CareerSource Florida Awarded for National Leadership

BURLINGTON, Vt., Sept. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- CareerSource Florida, the state's workforce policy and investment board, was honored last week with the 2014 State Excellence Award for Leadership (SEAL) by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) at its 78^th annual conference. Judges selected Florida's statewide branding effort as 2014's top workforce initiative, recognizing the service and performance improvements facilitated by CareerSource Florida network's February launch.

"Nothing increases brand awareness like achieving great results," said NASWA President Ellen Golombek, "and CareerSource Florida has become a model for other states who want to gain recognition as economic development professionals. CareerSource Florida hasn't just moved the work of career centers up a notch, it's been a real game-changer."

The SEAL award is bestowed annually by NASWA to recognize a workforce-related program, project or initiative that is innovative, addresses a challenge requiring collaboration and results in significant service and/or performance improvement. NASWA comprises the nation's state administrators for employment and training services, labor market information and unemployment compensation and includes the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

"We are honored to be recognized by our workforce development peers nationally for this major step forward to better connect employers with qualified, skilled talent and Floridians with opportunities to achieve economic prosperity," said CareerSource Florida Board Chairman Dwayne Ingram.

Florida is the first state in the nation to align all of its workforce boards and career centers through a single brand identity to enhance awareness and use of employment and training services.

In the most recent fiscal year, the CareerSource Florida network served more than 101,300 employers and assisted nearly 489,700 Floridians who found jobs.

"Credit for the successful launch and implementation of the unified CareerSource Florida brand goes to the workforce professionals whose interaction with job seekers and employers makes a positive difference in thousands of lives every day," said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Chris Hart IV.

"The CareerSource Florida brand has improved connection and continuity for Florida's job seekers and businesses," said Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Jesse Panuccio. "Congratulations to CareerSource Florida for the recognition of their commitment to enhancing service to businesses and job seekers. CareerSource Florida's leadership and the 24 regional workforce boards are truly dedicated to promoting and strengthening our state's qualified and talented workforce."

CareerSource Florida is an equal opportunity employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. The voice telephone numbers in this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711. Disponible en Espanol.

CONTACT: Alyssa D. Brown, (850) 414-8301

SOURCE CareerSource Florida