Ten Pennsylvania Businesses Recognized for Efforts to Keep Pennsylvanians Working

HERSHEY, Pa., May 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Governor's Achievement Awards were presented today by Governor Wolf's cabinet secretaries to 10 employers and training providers for outstanding hiring and workforce development success at the 2016 Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association Employment, Training & Education Conference.

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

"Labor & Industry is proud to honor Tredegar Film Products, PMF Industries Inc. and Hill Railroad Car Company today for their dedication and continued collaboration with our workforce programs to create good paying, family sustaining jobs in Pennsylvania," said Labor & Industry Secretary Kathy Manderino. "In addition, we are eager to foster more connections such as the one between Starbucks Roasting Plant and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, a partnership that allows for inclusive hiring and recognizes that individuals with disabilities are a skilled and dedicated workforce talent pool to draw from."

"The Department of Human Services is proud of the successes of Acclaim Systems, Sodexo Inc., ALORICA, and ADAPPT Community Education Centers. The work of each of these organizations exemplifies a DHS top priority – increasing employment opportunities for the people we serve. In hiring outstanding employees, they have help individuals become self-sufficient which helps the entire commonwealth," said Human Services Secretary Ted Dallas. "The department congratulates these companies on their accomplishments and hopes that their successes will encourage others to follow in their footsteps."

Dallas was represented at the awards ceremony by Pat Clancy, special advisor to the secretary.

"The partnership between Groff Tractor and Equipment, Inc. and the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology is providing students with a comprehensive look at a key industry in the commonwealth while improving career readiness," Education Secretary Pedro A. Rivera said. "By giving students access to the newest equipment and hosting worksite visits, a student's education can be truly aligned to the needs of the work force."

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

"Serving and supporting older workers who face challenges re-entering the workforce and attaining economic stability is a priority we share with Pennsylvania's workforce development agencies," said Secretary of Aging Teresa Osborne.  "Berwick Offray's long-standing commitment to hire older workers has empowered countless program-eligible seniors to continue to use their skills, build their financial security and remain engaged in their community.  I hope other agencies follow Berwick Offray's example by investing in this proven program."

Osborne was represented at the awards ceremony by Rocco Claroni, aging services specialist.

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
Nicole Reigelman, Education; 717-783-9802
Kirstin Snow, Aging; 717-783-1550
Rachel Kostelac, Human Services; 717-425-7606

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

Department of Labor & Industry and Pennsylvania Partners
Governor's Job Creator Awards
Eastern Pennsylvania

• Tredegar Film Products

Central Pennsylvania

• PMF Industries, Inc.

Western Pennsylvania

• Hill Railroad Car Company

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

• Starbucks® York Roasting Plant

Department of Aging
Hall of Fame of Champions of Older Workers 2016 Outstanding Employer

• Berwick Offray LLC

Department of Human Services
Employer Honor Roll Awards

• Acclaim Systems
• Sodexo, Inc.
• ALORICA
• ADAPPT Community Education Centers, Inc.

Department of Education
Education Workforce Leadership Award

• Groff Tractor and Equipment, Inc.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us