Ventura County Workforce Investment Board Announces Recipients of 2009 WIB Annual Awards

June 15, 2009 - PRLog -- VENTURA, CALIF.--The Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of Ventura County announced the recipients of the 2009 Annual WIB Awards at its June 11 annual meeting. The awards recognize individuals and organizations exhibiting exemplary dedication to advancing workforce development in Ventura County.

   "Our award recipients are Ventura County's unsung heroes. Without fanfare, they have helped hundreds of individuals reach their potential through employment and employment training opportunities," says Alex Teague, chairman of the Ventura County WIB. "The awards are a way of saying thank you."

   The following individuals were honored:

Collaborative Action Award - Captain David Fleisch, Chief Staff Officer, Naval Base Ventura County. In a leadership role, Fleisch reaches out to business, economic development, education and community-based organizations to raise awareness of civilian employment and procurement opportunities available at NBVC and to identify ways to leverage the talent of retiring members of the military.  He is widely respected in the community for his ability to invite diverse groups to the table for candid discussions and realistic problem solving.

Lifelong Learning Award - Joan Baldarrama, Vice President of Administration, Lucix Corporation, Camarillo. Lucix is a leader in design and manufacturing of high performance, microwave and millimeter devices and subsystems. Baldarrama has relied on the Job & Career Centers (JCC) for over seven years to screen and refer potential workers for highly-specialized manufacturing positions.  She also works with the JCCs to provide on-the-job training for employees, enabling them to advance within the company.  

Champion for Job Growth Award - Efren Gorre, Chief Program Officer, City Corps of the Central Coast. City Corps inspires and motivates youth, ages 12 to 24, to develop leadership, life, social, and work readiness skills, while giving back to the community. Founded in Oxnard in 1995, City Corps is a non-profit organization that has grown into a multiple-county initiative. As its leader, Gorre has been a passionate advocate for youth, continually seeking new job opportunities and training for Ventura County’s future workforce.

Opportunity Award (two winners)
- Walter Knauss, Chief Operating Officer, Bestforms, Camarillo. Established in 1985, Bestforms is a printing company that emphasized a team approach and specializes in creative solutions to difficult printing problems.  Knauss has a strong commitment to helping employees learn new skills through on-the-job training.  He works with JCC account executives on employee recruitment and training to support and grow successful employees.  

- Lori O'Neil, DVM, owner, Adobe Animal Hospital, Oxnard. O'Neil is committed to providing comprehensive, state-of-the-art pet health care.  She believes in investing in local people and helping them grow on the job.  O’Neil works with JCC account executives to hire beginners, introduce them to the veterinary world, and teach them career occupation skills that enable them to advance.  .
 
   "This year's WIB Award recipients demonstrate vision and leadership in helping others achieve career success," says Cheryl Moore, executive director of the Ventura County WIB. "With such dedicated and committed individuals in our community, Ventura County can continue building a strong and talented workforce."

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About the Workforce Investment Board
The Workforce Investment Board administers federal workforce development funds that help to support youth programs, business services, and Job & Career Centers (JCC), throughout Ventura County. With additional resources from the County of Ventura Human Services Agency, the JCCs provide employment assistance, career training and education services to job seekers, and employee recruitment, customized training and business consulting to local employers. Center services are provided at no cost to job seekers and employers. For more information, call 800-500-7705 or visit www.wib.ventura.org.