FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Ozark Region Workforce Development Board and City of Springfield Department of Workforce Development were recognized last week at the annual Missouri Association of Workforce Development conference. The Ozark Region received two of the three awards during the Awards Presentation, and two staff members were elected to the Board. The Ozark Region is one of 14 workforce regions in the state of Missouri and consists of seven counties: Christian, Dallas, Greene, Polk, Stone, Taney, and Webster. The Ozark Region boasts three Missouri Job Center locations (Branson, North Springfield, and Springfield), as well as a Mobile Career Center.
Sally Payne, Assistant Director for the City of Springfield’s Department of Workforce Development, received the 2017 Keystone Award. The award is to recognize experienced workforce development staff not on the ‘front line’ working directly with participants, but who are providing the highest level of meritorious service behind the scenes. Nominees may be involved in providing administrative support, financial expertise, information technology services and/or other workforce development support related areas. Many workforce staff provide these much-needed services each and every day. Without their dedication, much of what is done couldn’t happen in such a smooth and efficient manner. The full description is available here.
The Ozark Region Workforce Development Board was awarded the 2017 Local Excellence Award in Partnership including $2,500. The award was designed to promote WIOA partnering activities through local Workforce Development Boards. The full description is available here.
On the final day of the Missouri Association of Workforce Development Conference, two Missouri Job Center employees were elected to the Missouri Association of Workforce Development Board. Skills Department Supervisor Tracy Polk was elected as the President Elect, and Communications Coordinator Megan Short was elected as the Public Information Chair.
For more information, please contact Communication Coordinator Megan Short at 417-841-3386 or mshort@springfieldmo.gov.