Corbett Administration Recognizes Nine Employers for Efforts to Keep Pennsylvanians Working

HERSHEY, Pa., May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nine employers and training providers today received Governor's Achievement Awards for outstanding hiring and workforce development success.

Representatives of state workforce development agencies recognized the businesses for their accomplishments at the 28th annual Pennsylvania Partners Employment, Training & Education Conference, being held at the Hershey Lodge & Convention Center through Friday.

"The businesses recognized today are what Pennsylvania needs to strengthen its economy and improve its workforce," Labor & Industry Secretary Julia Hearthway said. "Their dedication to workforce development and to overcoming workplace employment barriers will aid Pennsylvania in building a strong economic future."

Hearthway was represented at the awards ceremony by Michelle Staton, deputy secretary for workforce development.

"We're pleased to honor groups from our workforce who provide inspiration and opportunities for older adults, as well as employers who make an effort to seek and retain older employees," Department of Aging Secretary Brian Duke said. "We thank employers for their dedication to providing opportunities for older Pennsylvanians re-entering the workforce after personal challenges."

Duke was represented at the awards ceremony by David Gingerich, acting deputy secretary for aging.

"These innovative employers have created successful business models that will directly impact our state's success," Department of Public Welfare Secretary Gary D. Alexander said. "Their commitment to individuals and the community are the building blocks that Pennsylvania will continue to support and build upon."

Alexander was represented at the awards ceremony by Tim Costa, executive deputy secretary of the Department of Public Welfare.

"Bradford Area School District's collaboration with the local petroleum and natural gas industry is an excellent example of a public-private partnership in action," Department of Education Secretary Ron Tomalis said. "Our public schools are meeting the needs of a critical industry for Pennsylvania's growth by providing students with career skills that will benefit them well into the future. This working relationship ensures that graduates can meet the region's workforce demands, as well as provides high-paying jobs in one of the fastest growing career areas in Pennsylvania. This partnership is to be applauded."

Tomalis was represented at the awards ceremony by Lee Burket, director of the Bureau of Career and Technical Education.

The awards are jointly sponsored by state workforce development agencies – the departments of Aging, Labor & Industry, Education, and Public Welfare – and Pennsylvania Partners to recognize exceptional employers and training providers who promote outstanding hiring and workforce development practices.

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

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

Department of Labor & Industry and Pennsylvania Partners

Governor's Workforce Development Awards

Eastern Pennsylvania

• Michael Foods, Inc., Schuylkill County

Central Pennsylvania

• Metaldyne Sintered Components, Elk County

Western Pennsylvania

• Acutect Precision Machining, Crawford County

Department of Labor & Industry Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

Governor's Award for Employers Hiring Workers with Disabilities

• U.S. Department of Defense Commissary Agency, Carlisle Barracks, Cumberland County

Department of Aging

Hall of Fame of Champions of Older Workers 2010 Outstanding Employer

• Lowe's Home Improvement, Schuylkill County

Department of Education

Education Workforce Leadership Award

• Bradford Area High School, McKean County

Department of Public Welfare

Employer Honor Roll Awards

• Wash Cycle Laundry, Philadelphia County; nominated by Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation
• Walmart, Delaware County; nominated by the Delaware County Office of Employment and Training
• Dollar General, Luzerne County; nominated by EDSI of Luzerne County in Wilkes-Barre

Media contacts:
Lindsay Bracale, L&I; 717-787-7530
Tim Eller, Education; 717-783-9802
Christina Reese, Aging; 717-783-1549
Carey Miller, Public Welfare; 717-425-7606

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry