Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Recognizes 10 Workers for Outstanding Achievement in Job Market

HERSHEY, Pa., May 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ten Pennsylvanians who overcame personal barriers to achieve professional success were honored today with Governor's Achievement Awards during the 24th Annual Pennsylvania Partners Employment, Training & Education Conference at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.

"Each individual exemplifies the very best of what can be accomplished when determined job seekers and devoted professionals work together to make the most of our services," Governor Edward G. Rendell said. "We have a nationally recognized workforce development system and these individuals are proof that it works. I congratulate them on their success."

The awards are sponsored by the state's workforce development agencies -- the departments of Aging, Education, Labor & Industry and Public Welfare -- and Pennsylvania Partners to recognize exceptional employees who have benefited from Pennsylvania's workforce development initiatives. They also salute employers who hire older workers, former cash assistance recipients, and those who are dedicated to expanding education and employment.

"The Department of Aging recognizes the achievements and contributions of older Pennsylvanians as a viable workforce," said Secretary of Aging Nora Dowd Eisenhower. "Older Pennsylvanians are experienced, knowledgeable, dependable, loyal and have an extraordinarily strong work ethic. By embracing new technologies and availing themselves of job training, older workers continue to make significant contributions to our communities and future generations."

"Part of preparing Pennsylvania's workforce for the job market is being prepared ourselves to deliver the high-quality career services our citizens deserve, whenever and wherever they require them," Department of Labor & Industry Acting Secretary Sandi Vito said. "Each of today's winners has overcome extraordinary odds in achieving employment, and each has my admiration and congratulations."

"Each and every day, low-income families across the state are working to find ways to make ends meet, to be able to provide for the needs of their families," said Department of Public Welfare Secretary Estelle B. Richman. "I am so pleased that through the efforts of our consumers, along with these dedicated employers, we are able to celebrate relationships and successful outcomes that benefit not only individuals, but their families and our communities."

Pennsylvania Partners, an association of workforce development professionals in each of the commonwealth's 23 workforce investment areas, sponsors the annual event that attracts more than 1,200 private and public job-training experts from acrossPennsylvania.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit: www.governor.state.pa.us.

EDITOR'S NOTE: A list of award recipients follows. Links to more information about individual winners can be found online at: www.paworkforce.state.pa.us.

PA Department of Aging (Outstanding Senior Community Service Employment Program Participants)

Southeastern Pennsylvania

    --  Joanne Jones, Delaware County; nominated by the Delaware County Office
        of Services for the Aging Senior Community Service Employment Program
        (SCSEP)

    --  Sylvester Howard, Philadelphia County; nominated by the Mayor's
        Commission on Services to the Aging SCSEP

Pennsylvania Partners and PA Department of Labor & Industry (Workforce Investment Act Program Participant Awards)

Western Pennsylvania

    --  Jenira Owens, Mercer County; nominated by the West Central Job
        Partnership

Southwestern Pennsylvania

    --  Nancy Yuhas, Cambria County; nominated by the Southern Alleghenies
        Workforce Investment Board

    --  Denise McCullough, Westmoreland County; nominated by the Private
        Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc.

Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (Program Participant Awards)

Southeastern Pennsylvania

    --  Dana Harley, Philadelphia County; nominated by Educational Data Systems,
        Inc.

Southwestern Pennsylvania

    --  Kashawna Jackson, Allegheny County; nominated by the Allegheny County
        Workforce Investment Board

Northwestern Pennsylvania

    --  Grace Moore, Erie County; nominated by the St. Benedict Education Center

South-Central Pennsylvania

    --  Rhonda Stewart, Lancaster County; nominated by the Harrisburg Area
        Community College Keys Program

Southeastern Pennsylvania

    --  Alicia Taylor, Bucks County; nominated by the Bucks County Workforce
        Investment Board

CONTACT: Christopher S. Manlove

717-787-7530 (L&I)

Barry Ciccocioppo

717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

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Copyright © 2008, NewsBlaze, Daily News

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