R.H. Foster, the Hinckley Company and Goodwill Industries of Northern New England Earn Silver Collar Employer Award

September 29, 2016

Hampden, Trenton and Portland-based businesses recognized as senior-friendly employers

For Immediate Release: September 29, 2016 Media Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, 621-5009

AUGUSTA ? The State Workforce Board?s Older Worker Committee has announced 2016?s best employers for workers over the age of 50 in Maine. The awardees are R.H. Foster of Hampden; the Hinckley Company of Trenton and Goodwill Industries of Northern New England of Portland.

?I congratulate R.H. Foster, the Hinckley Company and Goodwill 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.

R.H. Foster is a regional marketer of convenience items, a transporter of energy products, a provider of heating services and sales and certified home performance energy efficiency experts. The Hinckley Company builds custom yachts rooted in Maine?s maritime heritage. Goodwill NNE operates retail stores, health care and cleaning services that help fund innovative workforce programs to empower individuals and families to find personal stability through work.

Older workers play an important role in Maine?s workforce. Maine is the oldest state in the United States, with a median age of 43.5 years. More than a quarter of the civilian labor force is over 55 years old. This share is expected to increase between now and 2024. In eight years, more than two thirds of 55?64 year olds and nearly one quarter of those over age 65 will still be in the labor force.

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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