DATE: September 17, 2009
CONTACT: John Fougere, (573) 522-5058

JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) recently joined leaders in Missouri's economic development system to recognize exemplary individual and group accomplishment and leadership in strengthening Missouri's exceptional workforce and creating ever expanding opportunities and jobs of the future at the 2009 Governor's Conference on Economic Development in St. Louis. DED's Division of Workforce Development (DWD) Director Julie Gibson presented Workforce Excellence Awards that recognize exemplary accomplishment and leadership at the conference.

The Individual Achievement Award, which honors individuals that have overcome barriers to successfully prepare for a new career opportunity with assistance from Missouri's workforce development system were presented to: Garry Bland, Central Region; Nicole Eldridge, East Jackson County Region, Stephanie Furtado, Jefferson-Franklin County Region; Christian Lewis; Kansas City and Vicinity Region; Melissa Stacks, Northeast Region; Penny Arnold, Northwest Region; Carydah Njoroge, Ozark Region; Ashley Gammons, South Central Region; Ruth Strother, Southeast Region; Pierre Jason, Southwest Region; Michelle Thomlison, St. Charles County Region; Keith Sharp, St. Louis City Region; Byron Hatchett, St. Louis County Region; Jennifer Corbin, West Central Region.

Outstanding Service to Veterans Awards were given to: Marcus Pauley, Chillicothe; Steve Hamby, Jefferson City; Nathan Maeder, Kirksville; Carol Drummond of Sikeston; and Niakia Phillips, Warrenton.

Cox Health Foundation, Springfield, was presented the Excellence in Education, Economic Development and Employment (E3) Award.

Alice Prince, of the St Louis Agency on Training and Employment, St Louis, received the Excellence in Customer Service Award.