Experience Works seeks nominees for annual award to older workers

The search is on for Missouri's 14th annual Outstanding Older Worker, sponsored by the Missouri Senior Employment Coordinating Committee, a statewide committee helping to promote hiring older workers, in part through the Career Center in Nevada.

The award is meant to recognize significant contributions older workers bring to the workforce and to encourage employers to hire older workers.

In April, the winner and 13 finalists will be invited on an expense-paid trip to Jefferson City for a tour of the state capital, the governor's mansion and a meeting with elected officials. Last year, a luncheon was co-hosted by Missouri's First Lady, Laurie Hauser-Holden.

Workers are nominated through forms available at the Career Center. An essay explaining the nominee's contributions to the company, additional or new skills learned since beginning employment with the company and a description of the nominee's other community involvement must also be included. Nominees must be 55 years of age or older, employed an average of 20 hours per week in Missouri and be a Missouri resident.

Nomination forms may also be obtained by contacting the Missouri Division of Health and Senior Services at PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570; or by phone at (573) 751-3082. Nomination forms, which must also be signed by both the employer and the nominee, should be sent to the same address along with the required essay.

The nomination form and essay must be postmarked by Feb. 13.