ABC Laboratories Paid Visit by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon visited Analytical Bio-Chemistry Laboratories' facility at the Discovery Ridge Research Park recently to tour the 90,000 pharmaceutical development laboratory and launch the Missouri Next-Generation Jobs Team, a summer employment program. The governor, representatives from the Department of Missouri Workforce Development and other agencies met with ABC management to discuss the company's growth initiatives, and to better understand the company's needs for scientific and other professional talent.

ABC Laboratories' President and CEO, Byron E. Hill, introduced the governor. "Governor Nixon has committed to an agenda that is responsive to the current economic climate, makes education accessible to all, and attracts jobs to the state of Missouri," said Hill. "The Next Generation Jobs program directly supports this agenda, and ABC Laboratories is honored to be a part of this important program."

The Next-Generation Jobs Team will help match 3,000 to 5,000 Missouri youth, ages 16 to 24, with summer internships and work experiences at cutting-edge employers across the state. Mentors with the Missouri Department of Economic Development's local Workforce Investment Boards will help youth identify career fields of interest and place young people with appropriate employers in the area. The young Missourians will then spend the summer gaining on-the-job training and work experience, along with continued guidance and support from professional career counselors. Wages for the young workers will be funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act .

"We look forward to providing opportunities for young people in the area to gain real-life job experience. They'll have the opportunity to learn about science and about business, and we'll benefit from their energy and enthusiasm," said Byron E. Hill, ABC President & CEO. "ABC is happy to participate in this program, because it not only benefits the kids, but will also strengthen the regional economy by helping to train Missouri's future workforce. This is a win-win for Missouri and for our company."

Gov. Nixon encouraged young Missourians and potential employers to submit their applications as soon as possible by visiting www.mo.gov and clicking through to the Next-Generation Jobs Team site.

"Summer's almost here, and we're ready to get this program up and running," Gov. Nixon said. "Young Missourians should move quickly to take advantage of this opportunity to jumpstart their careers."

SOURCE: ABC Laboratories