Nominations Open for Silver Collar Award Bookmark and Share

June 24, 2013

Recognizes Senior-Friendly Businesses

For Immediate Release: May 10, 2013
Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, 621-5009

Recognizes Senior-Friendly Businesses

AUGUSTA?The State Workforce Investment Board?s Older Workers Committee is looking for Maine?s best employers for workers over the age of 50. 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.

?Silver Collar employers understand the value older workers provide to business,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?Maine?s older citizens play a vital role in our economy as both workers and consumers. Businesses that recognize this will benefit both themselves and our state.?

The entry deadline is July 24, 2013. Businesses may self-nominate. The Older Workers Committee will consider a business? flexible work options, training and development opportunities, pension and health benefits, and age-neutral policies and practices. Silver Collar Employers will be honored during National Employ Older Workers Week, September 23?27, 2013.

The nomination form is available at http://www.maine.gov/swib/committees/older_workers/index.shtml . Employers or anyone with questions should contact the State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB) at swib.dol@maine.gov or 207-623-7985.

Older workers play an important role in Maine?s workforce. Maine is the oldest state in the United States, with a median age of 43.2 years. More than a fifth of Maine?s civilian labor force is over 55 years old. By 2020, two thirds of Mainers 55?64 years old will be in the labor force, and nearly a quarter of Mainers over 65 will still be in the labor force. Future labor force growth will likely depend on rising participation by older workers. The projected slow growth in Maine?s labor force between 2010 and 2020 is due to slow population growth and an aging population, with an expected increase in participation among workers ages 55 and older.

The 2013 award is being presented in memory of David L. Tomm, a member of the Older Workers Committee and a long-time advocate for seasoned workers, who passed away in April.

Recipients of the 2013 Silver Collar Employer Award will be highlighted to future employees, consumers and the business community through Maine?s CareerCenters, on a variety of websites and in press releases to local newspapers and industry journals.

For more information about the SWIB or workforce development, visit http://www.maine.gov/swib/ .

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Previous Silver Collar Award Recipients

2012 No awards given in 2012

2011 - athenahealth, Belfast
- Bangor Savings Bank, Bangor
- Care and Comfort, Waterville
- Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, Portland - Penobscot Job Corps Academy, Bangor
- Public Consulting Group, Augusta - University of Maine Augusta, Bangor Campus
- Walmart, Auburn

2010 - Cianbro, Pittsfield - People's United Bank, Bangor - Hollywood Slots, Bangor - University of Maine, Orono - L.L. Bean Call Center, Bangor

2009 - Reny?s, Newcastle

2008 - Aging Excellence, Bangor, Brunswick, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Portland, Saco

2007 - Bangor Hydro Electric Company, Bangor - Bonney Staffing Center, Portland - Hannaford Brothers Company, Rockland - Hardwood Products Company LP, Guilford - Kittery Trading Post, Kittery - Paradis Shop ?n Save, Fort Kent - Sugarloaf Mountain Corporation, Carrabasset Valley - TD Banknorth, Lewiston - Union Trust Company, Ellsworth

2006 - ASK?for Home Care, South Thomaston
- Microdyne Outsourcing, Inc., Orono - Assistance Plus, Benton
- Smythe?s IGA Plus, Presque Isle - Home Care for Maine, Gardiner - SeniorsPlus-Elder Independence of Maine, Lewiston - TD Banknorth, Lewiston
- Stonewall Kitchen, York - The Home Depot, Auburn
- United Ambulance Service, Lewiston