Wednesday, Jan.25, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Leads Charge for Older Worker of the Year
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today kicked off Missouri’s Older Worker of the Year contest. The 16th annual contest honors a Missouri resident who is at least 55, is gainfully employed at a Missouri job for an average of at least 20 hours per week, and displays dependability, loyalty, new skills and self-motivation.
"I commend Missouri’s older workforce. They are an inspiration and asset to countless businesses and customers across the state," Blunt said. "These are remarkable individuals who are models for Missouri’s work ethic and productivity."
Nomination forms for 2006’s Older Worker of the Year are available at the Department of Health and Senior Services’ website at www.dhss.mo.gov or by calling an Area Agency on Aging. Completed nomination forms must be postmarked, faxed or e-mailed by March 10 to: Missouri Older Worker Contest, Division of Senior and Disability Services, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570, fax (573) 751-8493 or 8687, e-mail Ginny.Gearhart@dhss.mo.gov or Sally.McKee@dhss.mo.gov.
A nomination form must also include a narrative as to why the nominee should be selected Older Worker of the Year.
Last year’s winner, Dale Ellis, 86, began a second career at age 78 as a part-time maintenance, repairs and operating coordinator. Ellis is from St. Joseph.
The annual Older Worker of the Year recognition is sponsored by the Missouri Senior Employment Coordinating Committee, consisting of the AARP Foundation; Experience Works; U.S. Forest Service; Cardinal Ritter Senior Services, Jewish Vocational Services; Department of Economic Development/Division of Workforce Development; and Department of Health and Senior Services/Division of Senior and Disability Services.
The 2006 winner and 13 regional finalists will be recognized at an awards ceremony this spring in Jefferson City.
For more information contact the Department of Health and Senior Services at (573) 751-6062.
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