maryland Commerce’s FY2018 budget and was part of Governor Larry Hogan’s 2017 Maryland Jobs Initiative. Companies with qualified training projects will be reimbursed up to 50 percent of the cost.
The companies receiving training grants include Danko Arlington Inc., Tulkoff Food Products, and Ellicott Dredges, LLC (Baltimore City); ASTec Metalworks Inc. (Baltimore County); Chutes International (Charles County); Mobern Lighting (Howard County); CreaFill Fibers (Kent County); and The Whalen Company (Talbot County).
Tulkoff Food Products, a family-owned and operated Baltimore manufacturer of condiments, specialty sauces, and ingredients, is sending six employees within three different departments to extensive training in their fields, including marketing, quality assurance, and research and development.
“The assistance of the PWQ program continues to help Tulkoff stay competitive and knowledgeable in the food industry,” said Phil Tulkoff, president & CEO. “We benefit greatly from the training experiences our employees have and look forward to their skillsets assisting in growing our company and continuing our legacy in the state of Maryland.”
“PWQ has always been one of Maryland’s most innovative programs, and we are pleased to be able to support so many companies with their training needs,” said Governor Hogan. “Investing in workforce training is vital to increasing productivity and improving customer service, as well as strengthening the skills of employees so they are prepared to compete in our innovation economy.”
“We are happy to see companies from around the state take advantage of the PWQ program,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “These sessions will help our local businesses meet market demands and continue growing right here in Maryland.”
To learn more about the Partnership for Workforce Quality, visit commerce.maryland.gov/pwq.
About Maryland Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State’s many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov.
