Brooklyn-based Eriksen Translations Inc. is a leading multilingual services provider for Fortune 500 companies and a wide range of institutions in the financial, law, pharmaceutical, education, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing sectors, among others. Currently offering services in over 90 languages, the company has grown at an average rate of 25% per year since its inception in 1986. However, in the last two years it has doubled in size as more and more companies “go global” and domestic markets become increasingly diverse.

As with many companies, financial resources for the training of current employees were limited. Until Eriksen was approached by a representative of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and advised about the potential to tap state and local funds for incumbent worker training, the company was unaware that such funds existed or that it was eligible to receive them.

After attending a workshop at the Chamber, Eriksen conducted a self-assessment of staff training needs and with the advice of the Chamber completed the complex grant application. The result: Eriksen was awarded a BUSINYS grant of $41,241. The money will be used to provide project management, software, and sales training for 23 people – approximately 75% of Eriksen employees.

The training is expected to increase productivity and efficiency, unify the staff and boost morale, and ultimately increase employee retention.

Having been introduced to the Brooklyn Chamber through such a positive and productive experience, Eriksen is taking full advantage of its membership. The Chamber is now providing recruitment and hiring support for the company, and Eriksen is participating in Chamber networking and promotions events.

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is just one of many chambers that are providing valuable human resources support to their members. The Center for Workforce Preparation at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce can provide details about other local chambers that are active in workforce development and training.

For more information, contact Alexandra Farkas, Communications Manager, Eriksen Translations, at alexandra@erikseninc.com.

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