State Agencies Recognize 11 Pennsylvanians for Workforce Success

HERSHEY, Pa., May 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Eleven Pennsylvanians, each of whom overcame personal barriers to achieve professional success, today received Governor's Achievement Awards during the 27th Annual Pennsylvania Partners Employment, Training & Education Conference, being held at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center through Friday.

Representatives of state workforce-development agencies personally recognized the individuals for their accomplishments.

"For Pennsylvania to be on the correct path to economic growth, employers need workers like the people honored today," said Department of Labor & Industry acting Secretary Julia Hearthway. "These individuals have the determination and will to set goals, overcome obstacles and to achieve employment."

Hearthway was represented at the awards ceremony by Daniel Kuba, acting director of Labor & Industry's Bureau of Workforce Development Partnership.

"The Department of Aging recognizes the experience and expertise of older workers who enter the workforce via the Senior Community Service Employment Program and we express our appreciation for direct care workers who help older Pennsylvanians in need of assistance every day," said Secretary of Aging Brian Duke. "Older adults bring their talents, expertise and experience to the workforce; direct care workers fulfill the rewarding task of helping others in need; and employers strengthen their effectiveness through the older worker."

"One of the most meaningful things we can do for people receiving public assistance is to help move them into gainful, long-term employment," acting Public Welfare Secretary Gary Alexander said. "A strong workforce-development system benefits everyone involved, from the employers to the workers to the taxpayers."

Alexander was represented at the awards ceremony by Dr. Bryon Noon, director of DPW's Bureau of Employment & Training Programs.

The awards are jointly sponsored by state workforce-development agencies – the departments of Aging, Labor & Industry and Public Welfare – and Pennsylvania Partners to recognize exceptional individuals who have benefited from workforce-development initiatives.

Pennsylvania Partners, an association of workforce development professionals in each of the commonwealth's 23 workforce investment areas, sponsors this annual conference, which attracts more than 800 private and public job-training experts from across Pennsylvania.

For more information about individual winners, visit www.paworkforce.state.pa.us.

Media contacts:

Christopher Manlove, L&I; 717-787-7530

Jane Crawford, Aging; 717-783-1549

Michael Race, Public Welfare; 717-425-7606

Editor's Note: Following is a list of award recipients.

Department of Labor & Industry and Pennsylvania Partners

Youth Program Participant

• Luis Ruiz, Erie County; nominated by Regional Center for Workforce Excellence, Northwest PA

Adult Program Participant

• Ryan Rishell, Jefferson County; nominated by West Central Job Partnership

Dislocated Worker Program Participant

• Crystal M. Bille, Elk County; nominated by North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission

Department of Aging

Outstanding Senior Community Service Employment Program Participant

• Helena Pulak, Bucks County; nominated by Experience Works Inc., Bucks  County

Direct Care Worker of the Year

• Debbie Bregan, Greene County; nominated by Community Action Southwest of Greene County

Department of Public Welfare

Program Participant Awards

• Tara Bartholomy, Allegheny County; nominated by Pittsburgh Partnership
• Michael Wilkinson, Bucks County; nominated by Bucks County EARN Center
• Ryan Quinn, Clearfield County; nominated by North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning & Development Commission
• Yvette Toledo, Dauphin County; nominated by EDSI Solutions Inc.
• Yvette Johnston, Luzerne County; nominated by EDSI Solutions Inc.
• Kevin Menter, Northampton County; nominated by the Private Industry Council of Lehigh Valley Inc.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry