MONTGOMERY— Gov. Robert Bentley today continued his work to streamline economic development and workforce training efforts in the state.

He asked Chancellor Freida Hill to use the workforce training programs currently in use at the two-year college systems and develop them further under the authority of the chancellor.

Those programs specifically include: Alabama Industrial Development Training, the Alabama Technology Network and training for existing businesses conducted by the state’s community colleges.

Bentley said he is asking Hill “to create a workforce training system that is the best and most efficient in the country.” He said in addition to training employees for new businesses locating in Alabama, he wants the system to offer training and retraining for employees of existing businesses large and small.

“They are the backbone of our economy and it is important for our workforce training system to help them prosper and grow.”

Before taking the oath of office in January, Governor Bentley asked Alabama Development Office Director Seth Hammett and Economic Development Partnership of Alabama President Bill Taylor to draft a blueprint for the roles and responsibilities of the state’s lead economic development agency and others involved in economic development.