Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (EDGE) announced today Janelle Moran, Business Specialist for Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP), will be available at the Falls City EDGE office one half day each month to provide consultation, information and technical assistance to small start-up and existing micro-enterprises.

“We are pleased to provide this consulting service for small businesses in Falls City and Richardson County. Janelle Moran is extremely knowledgeable and a valuable resource that can help small businesses succeed in today’s business world,” said Renee Bauer, Executive Director of Falls City EDGE.

REAP is Nebraska’s largest microenterprise program and operates on a statewide, rural basis through regionally-based business specialists. Janelle is the regional specialist serving Southeast Nebraska. REAP helps to fill four gaps for startup and small microenterprises (businesses with 5 or fewer employees) by providing lending, training, networking and technical assistance through peer and individual participation. In addition to the four core components, REAP operates Nebraska’s first and only Women’s Business Center.

Janelle will be available at the Falls City EDGE office by appointment the third Tuesday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Appointments may be scheduled through Falls City EDGE at 402.245.2105.

For more information, please contact EDGE Executive Director at 402.245.2105 or e-mail.

Grassroots programs of any kind, especially in economic development, always prove to be the most successful programs.  Driven by the needs of the area business and industry and workers, Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (EDGE) in coordination with the Nebraska Workforce Development Falls City Office is pleased to announce the establishment of a new training initiative. The Falls City Welder Training Program will begin this June in Falls City.

This innovative program was established through the collaboration of several groups within the community including Falls City EDGE, Nebraska Workforce Development’s Falls City Office and area business and industry leaders. After an initial dialogue about worker skill needs to support and strengthen the area industry base, a coalition was established to further examine training opportunities. It quickly became obvious the greatest need was for a welder training program.

Working with Southeast Community College, a welders training class is now being offered which specifically targets the needs of area employers. The classes, offered two evenings a week over a 12-week period, will earn the participant who completes the training a Welding Certificate. The certificate designates the student has passed the basic welding skills required by local industries. “The training provides an opportunity for our local residents to receive training to enhance job skills at a location within the community without having extended commute times,” said Renee Bauer, Executive Director of Falls City EDGE. “We have created a method for skills improvement at a reasonable cost.”

To secure a place in the training program, individuals must apply through the Nebraska Workforce Development Falls City Office. The class is limited to 12 students to provide the best training opportunity for the students. This training program is intended for individuals seeking employment in Richardson County. Additionally, there are a limited number of scholarships available to qualifying applicants who agree to seek employment and stay employed in Richardson County for a period of 24 months.

Anyone wanting to apply for the program is encouraged to contact the Nebraska Workforce Development Falls City Office at 402.245.4401. Deadline to apply for acceptance into the training program is May 8, 2007.

For more information, please contact EDGE Executive Director at 402.245.2105 or e-mail or Carole DeBusk, Employment Services Coordinator, Nebraska Workforce Development Falls City Office at 402.245.4401 or e-mail.