SHRM Maine State Council Awarded Champion of Employee Education and Opportunity Award (Maine Employers' Initiative)

Each year the Maine Development Foundation (MDF), a 33 year-old, highly
regarded economic development non-profit, honors a distinct few who are
making an impact in the state of Maine.  The Champion of Employee
Education and Opportunity, given by MDF's Maine Employers' Initiative,
is awarded to a group that demonstrates leadership in providing
education and career opportunities to the workforce in Maine.  

"Higher education and professional training are critical to building
successful companies, creating more employment opportunities and
strengthening the economy. The Society for Human Resource Management
(SHRM), as well as its 8 local chapters and affiliates around the state
are being honored for their dedication and leadership in providing
educational and career opportunities to the workforce in Maine.  They
are tireless advocates who are truly changing the face of Maine by
developing our greatest asset - our people," said Laurie Lachance,
President and CEO of MDF.

The Award was presented on September 16 at MDF's Annual Meeting at Point
Lookout in Northport.  Kristine Avery, Maine SHRM State council Director
accepted the award along with Deb Whitworth, the former Workforce
Readiness Director for the State Council and current HRASM President,
and Susan Post from SHRM Headquarters in Alexandria VA. The SHRM Maine
State Council partnered with the Maine Development Foundation in 2009 to
promote the Maine Employers Initiative program to employers in Maine as
part of their Workforce Readiness Core Leadership Area. "There are 120
employers in Maine who are now branded through the MEI program for their
commitment to take "One More Step" toward employee education and for
offering formal educational opportunities to their employees. This is of
great value to employers and employees alike and for keeping jobs in the
great State of Maine" said Kristine Avery.     

The theme of this year's meeting was: Transforming Maine: From "Just
Imagine" to "Just Do It." The meeting also featured national folklorist
Nick Spitzer, producer and host of American Routes and professor of
anthropology and American Studies at Tulane University.  American
Routes, distributed by American Public Media, reaches nearly a million
listeners each week on over 225 stations and via its website.  Nick has
been a cultural commentator and producer for NPR's All Things Considered
and Fresh Air, CBS' Sunday Morning, and ABC's Nightline.

About SHRM Maine State Council: The SHRM Maine State Council is an
affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management located in
Alexandria Virginia. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is
the world's largest association devoted to human resource management.
Representing more than 250,000 members in over 140 countries, the
Society serves the needs of HR professionals and advances the interests
of the HR profession. Maine has 8 local SHRM chapters throughout the
state.

For more information on MDF , go to www.mdf.org or call (207) 622-6345