FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 8, 2009

Monmouth County’s Workforce Investment Board (WIB)
recognizes leaders, raises money for scholarships

EATONTOWN – In recognition of their contributions to the economic and workforce development in Monmouth County, five people received awards recently at the Workforce Investment Board’s 2009 Partnership Awards Dinner Dance, held at Gibbs Hall at Fort Monmouth.

“The five people recognized at this 18th annual event are outstanding examples of what it means to be a leader and how working together can build a high-quality, competitive workforce,” said Freeholder Deputy Director John D’Amico, liaison to the WIB and the county’s Division of Employment & Training. “This collaboration is good for job seekers as well as employers because collectively they contribute positively to an improved economic status in our county.”

Freeholder Director Barbara J. McMorrow and Freeholder Amy Mallet joined D’Amico in presenting award certificates to leaders from business, government, organized labor, community organization and education.

The awardees were:

Business Award:  Verizon, John Szeliga, Vice-President of External Affairs
Community Service Award:  Monmouth Neighborhood Housing, Peggy Comfort, Director
Government Award:  Beatrice M. Duffy, former Director of the Monmouth County
Department of Economic Development & Tourism
Education Award: Bertha Williams-Pullen, Assistant Superintendent, Neptune Township School District
Labor Award:   Peter A. Geronimo, Business Manager, IBEW Local 400

“Our awardees understand the partnership of government and area businesses,” McMorrow said. “While we work to help job seekers and employers in these tough economic times, we know that these dedicated professionals are also working to ensure that Monmouth County’s workforce remains strong and among the best in the state.”

“It was my honor to be a part of this recognition ceremony,” Freeholder Mallet said. “The WIB and the county’s Division of Employment & Training provide important services, and to have the support of such a distinguished group of people is gratifying.”

The WIB dinner dance has raised $76,500 over the years and awarded dozens of scholarships to college-bound young people who cannot afford to attend on their own. Each year, the WIB donates its scholarship funds to support more than a dozen scholarships worth $500 each. The 2009 scholarships will be announced at a later date.

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