KDI Makes Decision On Tool Training Program
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
Kosciusko Development Inc. won't pursue a collaborative machine tool training program for small and medium-sized manufacturers in the county, the KDI board decided Wednesday.
Based on surveys and responses by 29 orthopedic suppliers or machine shops, most of the manufacturers preferred to train their employees in-house rather than participate in a joint training effort.
"There was not sufficient interest to pursue a collaborative training program," said Jean Gosney, KDI's economic coordinator.
The survey also found that, while most small manufacturers train employees in-house, they prefer new employees to have basic math, blueprint reading and inspection skills; that the amount of training the companies offer is limited by cost and lost production time; that several manufacturers offer tuition reimbursement but it is seldom used; and that a "feeder" system, where employees learn skills at smaller companies then move up to larger companies and higher paying jobs, does exist in the county.
The board also heard a report from Jeff Thornburgh on the North Webster Community Center.
The center's purpose, Thornburgh said, is "to build and preserve an interesting and inviting lake-area community where we can live, work and play, now and in the future."
The center's board of directors intends to include in the community center areas for YMCA programs, Lakeland Youth Center programs, the North Webster library, the latchkey program, the senior center, town offices, meeting rooms and continuing education.
Total funding of the center will cost approximately $1.4 million, Thornburgh said, with grants already committed for $750,000. A major fund-raising drive is on now to raise $375,000, he said, and the board plans to ask for $375,000 in matching fund grants.
In other business:
• Gosney said the 2002 wage survey is done, with 41 companies responding. A summary of the survey is on the KDI Web site.
• City planner Jeff Noffsinger said asbestos removal is completed at the former Gatke property, with three buildings demolished and several yet to be torn down. Waste removal will continue this month, he said, and road construction will begin in the spring.
The old interurban building and a large warehouse will remain, he said. When asked what the property will be used for, Noffsinger said he didn't know.
The board will next meet at the Warsaw/Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce building at noon Jan. 15. [[In-content Ad]]
Kosciusko Development Inc. won't pursue a collaborative machine tool training program for small and medium-sized manufacturers in the county, the KDI board decided Wednesday.
Based on surveys and responses by 29 orthopedic suppliers or machine shops, most of the manufacturers preferred to train their employees in-house rather than participate in a joint training effort.
"There was not sufficient interest to pursue a collaborative training program," said Jean Gosney, KDI's economic coordinator.
The survey also found that, while most small manufacturers train employees in-house, they prefer new employees to have basic math, blueprint reading and inspection skills; that the amount of training the companies offer is limited by cost and lost production time; that several manufacturers offer tuition reimbursement but it is seldom used; and that a "feeder" system, where employees learn skills at smaller companies then move up to larger companies and higher paying jobs, does exist in the county.
The board also heard a report from Jeff Thornburgh on the North Webster Community Center.
The center's purpose, Thornburgh said, is "to build and preserve an interesting and inviting lake-area community where we can live, work and play, now and in the future."
The center's board of directors intends to include in the community center areas for YMCA programs, Lakeland Youth Center programs, the North Webster library, the latchkey program, the senior center, town offices, meeting rooms and continuing education.
Total funding of the center will cost approximately $1.4 million, Thornburgh said, with grants already committed for $750,000. A major fund-raising drive is on now to raise $375,000, he said, and the board plans to ask for $375,000 in matching fund grants.
In other business:
• Gosney said the 2002 wage survey is done, with 41 companies responding. A summary of the survey is on the KDI Web site.
• City planner Jeff Noffsinger said asbestos removal is completed at the former Gatke property, with three buildings demolished and several yet to be torn down. Waste removal will continue this month, he said, and road construction will begin in the spring.
The old interurban building and a large warehouse will remain, he said. When asked what the property will be used for, Noffsinger said he didn't know.
The board will next meet at the Warsaw/Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce building at noon Jan. 15. [[In-content Ad]]