DEED Grants Help Two Local Businesses

(KNSI) – St. Cloud State University will provide workforce training for two local companies as the result of grants awarded through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

St Cloud State, in partnership with Eye-Kraft and Sand Companies, earned a $278,442 training grant and a $250,000 training grant respectively. The grants will allow St. Cloud State to provide customized training for the companies to develop a workforce with cutting-edge knowledge and skills.

Eye-Kraft is an independent, family-owned, St. Cloud-based eyeglass and accessories manufacturer. Eye-Kraft will be adding $1.6 million in equipment and facilities expansions and anticipating a 30% employment growth.

Sand Companies is a residential and hotel property management company in Waite Park. To remain competitive, Sand intends to develop their associates while maximizing the use of cutting-edge technology tools enabling them to use integrative real-estate, property management and construction building tools and software.

St. Cloud State’s Center for Continuing Studies will partner with the businesses to develop training customized to each company’s specific needs and equipment. SCSU will then partner with St. Cloud Technical and Community College and Ridgewater Community College to deliver the training

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