Community Living Association, Couleur Collection, Loving Touch In-Home Care, and Nonantum Resort Earn Silver Collar Employer Award

September 26, 2018

Businesses in Bangor, Falmouth, Houlton, and Kennebunkport recognized as senior-friendly employers.

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Laura Hudson, Maine Department of Labor, 621-5009

AUGUSTA -- The State Workforce Board's Older Worker Committee has announced 2018's best employers for workers over the age of 50 in Maine. The awardees are Community Living Association in Houlton, Couleur Collection LLC in Falmouth, Loving Touch In-Home Care in Bangor, and Nonantum Resort in Kennebukport.

"I congratulate this year's winners for recognizing the value that different employees bring to our workforce," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Our state needs and values the contributions of all members of our workforce, no matter their age, and the Silver Collar Awards recognize businesses who put these values into action."

The Silver Collar Employer Award honors employers whose policies and practices match the needs of mature employees, capturing their skills and experience, strong work ethic, flexibility, and enthusiasm.

Community Living Association, Houlton - A private, nonprofit organization that employs over 250 people, with an average age of 59 years old, that supports people with developmental disabilities, they accept paper applications in person and meet with each individual applicant, offer flexible benefits, alternative work schedules, and training for older workers.

Couleur Collection LLC, Falmouth - Staff from this clothing store and art gallery say their best benefit is having a flexible work schedule. Ninety-one percent of employees are silver collar workers.

Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport - This family-owned resort has a welcoming attitude throughout all phases of the employee life-cycle, starting with recruiting. Employees are treated like family regardless of age, race, etc. The resort offers alternative work schedules and provide flexible training opportunities.

Loving Touch In-Home Care, Bangor - This home health care provider recruits and embraces all age groups, with current staff ranging from 20 to more than 75 years-old. They provide alternative work schedules and flexible training opportunities.

Maine is the oldest state in the nation, with a median age of 44.7 years. Today, workers age 55 and over comprise 28 percent of the labor force. That share is expected to rise over the next decade as the large baby boom generation advances in age.

The State Workforce Board (SWB) is responsible for assisting Governor LePage in improving the state's business climate by designing and implementing strategies that help Mainers enter the workforce as well as advance by increasing their skills. For more information about the SWB or workforce development, visit http//www.maine.gov/swb .

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