Here are some exciting services to help support the growth of business in the West Central Indiana Region.

REACH (Regional Employment & Assessment Center for Hiring)

Two REACH Centers are planned for this region. The first, established in January 2006 in Lafayette, will serve as a pilot. The second, in Kokomo opened its doors in January 2008. REACH will provide enhanced screening and assessment services to strategic partners beginning with the region's manufacturing industry cluster employers.

Services include:

• WorkKeys job task analysis and assessment;
• customized screening and assessment;
• use of the Workforce Readiness System;
• use of the Workplace Success Skills System; 
• company showcases;
• brokered background and reference checking;
• employer seminars;
• pre-referral 'finishing school' for job seekers; 
• Business Services FAQ and Quick Guide 
• Business & Professional Exhange - a networking group for white-collar professionals.

REGIONAL BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

In partnership with the region's local economic development organizations, business consultants will be placed at strategic locations throughout the region. They can be reached at 1-866-510-7732 and they are:

• Tom Hartz  - Clinton, Fulton, Howard, Miami, Tipton, and Wabash counties
• John MacOwan - Carroll, Cass and White counties
• Sherry McLauchlan - Tippecanoe county
• Jackie Wagner - Benton, Fountain, Montgomery, and Warren counties

These consultants will:

• Help connect employers to the workforce development system,
• Represent programs and services that will help employers grow their businesses,
• Provide "follow-through" services that assist employers in managing publicly funded grants or incentives,
• Advise decision makers in optimally aligning workforce development, economic development, and education and training initiatives with employer needs.

TRAINING ACCELERATION GRANTS