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Former President of Finland and ImagineNations Director-at-Large Martti Ahtisaari has been awarded the 2008 peace prize by the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

President Ahtisaari, who has been associated over decades with peace efforts and diplomacy from Asia to Africa and Europe, was chosen for his important efforts on several continents over these past 30 years to resolve international conflicts.

“On behalf of ImagineNations Group, its staff and global partners, we wish to congratulate Martti on receiving the Nobel peace prize,” said Rick Little, president & CEO of ImagineNations. “We are very proud that he has been recognized worldwide for his extraordinary efforts in mediating international conflicts. This recognizes Martti’s outstanding leadership and dedication toward humanity.”

President Ahtisaari will be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize at a ceremony in Oslo on Dec. 10, 2008.

“Lasting peace requires heart-felt commitment, and Martti has had singular focus and an enormous impact around the globe,” said Alan Fleischmann, managing director of ImagineNations. “The prize will be an inspiration to everyone, particularly to young people, working on international peace and global development efforts for many, many years to come.”

Martti Ahtisaari was elected as president of the Republic of Finland in 1994. Previously, he held various positions in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland including under-secretary of state in charge of international development cooperation and secretary of state. He served as the special representative of the secretary-general for Namibia from 1978 to 1990 and became the under-secretary general for administration and management in 1987.

Other post-presidential activities have included facilitating the peace process between the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement, chairing an independent panel on the security and safety of UN personnel in Iraq and appointments as the UN special envoy for the Horn of Africa and personal envoy of the OSCE CiO for Central Asia. Previously, President Ahtisaari served as the special envoy of the secretary-general of the United Nations for the future status process for Kosovo.

President Ahtisaari serves as director-at-large on the Board of Directors of ImagineNations Group.

Source: ImagineNations Group, Inc.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced the fourth competition for the President’s Community-Based Job Training Grants. Public and tribal community and technical colleges, community college districts, state community college systems and One-Stop Career Centers will compete for a total of $125 million in awards, which will range between $500,000 and $2 million.

“This $125 million grant competition will leverage the partnership among community colleges, One-Stop Career Centers, business, labor, nonprofits and faith-based organizations to help students and workers gain the relevant skills essential for long-term career success,” said Secretary Chao.

Over the past three years, approximately $375 million has been awarded to 211 community colleges and community-based institutions in 47 states to promote the U.S. workforce’s full potential. Through these grants, nearly 25,000 individuals have completed training, and more than 80,000 are currently engaged in training.

This competition differs in a few respects from last year’s. Among the modifications, applicants must show how their proposals’ features vary from existing workforce products. In addition, besides partnerships with business and industry, the workforce investment system and K-12+ education institutions, applicants are encouraged to team with local faith-based and community organizations to help hard-to-serve populations reduce barriers to employment.

“Through this competition, whole communities can offer learning opportunities to individuals seeking to expand their own talents, skills and knowledge,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Brent R. Orrell. “In regions across America, community colleges can become the gathering place for economic growth and real-world educational excellence.”

A competitive solicitation for grant applications appears in today’s Federal Register and can be accessed online through http://www.doleta.gov/sga/sga.cfm. Virtual conferences for prospective applicants will be held Friday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m. EDT. Additional information and links to registration for these conferences will be posted at http://www.doleta.gov/business/Community-BasedJobTrainingGrants.cfm. This competition for grants will remain open through Monday, Nov. 24, with awards to follow.

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov/. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America’s employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor