Cedar Rapids, Iowa (June 2, 2015)—Kirkwood Community College recently assisted companies in Iowa’s Creative Corridor to create jobs through Iowa’s New Jobs Training Program (260E). This year 260E had record contributions with the combined training fund and project costs totaling $10,036,467 which created 1,644 jobs.
According to Iowa City Area Development Group President, Mark Nolte, “This record is not surprising given the growth in employment in the area and how much companies value and appreciate this vital tool. Kirkwood makes it incredibly easy for employers to take advantage of this credit to enhance their workforce.”
260E is the state’s incentive program for businesses located in the state of Iowa. The program encourages companies to expand their workforce by using a portion of their withholding taxes to hire and train new employees. The program is administered through community colleges, by which the sale of bonds covers company expenses to hire employees and conduct training for new or existing employees.
“When companies invest in the growth of their employees there is increased loyalty and productivity among workers. The 260E program affords business the opportunity to be more competitive with a stronger, more knowledgeable workforce,” said Stephanie Bredman, Iowa New Jobs Training Program manager.
CEO of MediRevv, a privately-held healthcare revenue cycle management firm, Chris Klitgaard, said, “The explosive growth we have achieved over the past several years is largely attributable to having the most highly educated workforce in our industry. We wouldn’t be able to make that claim without Kirkwood Community College. Since 2009, we’ve partnered with them in the New Jobs Training Program 260E. In doing so, we believe we are growing more than our own business; we are also contributing positively to Iowa’s economic viability.”
Since 2010, 260E has created and trained 5,492 employees in eastern Iowa. The program has been administered for 110 area companies.
“The increased number of employers benefitting from the New Jobs Training Program is an example of the strong and optimistic job growth forecast for our region,” said Kim Becicka, vice president of Kirkwood Continuing Education and Training Services. “Our goal at Kirkwood is to support all employers in Iowa’s Creative Corridor to address workforce needs. We certainly see drive, imagination and innovation in our partners.”
For more information about the program please visit www.kirkwood.edu/260E.