Corbett Administration Recognizes 10 Pennsylvanians for Workforce Success

HERSHEY, Pa., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ten Pennsylvanians today received Governor's Achievement Awards during the 28th Annual Pennsylvania Partners Employment, Training & Education Conference, being held at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center through Friday.

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

"I applaud these individuals for overcoming personal obstacles and choosing to pursue their paths to success," Labor & Industry Secretary Julia Hearthway said. "Their achievements are an inspiration and Pennsylvania's workforce is stronger with employees like them."

Hearthway was represented at the awards ceremony by Bill Moulfair, regional director for the Central Region of the Bureau of Workforce Development Partnership.

"At times it may be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but for these individuals, they allowed their dreams to shine the light to success," said Public Welfare Secretary Gary D. Alexander. "The incredible and courageous journey that led these individuals to realize self-sufficiency are models for all Pennsylvanians. I want to extend my deepest appreciation for their hard work and wish them much success."

Alexander was represented at the awards ceremony by Lourdes Padilla, deputy secretary for the Office of Income Maintenance.

"We extend our most sincere gratitude to older employees for providing their experience and expertise to make each day a success for their employers, and congratulate older Pennsylvanians re-entering the workforce," Secretary of Aging Brian Duke said. "We also thank direct care workers for their dedication to providing care for those in need."

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.

Media contacts:

Lindsay Bracale, L&I; 717-787-7530
Christina Reese, Aging; 717-787-1549
Carey Miller, 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

• Mirella Martinez, Lehigh County; nominated by Lehigh Valley Workforce Investment Board

Adult Program

• Ashlee Beach, Mercer County; nominated by West Central Job Partnership

Dislocated Worker Program Participant

• Elizabeth Solomon, Lycoming County; nominated by Central PA Workforce Development Corporation

Department of Aging

Outstanding Senior Community Service Employment Program Participant

• Mary Moats, Fayette County; nominated by Pa Area Agency on Aging

Direct Care Worker of the Year

• Alice Greenway, Allegheny County; nominated by Home Instead Senior Care, Allegheny County

Department of Public Welfare

Program Participant Awards

• Amber Preston, Jefferson County; nominated by North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission and the Jefferson County Assistance Office
• Ester Sizemore, Allegheny County; nominated by Pittsburgh Partnership EARN
• Tyrone Rush, Philadelphia County; nominated by EDSI of Philadelphia County
• Lisa Gennaro, Luzerne County; nominated by EDSI of Luzerne County
• Aimee Osborn, Erie County; nominated by St. Benedicts Education Center, Erie

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry