NEWS RELEASE

GDEDO to Offer FREE Collections Training Program
Anton Associates Awarded Grant to Facilitate Training

DOVER, Del. (Sept. 9, 2009) - The Delaware Economic Development Office is partnering with local banking and financial representatives to present a free, two-week collections training program this month. Orientation is scheduled at the Fox Valley Department of Labor on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and1:30 p.m. Classes will be held Monday, Wednesday and Thursday beginning Sept. 28.

DEDO awarded Anton Associates a Blue Collar Training Grant in the amount of $44,200 to facilitate the customized training program. The program will provide a pool of pre-qualified participants with the opportunity and knowledge to develop the skills required for jobs in the collections industry.

"The Blue Collar Training funds offer a critical service to Delaware businesses," said Sonia Aguilar, workforce development director at DEDO. "This training will provide an available and skilled workforce for the state of Delaware's financial services industry in which professional customer contact and collections experience is necessary."

Participants will gain the skills required by an employer for an entry-level job as a collection associate, with an average annual salary of $26,000 with benefits. Every participant who successfully completes the training will also be guaranteed an interview at graduation, to be held on Thursday, Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Governor Jack Markell will present a collections certification to each graduate.

"As we work to fill the employment openings for new and existing companies throughout our state, training in the collections industry has become mandatory," said Neva Anton, president of Anton Associates. "The development of this training program is a true community effort that will help people secure good jobs in Delaware."

The program was developed in collaboration with the following partners: Anton Associates, Barclay's Card, Delaware Economic Development Office, Dover Federal Credit Union, Phillips & Cohen Associates, Ltd, Sallie Mae, and Simm Associates.

All interested participants must come to the Department of Labor and attend one of the three orientations. Additionally, other financial institutions are invited to participate as program advisors and potential employers to the graduates. For more information, contact Neva Anton at 877-393-3991.

About the Delaware Economic Development Office
The Delaware Economic Development Office is an executive state of Delaware agency responsible for attracting new investors and businesses to the state, promoting the expansion of existing industry, assisting small and minority-owned businesses, promoting and developing tourism and creating new and improved employment opportunities for all citizens of the State. DEDO is a Certified Economic Development Organization, accredited by the International Economic Development Council. Visit dedo.delaware.gov.

Contact:
Nikki Boone, Communications Manager
Delaware Economic Development Office
nikki.boone@state.de.us
302-672-6857