WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/14/2009) - State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) says a $100,000 Department of Workforce Development grant to train the first of 400 workers to produce wind turbine blades in Wisconsin Rapids is another major step in making Central Wisconsin a leading Green Center. The North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board will work with Mid-State Technical College to create customized training courses to prepare the workers Energy Composites Corporation will need to begin production of wind turbine blades.

“Today’s announcement is another major step in making Central Wisconsin a leading center of Wisconsin’s emerging green economy," said State Senator Julie Lassa.

"It’s exciting to know that the people of Wisconsin Rapids will soon be launching new careers building our state’s wind power infrastructure," the State Senator representing Wood, Portage and the northern portion of Adams County added.

"The demand for these skills is certain to grow for the foreseeable future, providing families with good-paying jobs," Lassa continued.

"At the same time, wind power will decrease our dependence on fossil fuels and improve our environment," Senator Lassa said.

"The Emerging Industries Skills Partnership Initiative grant is a great example of state and local government partnering with colleges and the private sector to nurture the development of new industries," Lassa explained.

"Thanks to these funds, the North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board will work with Mid-State Technical College to create customized training courses to prepare the workers Energy Composites Corporation will need to begin production of wind turbine blades," Lassa said.

"The trainees who take these new courses over the coming year will the first of hundreds to follow," Senator Lassa pointed out.

"This grant award by Governor Doyle and the Department of Workforce Development is an important recognition of the emergence of a strong green energy industry in Central Wisconsin," Lassa stated.