Local Company Addresses Labor Shortage With Grant

Jacob Toler, owner of local construction company Red Branch Outdoor Living, said he recognized the skilled labor shortage the local area is facing and applied for the Alabama Workforce Stabilization Grant through the State of Alabama through partnerships with the Department of Labor, Department of Education and Alabama Technology Network. This program allows laborers to gain on-the-job certification and improve the local labor force. As part of this grant, seven employees from Red Branch completed Oasis Stone Works training and built a waterfall at the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. For more information on this grant, contact Laura Bethea, vice president of planning and grants at the Southwest Alabama Partnership for Training and Employment at email or phone: 251-432-0909, ext. 132.