On Wednesday, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the distribution of more than $4.3 million to 65 applicants for the Coronavirus Relief Fund Employer Innovation Fund Grants. Included are Iowa Prison Industries in Rockwell City and Generativity of Panora, doing business as The Lakeside Village. The program assists local employers, nonprofits, community colleges, high schools, private universities and the University of Iowa in providing post-secondary training and education to Iowans whose employment has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. “Future Ready Iowa’s Employer Innovation Fund is centered around a grassroots effort to solve local workforce challenges while helping Iowans find economic opportunity in their community,” Reynolds says. “These programs not only help those affected by the pandemic, they will also focus on recruiting our minority and underrepresented communities to help us diversify our workforce and provide equal chances for success for all Iowans.” Iowa Prison Industries will use their $100,000 award to provide vocational training to men incarcerated at the North Central Correctional Facility in Rockwell City. Those who are being released soon will receive training, testing and work opportunities leading to American Welding Society qualification and OSHA 10 certification. The Lakeside Village, an assisted living services company in Panora received $96,800 and will use this to provide training for current and new employees in ServSafe, CPR, CNA, Medication Manager and Certified Medication Aid certifications.
