Iowa governor recruits skilled immigrants (12/31/00)

Iowa governor recruits skilled immigrants

UCCA to compile list of qualified Ukrainians

Ukrainian Congress Committee of America

NEW YORK - Due to an aging workforce, Gov. Tom Vilsack of Iowa announced a special initiative to lure skilled immigrant workers living in the United States to his state. The program, whose aim is to help increase Iowa's population and reduce the state's workforce shortage, was instituted in an effort to compensate for the 370,000 people who will be retiring over the next decade.

The three towns of Mason City, Marshalltown and Fort Dodge were chosen to act as model communities prior to instituting the program statewide. They were chosen based on several factors, including the willingness of their respective labor and community leaders to participate, adequate economic opportunity for skilled workers, sufficient housing, the school system's ability to absorb new students, proximity to community colleges and adult education centers, and the presence of a strong faith-based community.

Implementation of this program will help immigrants adapt to Iowa and at the same time increase the state's workforce. Gov. Vilsack stated "This is about meeting the need of skilled workers in our state - replacing those who are retiring and creating new opportunities." Each community will be eligible to receive up to $50,000 in funding to develop its own pilot programs and strategies to assist immigrants in settling in their respective Iowan towns.

The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America has joined with Marvin Campbell, an executive committee member of Newton's Sister City Organization to disseminate information about the opportunities that this project could offer Ukrainians now living in the United States.

The UCCA and Mr. Campbell are now compiling a file of names of skilled Ukrainians that will be used for the purpose of granting interviews to qualified applicants for possible recruitment as early as May 2001 as the model communities program is implemented.

Those interested in submitting resumes, may contact the UCCA National Office at (212) 228-6840 or Mr. Campbell at (641) 792-3926 for further details.

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