Join in observing
NATIONAL EMPLOY OLDER WORKERS WEEK
(September 19 - 25)

Things to do this week:

• Nominate an outstanding mature worker for recognition at the 2004 "Ability is Ageless" Luncheon.  The October 1 deadline is approaching.  For details, CLICK HERE.
• Make your reservation to honor Florine Mark on October 20 for her lifetime of achievement as an entrepreneur, humanitarian, motivator, and role model.  For details, CLICK HERE.

First celebrated in the Eisenhower Administration, and celebrated nearly every year since that time, National Employ Older Workers Week activities focus on recognizing the importance of the participation of older workers in the labor force.  This is an important opportunity for employers and the general public to highlight the vital role of older workers in the current labor force and the continuing importance of the participation of older workers in meeting the employment needs of our 21st century economy.

AARP reports that as of July, 2004, more than 23 million persons aged 55 and older were in the labor force, an increase of one million over the previous 12 months alone.

By 2008, 40 percent of the labor force will be age 45 or older, and 8 million more Americans age 55 or older will be in the labor force than there were in 1998.  This population of mature workers includes individuals who are retiring at young ages and want second careers, individuals who want to work beyond age 65, and those individuals that want some source of income, but not necessarily a full time job.

National Employ Older Workers Week provides an opportunity to increase awareness and focus on development of innovative strategies for tapping into this underutilized labor pool that can help address the challenge posed by potential worker shortages.
 

A reminder ...

FLORINE MARK TO BE HONORED AT LUNCHEON
HR Professionals & Employers to Honor Outstanding
Older Workers at October 20 Event

October 1 deadline for nominations approaching!
 

As president and chairman of the board of The WW Group, Inc., Florine uses her influence, energy and resources to improve the lives of others. .

During September, Operation ABLE is accepting nominations from employers who want to honor their outstanding older workers at the luncheon.  The area's top mature workers (50 years and older or with 25 years of service to their company) will be recognized for their exceptional contributions and achievements.  The luncheon, a memorable and heartwarming event hosted by Michigan's leading provider of job training and employment assistance for mid-career and older workers, will be held at the Hyatt Regency Dearborn from noon to 2 p.m.

 "This celebration is a very positive way for employers to honor older workers who make a daily difference at their companies through their experience, work ethic and dedication to excellence," said Karen Kosniewski, president of Operation ABLE of Michigan.  At recent luncheons upwards of a hundred well-deserving workers have been honored by employers from all sectors of the business community, including manufacturing, construction, retail, service, health care, banking, finance, and the nonprofit arena.

Carmen Harlan, WDIV-TV news senior anchor, will serve as the event's emcee.  Each person nominated by his or her employer will receive a Certificate of Distinguished Service and will be featured in the luncheon's slide presentation and program book.  Nine honorees will receive special recognition with Most ABLE Awards that will be presented by Harlan in an especially moving ceremony.

Nomination forms are now available.  To be eligible, a nominee must live or work in Michigan, be 50 years of age or older or have 25 years of service to a company by October 20, 2004, and be currently employed.  There is no limit to the number of employees a business or organization can nominate.  To be considered for one of the Most ABLE awards, submit your nomination no later than October 1.

To obtain nomination forms for the Ability is Ageless Award or for event tickets, contact Operation ABLE at (248) 443-0370, by e-mail at able@ameritech.net or logon to www.OperationABLE.org.  The nomination form can be easily downloaded from the web site and returned by e-mail.
 

About ABLE eNews

This e-newsletter is prepared by Operation ABLE of Michigan to keep employers and other community leaders informed about the many ways we work in partnership with businesses.

We hope you will find ABLE eNews useful in your work.  However, if you prefer not to receive this electronic newsletter in the future, please CLICK HERE.  This will start your e-mail system with the subject line "Unsubscribe from ABLE eNews."  Please be sure to include your name in the message so we can locate you more quickly in our files and remove you from the mailing list.

If you have any questions, suggestion, comments or would like additional information, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.