FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2013
CONTACT: DEO Communications, 850-245-5600, media@deo.myflorida.com

TALLAHASSEE: More than 50 Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) employees were recognized for their cost savings efforts in this year’s Davis Productivity Awards.Across the agency, eight awards were presented to various individuals and teams of employees accounting for cost savings and cost avoidances of more than $14.4 million.

“At DEO, we constantly strive to be more efficient, accountable, and transparent for Florida’s taxpayers,” said DEO Executive Director Jesse Panuccio. “I am proud of the 53 DEO employees recognized by the Davis Productivity Awards for their dedication and service to our state.”

Davis Productivity Awards were presented to DEO employees for Reemployment Assistance Fraud Investigations, jobseeker training pilot programs, internal employee training accessibility, internal payroll processing systems, developing an Electronic Reemployment Assistance Benefits Payment System, and developing an Occupational Supply/Demand Information System, among other projects.

DEO’s Workforce Statewide Programs Team received a Davis Productivity Award for improving the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Automated Certification Process.  The eight-member team replaced unsupported software and standardized the framework of the existing WOTC system in order to capably support the new application.  The team measurably improved service delivery to customers and rapid turnaround time for responses to the customers for receipt of the tax credit certificate.  The WOTC Automated Certification Process reduces an employer’s cost of doing business and requires little paperwork on their part.  WOTC customer satisfaction is at an all time high. The estimated cost savings is more than $12.7 million.

The annual Prudential - Davis Productivity Awards recognize the ingenuity, creativity, and dedication of state employees through increased government efficiencies. Cash awards, commemorative plaques, and certificates of commendation are presented each year to state employees who clearly exceed their job descriptions and performance expectations in ways that improve service delivery and save money for Florida taxpayers and businesses.

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity promotes economic opportunities for all Floridians by formulating and implementing successful workforce, community, and economic development policies and strategies.