ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- This week Grainger
(NYSE: GWW), North America's leading distributor of facilities maintenance
supplies, kicked off a partnership with Mike Rowe, creator, executive producer
and host of Discovery Channel's "Dirty Jobs." In his role as a Grainger
spokesperson, Rowe will be featured on the cover of the company's 2009 catalog
and make several appearances on behalf of the company. Rowe is also partnering
with Grainger in raising awareness about the importance of technical education
and the growing shortage of skilled workers.
"Mike is an excellent fit for Grainger because like many of our customers,
he knows what it means to roll up your sleeves and do the tough jobs that make
life easier, safer and cleaner for us all," said Jim Ryan, President and CEO,
Grainger. "He's a strong advocate of our country's industrial and skilled
workforce, and he understands the importance of preparing young people for
careers in the trades, especially as baby boomers prepare to retire."
Grainger and Rowe each are committed to raising awareness about the
widening gap between the supply of skilled workers and the growing technical
demands of today's workplace, a focus that Grainger is committed to through
its Grainger Tools for Tomorrow(R) scholarship program. Through
mikeroweworks.com, Mike will create an online information resource about the
skilled worker shortage and a destination for those exploring careers in the
trades.
"The people at Grainger have always known the importance of 'getting it
done' for their customers," said Mike Rowe, creator and host of Discovery
Channel's "Dirty Jobs" and advocate of Grainger's customers. "It's with that
same passion and enthusiasm that together we can help call attention to the
importance of skilled labor."
Earlier this week, Grainger and Rowe co-hosted a panel discussion in
Orlando to raise awareness to the growing shortage of skilled workers. As baby
boomers retire, industry experts predict over the next 10 years major skilled
labor shortages across North America in areas such as manufacturing, HVAC and
welding. The panel brought together local industry experts from organizations
such as Orlando's Valencia Community College and the Academy of Construction
Technologies to share information on what's currently being done to address
the need, and discuss how to collectively make an impact going forward. The
dialogue highlighted the many facets of this issue, including the need to
educate young people and their parents on the career opportunities available
in technical fields. The panel also stressed the importance of businesses and
educators partnering on a local level to prepare students of all ages for the
jobs of the future.
The company also announced this week it will be reinforcing its commitment
to technical education by more than doubling its Grainger Tools for
Tomorrow(R) scholarship program. Launched in 2006, the program which is
jointly sponsored with the American Association of Community Colleges awards
selected students enrolled in community colleges across the country with a
$2,000 award to finish their industrial trade programs. Students also receive
a customized Westward(R) toolkit upon successful program completion. In 2009,
Grainger will significantly expand the program to award 100 scholarships to
students across the country pursuing careers in areas such as plumbing,
welding and automotive repair. Among the schools in the program will be
Orlando's Valencia Community College.
Photos of Mike Rowe and panel event available. For images, please contact
Ernest.Duplessis@grainger.com or (847) 535-4356.
W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW), with 2007 sales of $6.4 billion, is the
leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance products serving
businesses and institutions in Canada, China, Mexico and the United States.
Through a highly integrated network including more than 600 branches, 18
distribution centers and multiple Web sites, Grainger's employees help
customers get the job done. For more information about the company, visit
http://www.grainger.com/news.
CONTACT:
Ernest L. Duplessis
Vice President, Internal and External
Communications of Grainger
+1-847-535-4356
ernest.duplessis@grainger.com