SHRM Maine State Council Awarded Champion of Employee Education and Opportunity Award (Maine Employers' Initiative)
Each year the Maine Development Foundation (MDF), a 33 year-old, highly regarded economic development non-profit, honors a distinct few who are making an impact in the state of Maine. The Champion of Employee Education and Opportunity, given by MDF's Maine Employers' Initiative, is awarded to a group that demonstrates leadership in providing education and career opportunities to the workforce in Maine.
"Higher education and professional training are critical to building successful companies, creating more employment opportunities and strengthening the economy. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), as well as its 8 local chapters and affiliates around the state are being honored for their dedication and leadership in providing educational and career opportunities to the workforce in Maine. They are tireless advocates who are truly changing the face of Maine by developing our greatest asset - our people," said Laurie Lachance, President and CEO of MDF.
The Award was presented on September 16 at MDF's Annual Meeting at Point Lookout in Northport. Kristine Avery, Maine SHRM State council Director accepted the award along with Deb Whitworth, the former Workforce Readiness Director for the State Council and current HRASM President, and Susan Post from SHRM Headquarters in Alexandria VA. The SHRM Maine State Council partnered with the Maine Development Foundation in 2009 to promote the Maine Employers Initiative program to employers in Maine as part of their Workforce Readiness Core Leadership Area. "There are 120 employers in Maine who are now branded through the MEI program for their commitment to take "One More Step" toward employee education and for offering formal educational opportunities to their employees. This is of great value to employers and employees alike and for keeping jobs in the great State of Maine" said Kristine Avery.
The theme of this year's meeting was: Transforming Maine: From "Just Imagine" to "Just Do It." The meeting also featured national folklorist Nick Spitzer, producer and host of American Routes and professor of anthropology and American Studies at Tulane University. American Routes, distributed by American Public Media, reaches nearly a million listeners each week on over 225 stations and via its website. Nick has been a cultural commentator and producer for NPR's All Things Considered and Fresh Air, CBS' Sunday Morning, and ABC's Nightline.
About SHRM Maine State Council: The SHRM Maine State Council is an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management located in Alexandria Virginia. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world's largest association devoted to human resource management.
Representing more than 250,000 members in over 140 countries, the Society serves the needs of HR professionals and advances the interests of the HR profession. Maine has 8 local SHRM chapters throughout the state.
For more information on MDF, go to www.mdf.org or call (207) 622-6345
