MERS Goodwill Encourages Nominations for 24th Annual Outstanding Older Worker of Missouri Contest

June 3, 2014 - PRLog -- MERS Goodwill announces the annual kick-off of astatewide search for outstanding older workers of Missouri. The 24^th annual Older Worker of Missouri contest begins collecting nominations in May this year.   May is also National Older Americans Month with this year’s theme, “Safe Today. Healthy Tomorrow.” The theme, highlighted by the Administration for Community Living (http://www.acl.gov/newsroom/observances/oam/2014/Index.aspx), recognizes older Americans for their contributions and hopes to encourage healthy and active lifestyles.   The Outstanding Older Worker contest recognizes that staying employed beyond retirement age can help seniors remain active and promote good health.

This contest seeks to honor Missouri residents who are at least 60 years of age and gainfully employed at a Missouri job site for an average of 20 or more hours per week. This year, there will be ten winners from all over Missouri. MERS Goodwill will be coordinating the contest in the St. Louis area and St. Charles, Jefferson and Franklin counties.

“The incredible dedication of older workers and past honorees, reminds us of why we are so proud to co-sponsor this contest,” said Lewis C. Chartock, Ph.D., President and CEO of MERS Goodwill.  “MERS Goodwill is excited to continue honoring older workers who make countless contributions and sacrifices through their commitment in the workforce.”

Nomination forms (http://health.mo.gov/seniors/senioremployment/pdf/ownomfo...) for 2014’s Older Worker of the Year are available through MERS Goodwill’s website, and can be found at the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services site as well.  Nomination submissions inquire about job description duties, outstanding characteristics, special accomplishments, and other service to the community. Completed forms are due by July 4,2014. Each qualifying nomination will then be reviewed by the selection committee and a winner will be selected from 10 regions. The winners will be invited to attend a two day award ceremony. These recognition activities are scheduled in Jefferson City, MO with a date pending.

The annual contest is sponsored by the Missouri Senior Employment Coordinating Committee, consisting of AARP Missouri; Experience Works, Inc.; Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph; MERS Missouri Goodwill Industries; the Department of Economic Development/Division of Workforce Development; and the Department of Health and Senior Services/Division of Senior and Disability Services.

About MERS Goodwill

MERS Goodwill is a non-profit agency that provides for the vocational needs of individuals who have barriers to employment through disability or economic disadvantage. Annually serving more than 60,000 individuals, the organization operates in 63 locations serving 74 counties in the bi-state area. Revenues from 42 Goodwill stores assist with funding MERS Goodwill job training and employment services. MERS Goodwill is a proud member of the United Way. For more information about MERS Goodwill or to find a Goodwill donation center near you, call 314-241-3464 or visit www.mersgoodwill.org.