MillerCoors Expands Operations in Albany; Partners for Work Force Training

ALBANY, January 15, 2009 – MillerCoors, one of the world's best-known brewers, has expanded its operations in Albany-Dougherty County to include the brewing of Coors Light. The additional brew means 25 new employees at the facility, who will be trained through Albany Technical College and Georgia's Quick Start program.

'Through this partnership, MillerCoors is able to use the resources available in our community," said Christine Thelen, MillerCoors' Albany plant manager. "By using the Georgia Quick Start program through Albany Technical College to help us bring in qualified workers as well as train our work force, we can ensure we have people with the technical skills to support our business goals. We are excited to continue our partnership.'

'Eighty-90 percent of new jobs are created through the expansion of existing industry,' said Andrea Schruijer, vice president of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, who heads up the agency's Business Retention and Expansion Program. 'The new jobs at MillerCoors are a testament to our community's great business environment – location, work force, low costs.'

The Albany facility, one of MillerCoors' top-producing breweries in the nation, opened in 1979. In addition to Coors Light, the Albany facility produces Miller High Life, Miller High Life Light, Keystone Light, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Genuine Draft Light and Mickey's.

MillerCoors has partnered with Albany Technical College and Quick Start for work force training. Quick Start, an internationally-acclaimed economic development program, provides customized work force training at no cost to qualified new, expanding and existing businesses in Georgia.

'Quick Start has been a dedicated part of Georgia's team working for economic and work force development in Albany and Dougherty County for many years, and we are honored to be partnering with Albany Technical College and MillerCoors to support this new expansion,' said Jackie Rohosky, who heads Quick Start as the assistant commissioner for economic development programs in the Technical College System of Georgia. 'MillerCoors is committed to this community, and Quick Start offers its full commitment to MillerCoors.'

Albany Technical College President Anthony Parker said that the college'is pleased to partner with MillerCoors to provide QuickStart training services for the expansion project at the Albany brewery. We are committed to training the work force needed for this venture and look forward to meeting the needs of MillerCoors as it expands its product line.'

He added, 'We understand the level of commitment the company is making to the community and region and Albany Tech is pleased to play a vital role in making this a long-term success for MillerCoors and the citizens of this region.'

Quick Start is one of the most attractive incentives offered by the Georgia Department of Economic Development to companies with employees or expanding work forces.

'It's been an honor to partner with the Albany community in helping MillerCoors grow and thrive in South Georgia,' said Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. 'The opportunities the company continues to bring to this fine work force are truly exceptional.'

The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission is a proactive team dedicated to the recruitment, retention and expansion of industry for Albany-Dougherty County.