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WIB Highlights Workforce Achievements at Annual Meeting The Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc. (WIB) recently held its 2008 Annual Meeting at the Wamsutta Club. Highlighted were accomplishments over the past year including overcoming the loss of a one-time, $200,000 state grant for Youth Summer Employment. Mayor Lang, the Chief Elected Official of the workforce investment area, mobilized the community and state partners; and with the support of the WIB, New Directions Southcoast, Inc., and many local partners, to date, the Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program is 22 opportunities over the 514 slots created last year. Efforts will continue well into the summer to meet the Mayor’s vision of serving every youth that applies. Awards were presented by Charles R. Simpson, Jr., who opened with a quote from Jackson Browne’s Running on Empty: “Everyone I know, everywhere I go / People need some reason to believe,” “and the WIB does that!” pronounced Mr. Simpson. The following individuals and companies were recognized for their exceptional commitment to the workforce development priorities in the region: Special Recognition Award Thomas G. Davis, Executive Director, GNB Industrial Foundation; Roy Nascimento, President, New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce; and State Representative Robert M. Koczera. Team of the Year Award Intake & Eligibility Department of the Greater New Bedford Career Centers: Elizette Perry, Manager; Vickie Duarte; Michael Lima; Maria Pacheco; and Gayle Pelletier. Work Ethic Award Donna Balut, MA Division of Career Services Job Specialist Partner of the Year Bristol Community College Workforce Champion Charles E. Winterhalter, Owner, CDM Corp. (McDonald's of New Bedford). WIB Member of the Year Charles R. Simpson, Jr., President and CEO, First Citizens' Federal Credit Union. The following individuals were elected to Board posts: David DeJesus, Jr., Sr. VP Human Resources, Southcoast Hospitals Group, Chair; Maria O. Pinarreta, Vice President, BankFive, Vice-Chair; Bruce Morell, Executive Director, People Acting in Community Endeavors, Treasurer; David A. Pelletier, Owner, Pelletier Realty, Assistant Treasurer; Richard F. Mello, Branch Manager, Adecco Employment Services, Clerk. Special thanks and appreciation goes out to the departing Chair, Mr. Simpson, for seven tireless and committed years. Incoming Chair, Mr. DeJesus, compared his succession of Mr. Simpson to Harry Truman taking office after Roosevelt. “I hope I can be half as successful as Harry Truman was,” joked DeJesus. DeJesus went on further to encourage members to ask questions and get more involved over the coming year. The WIB sets policy for workforce development programs in the ten community region stretching from Dartmouth to Wareham. This business-led board includes members from private industry, economic development, community groups, education and labor. It also includes representation from agencies that deliver services at the Career Centers in New Bedford and Wareham. The Board employs a staff of full-time professionals and maintains offices in New Bedford. The Board consists entirely of volunteers who are appointed by New Bedford Mayor Scott W. Lang. For more information, contact Leonard Coriaty, the WIB’s Executive Director/CEO, at 508-979-1504 ext. 12, or email LCoriaty@gnbwib.org. 227 Union Street, Suite 206, New Bedford, MA 02740-5946 PH 508.979.1504 • FAX 508.979.5680 E-mail: Webmaster@gnbwib.org |