GOVERNOR'S WELFARE (TANF) EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE WILL ANNOUNCE AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE AT APRIL 30 BREAKFAST CEREMONY

NEW CASTLE (April 3, 2014) - The Governor's Welfare Employment Committee will announce the winners of its 2014 Awards of Excellence, which recognize employers who go above and beyond in hiring, training and maintaining positive working relationships with employees who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. In addition, the committee will recognize the TANF employees that continually exceed expectations and clearly make a difference on the job; employees who take initiative and continually persevere despite the obstacles they often encounter.

Nominations for the awards were submitted by individuals and organizations from communities throughout Delaware, and winners will be selected by the Governor's Welfare Employment Committee Members. One award is presented to an employer and an employee in each county, as well as a statewide recipient receiving an employer and employee award.

Winners of the 2014 Awards of Excellence will be honored at a breakfast ceremony at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 30, at Dover Downs Hotel. The event is hosted by the Governor's Welfare Employment Committee and the Department of Health and Social Services; Department of Labor, Employment & Training; Delaware Economic Development Office; and DART. All those nominated have been invited to the ceremony and the winners will be announced at the ceremony.

Lt. Gov. Matt Denn will be the keynote speaker and present awards to the winners. Secretary John McMahon, Department of Labor; Secretary Rita Landgraf, Department of Health and Social Services; Director Alan Levin, Delaware Economic Development Office; and Secretary Shailen Bhatt, Department of Transportation, will be in attendance for the ceremony.

"The Awards of Excellence are an important way to honor the achievements of employers who recruit, hire and train Delawareans as they transition from temporary benefits to a positive working experience," Lt. Gov. Denn said. "Just as importantly, this ceremony will honor employees who are determined to change the course of their lives and are grateful to the employers who saw the promise in them."

The motivational speaker is business leader, Christopher Kuselias, the founder and CEO of Career Team (www.careerteam.com), a coaching organization that has been recognized by INC Magazine as one of the 500 fastest-growing, privately held companies in America. As a workforce consultant, Chris is an internationally renowned expert in the field of peak performance coaching. His focus is on helping individuals to find their unique and compelling contribution; their "career calling." Chris has presented at the world's largest workforce conferences including the U.S. Department of Labor, the Association of Workforce Development Professionals, the Workforce Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Thirteen employers from Delaware have been nominated for an Award of Excellence for their efforts to recruit, hire and train TANF individuals. Fifteen TANF employees have been nominated for the dedication, perseverance and loyalty they have displayed at their place of employment. All winners will be announced at the April 30 Awards Breakfast.

Employers nominated include: Eastern Shore Poultry, Royal Farms, Christiana Health Care System, Salvation Army, Lowe's, Securitas, Family Dollar, Advanced Student, Staffmark, AAA, Dover Downs Hotel and Casino, and Cruz Kid Care Academy.

For information on the breakfast ceremony, contact Neva Anton, CEO, Anton Associates, at 877-393-3991 or http://antonassociates@aol.com

To help bridge employers, the community and state agencies to assist TANF recipients' transition to work by creating public awareness, as well as support and guidance.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.