State Agencies Recognize 11 Employers for Efforts to Keep Pennsylvanians Working

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Governor's Achievement Award was presented today by state workforce development agencies – the departments of Aging, Labor & Industry, Education and Public Welfare – and the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association to 11 employers and training providers for outstanding hiring and workforce development success. The awards are jointly sponsored to recognize exceptional employers and training providers in workforce development.

"The accomplishments of these employers make a tremendous positive impact on our already exemplary workforce," said Governor Tom Corbett. "By way of example they are setting the stage for others to follow and continue Pennsylvania's strong economic growth."

Winners were recognized at the 30th annual Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association Employment, Training and Education Conference at the Hershey Lodge.

"The businesses recognized today are what Pennsylvania needs to strengthen its workforce and build a strong economic future," said Labor & Industry Secretary Julia Hearthway. "These employers' dedication to overcoming workforce barriers and to aiding in the development of Pennsylvania's workers serves as an example for the entire business community."

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

"We're pleased to honor employers who have made special efforts to hire and retain older workers," said Secretary of Aging Brian Duke. "We thank employers for their dedication to providing opportunities for older Pennsylvanians who wish to remain in the workforce."    

Duke was represented at the awards ceremony by Steven Horner, director of the Bureau of Aging Services. 

"The employers honored today recognize the importance of investing in their fellow Pennsylvanians," said Public Welfare Secretary Beverly Mackereth. "I thank them for taking the extra step to help our clients become self-sufficient."

Mackereth was represented at the awards ceremony by Brandon Danz, a senior advisor to Secretary Mackereth.

"Across the state, career and technology centers are joining with local employers to provide students with opportunities to gain real-world working experience," said Acting Secretary of Education Carolyn Dumaresq. "The partnership between award winners Forbes Road Career and Technology Center and Point Spring and Driveshaft Company is an excellent example of the education and business communities working together to prepare today's students for the workforce of tomorrow."

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

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association, the voice of the Pennsylvania workforce investment system and a clearinghouse for workforce development information statewide, 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
Kait Gillis, Public Welfare; 717-425-7606

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

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

• Phillips Pet Food & Supplies, Northampton County
  Central Pennsylvania
• Keystone Powdered Metal, Elk County
  Western Pennsylvania
• Starn Tool and Manufacturing, Crawford County

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

• GlaxoSmithKline, York County

Department of Aging
Hall of Fame of Champions of Older Workers 2014 Outstanding Employer

• Company Voice, Montgomery County
• NTIEC, Susquehanna County

Department of Education
Education Workforce Leadership Award

• Forbes Road Career and Technology Center and Point Spring and Driveshaft Company, Allegheny County

Department of Public Welfare
Employer Honor Roll Awards

• Home Depot, Delaware County
• Spring Creek Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Dauphin County
• GRIMM Industries, Inc., Erie County
• K.R.J. Enterprises, Inc., Allegheny County

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry