LaBella Associates P.C. credits RochesterWorks! with helping it recently receive a $22,050 training grant to help the firm re-tool for the future.
The state 37-L BUSINYS grant helps  organizations upgrade employees' current skill sets that will lead to transferable skills, industry recognized certifications and/or credentials). LaBella will use the grant to train LaBella designers in new technology for designing buildings and other facilities in a 3D platform.
"This training will help LaBella employees keep up with the latest architectural modeling tools, and will help LaBella remain competitive in the industry," says Claudia Gately , Business Services Manager at RochesterWorks!
"I doubt very much we would have gotten it without the guidance and advise of Gately," says Sergio Esteban, President and CEO of LaBella. "Her assistance was invaluable."
 For more than two years LaBella has been working with RochesterWorks! on opportunities for training grants. Through one-on-one meetings, Gately helped LaBella representatives understand the eligibility process and review the application before submission to New York State Department of Labor.
Headquartered in Rochester's High Falls District, LaBella is one of Rochester's leading engineering and architectural firms. Formed in 1978, today the company has a staff of more than 120 people.
 LaBella originally started working with RochesterWorks! nearly four years as a source for posting open positions through the America's Job Bank program.
In 2005 LaBella hosted an intern at RochesterWorks! pilot Digital Afternoons program. The firm plans to participate on the free "lunch and learn" program on Disability Awareness training.
Esteban is also a member of the RochesterWorks! Monroe County Workforce Investment Board . He participates on the Economic Development committee which helps make services more visible and readily accessible to Monroe County businesses and entrepreneurs.
 "Through partnering with LaBella, we have been able to learn their business, which has given us the opportunity to provide better services because we know their needs," Gately says. She would not hesitate to call LaBella if a resume came to RochesterWorks! that might be a good fit for the firm.
Esteban recommends human resource managers or business owners to see what RochesterWorks! has to offer. The organization is able to efficiently bring together many resources for employment and training that otherwise would be spread over a number of agencies, he says.
"RochesterWorks! has very knowledgeable and responsive staff that is very dedicated and aware of the need to serve their clients even under challenges imposed by budget reductions and growing needs in our region," Esteban says.
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