SNOWE & COLLINS ANNOUNCE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FOR DISLOCATED WORKERS OF C&S WHOLESALE GROCERS IN PORTLAND

Washington, D.C. – Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins announced today that a National Emergency Grant for $388,218 has been awarded to the State of Maine to provide assistance to around 50 workers who were laid-off from C&S Wholesale Grocers. The company closed its warehouse operations in Portland last month.

"Former C&S workers will need additional education and occupational skills training to compete effectively for jobs available in Southern Maine, an area that has already suffered significant job losses in the last 18 months," said the Senators in a joint statement. "The grant money will be used to provide critical support services, which will enhance the dislocated workers' ability to participate in training and job search activities."

The grant will fund programs for the workers, including individual counseling, career planning, occupational skills training, entrepreneurial training, job-readiness training, and adult education. Support services will also be available, such as child care, transportation assistance, job-related certifications, uniforms, and equipment.

The programs and services will be administered by the Coastal Counties Workforce Board and the Maine Department of Labor.

###