State Agencies Recognize 10 Businesses for Efforts to Keep Pennsylvanians Working

HERSHEY, Pa., May 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ten 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 29th annual Pennsylvania Partners Employment, Training & Education Conference, being held at the Hershey Lodge & Convention Center through Friday.

"The businesses recognized today are the embodiment of workforce development in Pennsylvania," said Labor & Industry Secretary Julia Hearthway. "Their commitment to training employees and overcoming obstacles in the workplace will serve our citizens by shaping a stronger economic future for Pennsylvania."

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

"We're pleased to recognize groups from our workforce that seek out and retain older workers," Department of Aging Secretary Brian Duke said. "Our thanks go out to employers who utilize the experience and talents of older Pennsylvanians re-entering the workforce after personal challenges."

"When it comes to helping our clients become self-sufficient, government cannot do it all, it takes the help of these innovative employers who recognize the importance of extending a helping hand to their neighbors in need," said Acting Secretary Beverly Mackereth.  "I thank them for the extra step that they take to invest in the people of Pennsylvania."

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

"The partnership between Indiana County Technology Center and Clark Metal Products is an example of the education and business communities working together to prepare today's students for the workforce of tomorrow," said Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis.

"These types of working relationships not only meet Pennsylvania's workforce demands but result in future high-paying jobs for students, which ultimately benefit the state's economy. This partnership is to be applauded," Tomalis said.

Tomalis was represented at the awards ceremony by Frank DiNatale, vocational education service manager, 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 from across Pennsylvania.

Media contacts:
Sara Goulet, L&I; 717-787-7530
Tim Eller, Education; 717-783-9802
Christina Reese, Aging; 717-783-1549
Anne Bale, Public Welfare; 717-425-7606

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

Department of Labor & Industry and Pennsylvania Partners
Governor's Workforce Development Awards

Eastern Pennsylvania

• Ateeco, Inc., Schuylkill County

Central Pennsylvania

• Orion Drilling Company, Jefferson County

Western Pennsylvania

• Industrial Sales and Manufacturing Inc., Erie County

Pa. Employer of the Year

• ABEC, Inc., Lehigh County

Department of Labor & Industry Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Governor's Award for Employers Hiring Workers with Disabilities

• East Penn Manufacturing Company Inc., Berks County

Department of Aging
Hall of Fame of Champions of Older Workers 2013 Outstanding Employer

• Home Instead Senior Care, Berks County

Department of Education
Education Workforce Leadership Award

• Indiana County Technology Center and Clark Metal Products Company, Indiana County

Department of Public Welfare
Employer Honor Roll Awards

• The Fresh Grocer, Philadelphia County
• CSJ Enterprises, LP – McDonald's Restaurant, Philadelphia County
• Travel Centers of America – Store #215 Harborcreek, Erie County

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry