By Linda DeMore
IAWP made a dramatic change in our recognition program this year moving to 3 major awards that recognize outstanding achievement. The process was simplified with on-line submission process. We received some exciting submissions in the Innovation in Workforce Systems and we will be sharing these ideas with you soon. Hopefully the ideas will help your agency and chapter to grow in Workforce service. We received 33 award packages on-line. The evaluation committee consisting of Executive Director, Executive board and recognition chair met in Denver to score award submissions. Members of the committee did not score entries from their own state and all submissions were reviewed and scored by at least 3 people. Below are the winners of this year’s International awards.
IAWP Innovation in Workforce Systems recognizes extraordinary innovation that directly or indirectly impacts systems, customers, or professionals within the workforce system. We had 16 award submissions from 5 states. We recognize the 1st place winner in the following categories.
- Individual – Meredith Howell from Oregon
- Group – WA LEAN from Washington
- Organization – WA Employment Security Department from Washington
We also wish to recognize Honorable mention for Career Connect from Washington for their Group submission and Willamette Workforce Partnership from Oregon for their Organization submission.
Outstanding Service to IAWP recognizes outstanding work of member in service to the association. We had 6 award submissions from 4 states. We proudly recognize the 1st place winners in the following categories.
- Workforce Professional – Stephanie Stevens from Oregon
- Senior or Emeritus Workforce Professional – Rafeal Colon from Washington
Chapter Excellence Award recognizes the outstanding work of Chapters in service to their members and the International Association of Workforce Professionals. We had 10 award submissions from 5 states. We proudly recognize the 1st place winners in the following categories.
- Membership – Oregon
- Professional Development – Washington
- Marketing and Communication – Washington
- Community Involvement – Oregon
We recognized that the changes in the awards process was difficult for some and we have taken note of things we need to improve. We are working on providing sample award submission to guide those in the process. We will provide training at the International conference in Cincinnati and tweak the submission forms process. We wish to thank everyone for taking the time to prepare your award submissions. If you have suggestions on the process please let us know. Continue to be creative to move your chapters and agencies forward.