星期六, 7月 20, 2013

詐騙波士頓一基金50萬元女子被捕

有關當局表示,住在紐約的26歲女子Andrea Gause,因詐騙波士頓一基金(One Fund Boston),從補助波士頓馬拉松賽爆炸案受害者款項中收取將近50萬元而被捕。
麻州總檢察官辦公室表示,Andrea Gause 聲稱因為415日發生的這宗爆炸案,腦部受損,但調查員發現她並不是受害者,但提交了她住進波士頓醫院的假文件。
麻州警察及紐約Troy鎮警察昨(19)日下午在她住的Troy鎮附近,以逃犯名義逮捕了她。

      這是波士頓一基金發放補助款後發生的第二宗逮捕案。本月稍早時,22歲的Branden Mattier被控以詐欺波士頓一基金2百萬元。

星期五, 7月 19, 2013

麻州州長參選人越來越多 Grossman已宣佈 Somerville市長有意願

儘管選州長還是18個月以後的事,但有意參選麻州州長者,近來一個個冒出頭。麻州財政廳長葛羅斯曼上週才正式宣佈參選,尚莫維爾市市長柯達通(Joseph A. Curtatone)(18)日也透露,有意參選。
      麻州現任州長派區克(Deval Patrick)早於當選第二任州長時,就已公開表態,將不競選連任。麻州財政廳長葛羅斯曼(Steven Grossman)因此早就頻有動作,所有人也都知道,他有意競選麻州州長。
      713日,麻州民主黨在羅爾市麻州大學叢加(Tsongas)中心舉行沒有大選年度會議(off-year convention)時,葛羅斯曼終於正式宣佈了,他要選州長。
      這天在會場上,他還說,如果有薪家事假(paid family leave)這法案在明年115日以前都還沒通過的話,那將是他遞交的第一個法案。
      79日時,波士頓前鋒報也刊出報導,指他的籌款績效,在一眾潛在的民主黨籍麻州州長候選人中,領先在前。上個月,他就籌了14萬元。他的競選財庫報告也顯示,上個月月底的結餘額為565千元。
      麻州民主黨員中,已有3人宣佈了參選麻州州長一職,包括生物科技公司首長Joe Avellone、奧巴馬辦公室的前任行政首長Donald Berwick,以及麻州參議員Dan Wolf。他們都在民主黨大會中,做了類似發言。
      許多人都猜測將參選麻州州長的麻州總檢察官柯克莉(Martha Coakley)反而只是打趣的說,她這天也有宣佈,不過是宣佈次日是她的60大壽。
      現年47歲,2003年時當選為尚莫維爾市市長的柯達通(Joseph A. Curtatone),昨日在綠城實驗室遷址尚莫維爾市的發佈會中,表示他絕對有意向上發展,參選州級或更高職位,但是否參選州長,仍在考慮中,並無確定時間要在什麼時候做決定。他說有很多人鼓勵他參選,但在決定前,他必須要考慮這對他的家人來說是否是件好事。
      今年十一月的尚莫維爾市選舉,柯達通迄今是唯一的市長候選人。
      曾任尚莫維爾市市長的麻州聯邦眾議員卡普阿諾(Michael E. Capuano)也傳有意參選麻州州長。
共和黨部份,2010年時曾獲共和黨提名參選的貝克(Charles D. Baker),很可能參選。


圖片說明:

      尚莫維爾市市長柯達通(Joseph A. Curtatone)(菊子攝)


      麻州財政廳長葛羅斯曼(Steven Grossman)(菊子攝)

清潔能源孵化器「綠城實驗室」將從波市遷進Somerville

尚莫維爾市(Somerville)市昨(18)日在麻州州長率州府能源及經濟兩大首長親自出席致賀的隆重中,宣佈以清潔能源類初創公司為對象,提供空間及設備的綠城實驗室(Greentown Lab),將喬遷該市。
綠城實驗室是個二年前創辦的清潔能源類孵化器組織。創辦人之一的Jason Hanna表示,起初他們只是一批有心在清潔能源領域內創事業的人,在劍橋市聚會,後來波士頓市府來接洽,Invested Development基金也資助二萬元,於是他們在波士頓市的創新區,也是波士頓會議展覽中心旁的堡壘點通道(Fort Point Channel)一帶,成立了綠城實驗室,現有28家初創公司。
現在,尚莫維爾市提供30萬元的資金貸款,又為他們爭取到麻州清潔能源中心撥給30萬元補助款,綠城實驗室著眼於未來發展,這才決定與許多科技孵化器走向相反的路,從劍橋市搬到波士頓市後,再搬到尚莫維爾市,這佔地24000平方呎,天花板很高的Ames安全信封廠舊址,Dane28號。
尚莫維爾市市長柯達通(Joseph Curtatone)表示,成功的把估計將新聘100名員工的綠城實驗室吸引進尚莫維爾市,證明了該市繼20年來首次增建新地鐵站以來,繼續蓬勃發展,走向創新城市之路。該市提供給綠城實驗室的貸款,限定該機構需盡最大努力聘用尚莫維爾市民,至少有51%的新聘人員必須符合低至中等收入標準。
柯達通也稱讚麻州長派區克(Deval Patrick)在通過綠色法案,鼓勵清潔能源與創新發展上的遠見,以及投資不能一次一點點的做法。
派區克表示,當Jason Hanna帶他巡視綠城實驗室時,讓他頓生睽看明日科技的驚豔感。他強調,經濟或創新成長,是選擇而來的,以麻州內腦力之佳,教育程度之高,未來可期。
麻州能源及環保事務辦公室首長蘇利文(Richard Sullivan)在宣佈儀式中透露,麻州府也辦有孵化器項目,以及實習項目,去年共有922名學生申請實習,226家公司與州府合作,提供付薪實習機會。其中約29%在實習結束後,獲聘為兼職或全職員工。
麻州住宅及經濟發展卿(Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development)畢樂奇(Greg Bialecki)則稱,麻州自從派區克上任州長以來,就致力於創新經濟,最近的一份統計調查,指麻州是全美僅有的7州之一,就業機會和經濟衰退期以前一樣多。
綠城實驗室創辦人之一的Jason Hanna對該機構有這樣的發展,感到興奮,昨日並宣佈了新聘了Emily Reichert為行政主任,預定兩個月後遷進尚莫維爾市。
            尚莫維爾是個人口約75754人的中型城市,亞裔約6606人,佔全市人口8.7%,其中華裔約2237,佔3%

圖片說明:


            麻州州長派區克(Deval Patrick)(前中)在尚莫維爾市市長柯達通(Joseph Curtatone)(右起)麻州能源及環保事務辦公室首長蘇利文(Richard Sullivan)、麻州住宅及經濟發展卿畢樂奇(Greg Bialecki)(後右四)、綠城實驗室創辦人之一的Jason Hanna(左三)等人陪同下,回答提問。(菊子攝)

竹蜻蜓壘球聯盟季賽開鑼 本週起分成南北兩聯盟

            竹蜻蜓壘球聯盟季賽,上週末在南波士頓莫克利球場(JoeMoakley Park)開打,共7隊參賽,將每週比賽,持續至9月底,十月初再辦雙十盃壘球邀請賽。
      竹蜻蜓壘聯盟成立已3年。今年球季共7隊參賽,包括昆西老虎(Quincy Tigers)、台灣黑熊(Dumas)、金錢豹(Jaguars)、台客(Taikers)、哈佛MIT聯隊、波士頓大學(BU),以及東北大學(NEU)等,714日在開幕賽這天分組對決。
      開幕賽的成績為,台客勝台灣黑熊,142;金錢豹勝昆西老虎,85;東北大學勝波士頓大學,149
      本週末的721日,這7支球隊將繼續比賽,已定賽程為台客對東北,BU對昆西老虎,台灣黑熊對金錢豹。
      這7支球隊的成員,絕大多數來自台灣,都是喜歡打壘球的大波士頓本地僑民及留學生。其中的昆西老虎、台客隊是竹蜻蜓壘球俱樂部成員,金錢豹隊的前身是新英格蘭台灣青年商會,台灣黑熊隊獨立運作,掛學校名稱的隊伍,則以各校留學生為主要球員。
      發起組織竹蜻蜓壘球俱樂部的王志維表示,昆西老虎隊,還是竹蜻蜓壘球聯盟中歷史最悠久的老字號球隊,早在1999年為參加颱風聯盟而成立,並延續迄今。目前的壘球聯盟,有一半以上球隊,都有球員曾經是昆西老虎隊一份子。
      王志維也強調,嚴格來說,竹蜻蜓壘球聯盟的球隊,幾乎全是混合隊伍,各有不同比率的已就業者和在校學生,關鍵點是他們大家都喜歡打球,藉組隊,組聯盟來更充份的享受打球、交友的人生樂趣,球隊的組成規定,也因此訂為至少82女共10人。
      台灣黑熊隊的前任隊長陳立杰指出,他們這一隊人員最雜,女生可能也最多,包括剛從愛默生學院畢業,進了鄭與崔出版社做市場行銷的蘇奕心,以及楊文惠不下4人,這天甚至有一名愛打壘球的高中生。
      大波士頓華人社區,有不少人喜歡打壘球。早在1990年代初期,包括東北大學、波士頓大學,以及哈佛、MIT等學校的留學生,和牙醫師王世輝等一批已進入職場工作的專業人士,就經常互相邀約打球,後來更索性組成颱風聯盟,每年夏天都吸引一大群人到球場上廝殺。 
      王志維與翁知銘表示,竹蜻蜓壘球聯盟打球,旨在聯誼,打球時很認真,但打完後,並不強調輸贏及分數,隨時歡迎喜愛打壘球者加入,和各隊聯繫。
      竹蜻蜓壘球聯盟賽的各隊隊長,昆西老虎隊是從事自由業的王安宇 (brightontigerwang@gmail.com),台灣黑熊隊是薩福克(Sullofk)大學主修設計的學生陳宏豪 (wdge89520@gmail.com),台客隊是兼任聯盟會長,從事旅遊業的王志維 (jrweiw@yahoo.com.tw),金錢豹隊是製藥公司科學家林孟潔 (mengchiehl@gmail.com)MIT哈佛聯隊是MIT媒體實驗室的莊智超 (http://facebook.com/chihchao.chuang),波士頓大學隊是王頃哲,東北大學隊是兼任聯盟秘書長的翁知銘(wcmdavis@gmail.com)

補註:
竹蜻蜓聯盟在719日凌晨兩點,公佈新做法。今年的球季賽事,分為兩個聯盟。以查理士河為界, 以北為河北聯盟-- 隊伍有Dumas, Jaguars & MIT 主要場地- MIT(Briggs) field ; 以南為河南聯盟 -- 隊伍有 QTs, Taikers, BU & NEU ,主要場地 - Joe Mokley Park
同聯盟對戰兩次,跨聯盟一次,河北聯盟三隊,每隊八場;河南聯盟四隊,每隊九場。
河南聯盟會加上 DH 制,意思是場上某一守備位置打擊時,可以由指定代打上場打擊,而不是只針對投手,男女可各使用一名。球隊可自行決定某場比賽要不要使用DH制。(即日起實施)
跨聯盟比賽由於只對戰一場,主場將由擲硬幣決定。

圖片說明:

      竹蜻蜓壘球聯盟賽去年的冠亞軍,昆西老虎隊和台灣黑熊隊在開幕式後合影。(菊子攝)

      竹蜻蜓壘球聯盟會長王志維()邀請台灣黑熊隊中最資深隊員江岱峰()為壘球季賽開幕開球。(菊子攝)


左到右,翁知銘 (東北), 林孟潔 (金錢豹), 陳宏豪 (台灣黑熊), 韋秉宏 (MIT哈佛), 王頃哲 (波大), 王老虎 (昆西老虎), 王志維 (台客)(竹蜻蜓壘球聯盟提供)

星期四, 7月 18, 2013

華埠居民遊行 爭取居住、就業權 呼籲還我圖書館

華人前進會與華埠居民會、亞美文化資源中心等組織,昨(17)日出動近百人繞遊華埠,從南端墨水塊(Ink Block)到夏利臣街時信樓,共在4個地點駐足停留,敲鼓、唱吟改編的「月亮代表居民心」,呼籲政要及社會關注,聲言民眾「愛華埠一百分」,盼保留、重建、紮根於華埠社區。
包括「在這團結」酒店工會261分會,國際服務業僱員工會615分會,都會建築業些會、城市權聯盟(Right to the City)、社區及環境替代品(Alternatives for Community and Environment)、波士頓工人聯盟、社區工人團結會、鄰居團結創造更好東波士頓,以及華人前進會青少年等,昨日有不下10幾個組織,加入了華人前進會發起的這呼籲遊行。
有老有少的這批群眾,分別拿著寫有「保留、重建、紮根於華埠社區(Remain, Reclaim, Rebuild Chinatown)」、「我們需要可負擔房屋」、「華埠發展中有2800份工作,居民有份嗎?」、「公地公用」、「保持夏利臣街25號的可負擔性」、「還我圖書館」等標語牌,一路遊行、喊口號,並分別在夏利臣街300號的墨水塊(Inc Block);尼倫街及哈佛街中間部份的乞臣街,亦即24號地段;愛丁堡(Edinboro)21號;夏利臣街(Harrison Ave.)25號等4個地點,駐足發言。
波士頓市傳奇民權人物,曾任麻州眾議員,競選過波士頓市長,現年已逾80的莫爾金(譯音,Mel King)昨日指出,墨水塊一帶,當年是人們口中的貧民窟,卻是他童年時的住家。其後週遭環境高檔化,數以百計人家被迫遷離,地方風貌丕變,情況和近年來毫華住宅在波士頓華埠一帶如雨後春筍般冒出來一樣,華埠民眾若要避免類似命運,必須和其他組織合作,起而發聲。
華人前進會副行政主任劉衛恒也在24號地段所在地發言,呼籲民眾關注2號地段之後的25號地段,說明市府近來已開始重啟規劃行動,華埠居民不但須藉此機會推動增建可負擔住宅,更須催促市府、發展商等相關機構,落實地方上工作機會交給地方居民的理念。
兩名愛丁保羅街21號住戶,黃女士和朱先生,以及華埠居民會共同主席余仕昂,依序在最後兩個遊行群眾駐足點,發表了簡短講話,期望愛丁保羅街21號及夏利臣街25號兩棟大樓的業主,能保持樓內住宅的可負擔性,為穩定華埠出力。
華人前進會在派發的文件中指出,根據人口統計調查資料,1990年代,華埠居民有70%是亞裔,現在只剩下41%。區內的家庭中位收入,亞裔居民為13057元,白人居民卻高達84255元。
華人前進會行政主任駱理德表示,該會希望,愛丁保羅街21號及夏利臣街25號兩棟大樓的業主,都能考量過去多年已從政府補貼賺得不少利潤的現實,體恤低收入居民,保持屋宇的可負擔性,以及華埠社區的穩定性。
她指出,夏利臣街25號當初失火時,約有40居民流離失所,都是市府出錢、出力,安排遷往他地,應負責任的業主,如同得到更多好處,最近還傳出以500萬元出售,新業主要改建成71個微型豪華單位的消息。該會希望無論是舊業主繼續管理這棟大樓,還是新業主接手,都能體會華埠社區對可負擔住宅的需求,做適當回應。
駱理德也指出,這一遊行活動,旨在敦促政府官員、民意代表關注華埠一帶民眾對可負擔住宅,建華埠圖書館等需求之迫切。他們將發信催促波市公共圖書館總館長及未來的市長,把建華埠圖書館的經費,列入下一年度預算之中。他們也將發問卷給一眾市長候選人,探詢他們對可負擔住宅及建華埠圖書館的意見,並在924日的初選前,整理出來,交給華埠民眾做投票參考。
刻正競選波士頓市市長的波市不分區市議員小阿若約(Felix Arroyo),昨日在遊行結束前抵達時信樓前,和華人前進會幹部交換意見,聲言他將與華人前進會等社區組織合作,把民眾亟需可負擔住宅的情況,帶到相關政要面前。

圖片說明:

      華埠民眾拿著「保留、重建、紮根於華埠社區」等標語牌,從墨水塊前繞行華埠,爭取社會大眾關注可負擔住宅議題。(菊子攝)

      馬華(前左起)、余仕昂、駱理德,以及第二排左起,鄺寶蓮、陳玉珍、劉衛恒等人在遊行活動結束前,帶頭唱改編的「月亮代表居民心」歌曲。(菊子攝)

華人前進會名譽主席湯建華(右二)也夾在遊行群眾中,呼籲各界支持華埠,增建可負擔住宅。(菊子攝)

華人前進會社區組織主任陳玉珍(前右起)、副行政主任劉衛恒,在莫爾金(Mel King)發言時,為他拿話筒、翻譯。(菊子攝)

遊行群眾穿越底下是麻州收費公路的大橋,往華埠方向走。(菊子攝)

      前左起,余仕昂、駱理德,以及第二排左起,鄺寶蓮、陳玉珍、劉衛恒等人在遊行活動結束前,帶頭唱改編的「月亮代表居民心」歌曲。(菊子攝)

華人前進會的工人組織員余翠鳳(右一)、名譽主席湯建華(右二)也夾在遊行群眾中,呼籲各界支持華埠,增建可負擔住宅。(菊子攝)


      刻正競選波士頓市市長的波市不分區市議員小阿若約(Felix Arroyo)()聽陳玉珍說明情況。(菊子攝)

波市流動市府每月第三個週三開到華埠

波士頓市政府推出,今年72日開始定期到點駐紮的「流動市政府(City Hall on the Go)」,昨(17)日首度開到華埠。
      「流動市政府(City Hall on the Go)」主任魯爾絲(Elizabeth Rios)表示,即日起每個月的第3個星期三,中午12點半至下午2點半,「流動市政府(City Hall on the Go)」卡車,都會開到華埠牌樓附近,為市民服務,旨在幫助市民節省時間,不必往返跑市政府。
      顧慮到華埠民眾可能需要翻譯,波市府的華裔員工,鄰里發展局的資深項目專員甄碧鳳,新波士頓人辦公室張家燁,昨日都在「流動市政府」服務,還派發瓶裝冰水,幫助市民消暑。
      昨日只有一名拱石大廈的居民,向流動市府投訴,午夜時分建築工地的噪音吵人。大部份經過的華裔民眾,都只探問「流動市政府」到底是什麼,下次什麼時候再進駐華埠。
      「流動市政府(City Hall on the Go)」基本上是每週二、週三及週四,在波士頓市的方圓50平方公里內,分別駐守於不同地點,提供服務。
      根據市府資料,這構思靈感來自食物卡車的「流動市政府」,提供4類服務,包括車輛、住宅、家庭、以及寵物等。市內居民可以在流動市政府辦理繳付違規停車罰單的罰款,物業稅,消費稅(excise taxes)、索取回收統標籤,登記為選民,申請出生、結婚及死亡證明等等事務。
      居民也可以申請更新波士頓()的住宅能源稽核,房屋節能絕緣翻修,或遞交抱怨給市府書記等。
      波士頓居民可以透過推特的主頁及更新,追蹤流動市政府卡車的行蹤,並收到更新報告。
      「流動市政府(City Hall on the Go)」還打算為市民提供季節性的服務,刻正尋求市民提供需要新增那些服務的回饋意見,將來在市府舉辦的活動中,出動服務。
      「流動市政府(City Hall on the Go)」每月第一個週二的中午12點半會在奧斯頓(Allston),下午4點,會在布萊頓(Brighton),第一個星期三的中午12點半在南端(South End)等地點服務。
      查詢詳細的時間及地點,可上網cityofboston.gov/cityhalltogo.

圖片說明:


      「流動市政府(City Hall on the Go)」主任魯爾絲(Elizabeth Rios)(左起)和甄碧鳳、張家燁,以及市民服務員Hanania Joseph等人在華埠牌樓旁為市民服務。(菊子攝)

波市重建局批准建造逾千個住宅單位

世界或美國的經濟景氣回升了沒,實在還很難說,但大波士頓的建築業,卻明顯比以前蓬勃,原本擱置的工程重新啟動了之外,波士頓重建局(BRA)16日時又批准新建1100個住宅單位。
      這些新住宅單位,絕大多數都是高級公寓,分散在租金高、空置率低的4個波市社區。
            波士頓重建局16日批准的建築工程中,最大的項目座落在南波士頓創新區(Innovation District)。發展商麥迪遜海港持股公司(Madison Seaport Holdings LLC)獲准在波士頓會議展覽中心(BCEC)對面的國會(Congress)399號,建造22層樓高的414個公寓單位。
            波士頓重建局批准的其他項目,包括位於芬衛(Fenway)區內,在布魯克蘭道(Brookline)及波約斯頓(Boylston)街交界處的320個住宅大樓,在多徹斯特區麻州大學波士頓分校附近,佛諾山(Mt. Vernon)140-150號的184個公寓單位,以及東波士頓水前區,波得街(Border)122-148號的196個住宅單位。
            當然,批准不見得是這些建築工程能蓋得起來的保證,他們將來都可能面對財務門檻,或其他的延誤,不過這些工程的進展,顯示著儘管波士頓市內已有5300個住宅單位正在施工中,波市的住宅市場仍然紅熱。
            根據Reis研究公司本週公佈的多家庭屋市場報告,波士頓市的平均每月租金為1850元,空置率僅3.6%,比全美平均的4.3%低得多,讓波士頓維持著全美最貴市場地位,僅次於舊金山、紐約。
            儘管有些人已經開始懷疑,每月租金高達3000元或以上的單位,似乎有點多了,但對大多數發展商來說,前述情況意味著還有錢可賺,
            國會街399號的建築項目,是南波士頓創新區內最近一連串的幾個大型發展計劃之一。
ADD公司設計的這建築項目,將是一座玻璃及石塊預先切鑄,有套房、一及二睡房單位的大樓。樓內還將有60個所謂創新單位,以單身者為對象,租金較傳統一睡房單位低,但尺寸較小的公寓。這棟樓還將有屋頂甲板,一樓有12000平方呎的公用大堂空間,132個地下停車位。估計明年初動工。
芬衛區的建築項目名為「觀點(The Point)」,由山缪爾公司(Samuels & Associates) 贏得許可,是一座纖瘦,高22層樓,由Arquitectonica設計,看起來像是幾道玻璃門滑進另一道玻璃門的住宅大廈,將取代座落於波約斯頓街和布魯克蘭道交界處一座低矮的零售大樓。估計將耗資185百萬元,建成320個住宅單位,以及兩層零售店面。大部份的住宅單位將為公寓(apartment),有些將是共管公寓(condo),估計明夏開工。

多徹斯特區及東波士頓的建築項目,是重新啟動已延擱許久的振興計劃。佛諾山街的項目,將座落在麻州大學波士頓分校附近的一個停車場,計劃是建學生宿舍。東波士頓波得街的196個單位建築項目,則是美佛瑞克廣場(Maverick Square)一帶的新項目。

星期三, 7月 17, 2013

麻州府撥款450萬元改善求職者技能

PATRICK ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES $4.5 MILLION IN GRANTS TO IMPROVE SKILLS FORJOB SEEKERS AND EMPLOYED WORKERS
15 grant partnerships, involving more than 100 businesses, to benefit 850 job seekers and incumbent employees
BOSTON – Wednesday, July 17, 2013 – The Patrick Administration today announced the release of $4.5 million through the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to improve the skills of job seekers and incumbent employees in Massachusetts. This latest round of Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund grants is designed to address the gap between the skills held by workers and the skills needed by employers for jobs that require more than a high school diploma but less than the equivalent of a 4-year degree.

In August 2012, Governor Deval Patrick signed “An Act Relative to Infrastructure Investment, Enhanced Competitiveness, and Economic Growth in the Commonwealth,” which appropriated $5 million to the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to support partnerships between employers, educational institutions and workforce organizations to train and upgrade the skills of new and incumbent workers.

“From career centers to vocational technical schools, we are bringing together regional networks to develop programs that respond to the needs of both employers and job seekers,” said Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) Secretary Joanne F. Goldstein. “By addressing the specific needs within each region, the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund will help job seekers and existing workers obtain and retain sustainable, well-paid jobs while growing industries and businesses across the state.”

Secretary Goldstein was joined by Senate President Therese Murray today for a visit to the Plymouth and Brockton Street Railway Company, a business partnering with the South Shore Community Action Council, one of the 15 announced grant recipients. South Shore Community Action Council was awarded a $200,000 grant which will provide for Commercial Driver’s License training that will place unemployed and underemployed participants in a range of occupations within the transportation industry, including passenger transportation jobs at employers like Plymouth and Brockton Street Railway Company.

“This Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund grant will help the South Shore Community Action Council in providing essential training and education required for high-demand, middle-skills jobs,” said Senate President Murray. “I look forward to working with the Department of Labor and Workforce to continue our focus on creating jobs and strengthening our economy.”

“This Workforce Competitive Trust grant to the South Shore Community Action Council has had a strong and positive impact on our company, as well as others,” said Christopher Anzuoni, Vice President of Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway Company. “This better helps us fulfill our workforce needs. It is imperative for our industry to be able to recruit skilled workers, and this is an excellent example of how the private and public sectors can work together for everyone’s benefit.”

“By including businesses in the partnerships that train workers we are ensuring that there are real jobs at the end of the training program, and that the skills of the graduates will help businesses to meet their talent needs,” said Nancy Snyder, President of Commonwealth Corporation.

The Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund will support 15 partnerships between employers and education and workforce organizations ranging from community colleges and vocational technical schools to career centers and workforce investment boards. Together, these regional partnerships are dedicating resources to support initiatives that will train more than 850 individuals, mostly job seekers, in a variety of industries including healthcare, manufacturing, construction trades, hotel and hospitality, early education and financial services.

Each grant is awarded to the lead grantee of the regional partnership. The following is a complete list of the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund lead grantees, totaling $4.5 million:

Action for Boston Community Development, Inc.: $200,000
Through the “Next STEPS” initiative, this partnership will prepare unemployed and underemployed participants for entry level early care and education work, including positions such as Assistant Teacher, Teacher Aide, or the equivalent.

South Shore Community Action Council: $200,000
South Shore Community Action Council, Inc. will partner with employers and education and workforce organizations in the region to provide Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training to unemployed and underemployed participants
in a range of occupations within the Transportation industry. This initiative will include CDL Permit Preparation Courses and Class B CDL Training Courses to prepare participants for jobs within a broad cross-section of industries in need of Class B CDL licensed drivers.

YouthBuild Boston, Inc.: $200,000
With the goal of bridging the gap between job seekers and employers seeking reliable and skilled entry level workers, YouthBuild Boston will prepare disconnected young adults for jobs in the building trades.

South Middlesex Opportunity Council: $208,037
The South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) and its partners will prepare unemployed and underemployed individuals, with a special focus on veterans, for weatherization installer jobs and incumbent weatherization installers. Additionally, SMOC and its partners will develop a middle skills gap workforce development priorities work plan focused on the Energy Efficiency Management industry sector that will stack and align coursework and certificates and degree programs among the area education and skills training institutions.

Franklin/Hampshire Regional Employment Board: $239,751
The newly established “FranklinHampshireMiddleSkillsAcademy” is launching a manufacturing initiative to develop and implement a 13.5 week intensive training program for unemployed and underemployed adults throughout these two regions.

New Bedford Economic Development Council: $250,000
Through this regional partnership, the grant will provide construction preparation and pre-apprenticeship training to prepare unemployed and underemployed individuals for construction jobs. The goal of this project to is provide well trained individuals that meet the needs of the construction trades industry which will support the build out of the Marine and Commerce Terminal inNew Bedford.

UMass Amherst Labor/Management Workplace Education: $262,250
“Community Works” is a state registered pre-apprenticeship program that strategically connects partners to open career opportunities and offers industry-recognized certifications for people historically underrepresented in the construction industry inHolyoke,Springfield, and surrounding communities.

Bristol Workforce Investment Board: $291,153
The Bristol Manufacturing Partnership (BMP) will prepare unemployed and underemployed individuals for jobs as machinists and computer numerically
controlled programmer jobs at local manufacturing business. As part of this initiative, the regional partnership will develop and deliver an adult evening machinist training program at the local vocational schools and deliver a lean improvement training provided by the local community college.

Cape & Islands Workforce Investment Board: $348,824
This grant continues the work of a Regional Healthcare Partnership, formed over five years ago by the Cape and Islands Workforce Investment Board, which will now seek to provide a variety of training and student support services that address a range of healthcare employer needs for occupations including certified nursing assistants, licensed professional nurses, medical assistants, and medical coders throughout the region.

Boston Housing Authority: $349,985
“Building Pathways,” sponsored by the Building & Construction Trades Council of the Metropolitan District (MBBTC) is a registered building trades pre-apprenticeship program serving the greater Boston area. Through this grant, Building Pathways will deliver high quality training cycles to prepare individuals for entry into apprenticeship programs, provide case management services and support for participants, provide job development and coaching services to participants, and offer group mentoring to ensure retention in the placed participants’ chosen trade.

Berkshire County Regional Employment Board: $350,000
“Healthcare PACE,” a regional initiative designed to attract, retain, and promote quality healthcare workers pursuing a nursing career in the Berkshire County region.

Community Work Services: $350,000
Through this regional partnership, Community Work Services in collaboration with the hospitality industry, workforce development system, and community partners will launch the “Careers in Hospitality Program,” incorporating new opportunities for career advancement within the lodging and culinary fields.

Regional Employment Board of Hampden County: $350,000
“The Financial and Business Services Workforce Collaborative” is a new alliance formed to address the middle skills workforce gap in entry level positions including customer service representatives, call center operators, and bank tellers in
Hampden County.

North Central MA Workforce Investment Board: $400,000
This regional partnership will prepare unemployed and underemployed individuals for jobs as machine operators, machine inspectors, and computer numerical control machinists to support the advanced manufacturing industry in North Central and Central Massachusetts.

North Shore Workforce Investment Board: $500,000
The Northeast Manufacturing Consortium” will partner with the region’s community colleges and others to provide training that will meet the business needs and assist participants in finding employment with local businesses and within the manufacturing industry.
To learn more about the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, click here