Buckhannon welder wins statewide Jumpstart contest
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BUCKHANNON -- A local welder was announced as the grand prize winner of a statewide contest this week and was presented $12,000 in career savings.
Buckhannon's Brandon Littler was honored by State Treasurer Riley Moore, whose office organized the Jumpstart Savings Contest.
"Our blue-collar workforce is the backbone of our communities, so it is fitting West Virginia is the first state in the nation to launch a savings program that empowers tradespeople to save for their careers," Moore said during the ceremony at the Fred W. Eberle Technical Center.
"I want to congratulate Brandon Littler for being the grand prize winner of my Office's Jumpstart Savings Contest and applying his unique skillset to pursue a fulfilling career in the high-demand trades industry," Moore said.
Littler said he hopes the contest helps bring more people into the construction trades.
Moore and Jumpstart Savings Program Director Andrea Herrick also honored two $2,000 contest winners for their contributions to West Virginia's skilled workforce.
Shona Jose is an electrician from Bridgeport, and Ethan Rivas-Wilson of Morgantown is a barber.
Moore launched the "What makes you proud to be a West Virginia skilled worker?" contest last September. The contest awards up to $12,000 deposited in a Jumpstart Savings Account to winners who tell the world what makes them proud to be a West Virginia skilled worker.
This year, 12 skilled workers from across the state won prizes in the first Jumpstart Savings Contest.
The Jumpstart Savings Program allows individuals who wish to pursue a wide range of skilled vocations or trades to save money and enjoy certain state income tax benefits. Individuals can make up to $25,000 per year in contributions to a Jumpstart Savings Account that will be eligible for a state income tax deduction.
Jumpstart Savings Account funds can be used to pay for tools, equipment, supplies and other business costs, and those funds used on qualified expenses can also be eligible for additional state tax benefits.
Additionally, the program provides an "Ignite Incentive" for certain individuals who open accounts. The state provides a $100 seed contribution when an account's designated beneficiary is under the age of 18, or when an account is opened within 180 days of the designated beneficiary enrolling in a qualifying apprenticeship or educational program.
More information about the program is available at www.wvjumpstart.com.