National association recognizes statewide branding effort as top workforce initiative

BURLINGTON, VT — CareerSource Florida, the state’s workforce policy and investment board, was honored last week with the 2014 State Excellence Award for Leadership (SEAL) by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA). Judges selected Florida’s statewide branding effort as 2014’s top workforce initiative, recognizing the service and performance improvements facilitated by the launch in February of the CareerSource Florida network. Representatives from the CareerSource Florida network were on hand to receive the award in Vermont at NASWA’s 78th annual conference.

“Nothing increases brand awareness like achieving great results,” said NASWA President Ellen Golombek, “and CareerSource Florida has become a model for other states who want to gain recognition as economic development professionals. CareerSource Florida hasn’t just moved the work of career centers up a notch, it’s been a real game-changer.”

The SEAL award is a top honor bestowed annually by NASWA in recognition of a workforce-related program, project or initiative that is innovative, addresses a challenge requiring collaboration and results in significant service and/or performance improvement. NASWA comprises the nation’s state administrators for employment and training services, labor market information and unemployment compensation and includes the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

“We are honored to be recognized by our workforce development peers nationally for this major step forward to better connect employers with qualified, skilled talent and Floridians with opportunities to achieve economic prosperity,” said CareerSource Florida Board Chairman Dwayne Ingram.

In the most recent fiscal year, the CareerSource Florida network served more than 101,300 employers and assisted nearly 489,700 Floridians who found jobs.

“Credit for the successful launch and implementation of the unified CareerSource Florida brand goes to the workforce professionals whose interaction with job seekers and employers makes a positive difference in thousands of lives every day,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Chris Hart IV.

"The CareerSource Florida brand has improved connection and continuity for Florida’s job seekers and businesses,” said Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Jesse Panuccio. “Congratulations to CareerSource Florida for the recognition of their commitment to enhancing service to businesses and job seekers. CareerSource Florida’s leadership and the 24 regional workforce boards are truly dedicated to promoting and strengthening our state’s qualified and talented workforce."

In launching the CareerSource Florida brand, Florida became the first state in the nation to align all of its workforce boards, state and local, and career centers through a single brand identity to enhance awareness and use of employment and training services. The process leading up to this successful activation included 15 months of comprehensive research and development overseen by CareerSource Florida Vice President of Communications Adriane Glenn Grant and involved the state’s 24 regional workforce boards, DEO and numerous business, education and economic development stakeholders.

“The CareerSource Florida brand has strengthened local partnerships that help us create new opportunities for local businesses and job seekers,” said CareerSource Palm Beach County Board member Steven Parrish, who serves as Chairman of the Florida Workforce Chairs’ Alliance.

“After a thorough development process, market testing indicated that our new brand connected with businesses and job seekers throughout the state,” said Bruce Ferguson, President of both CareerSource Northeast Florida and the Florida Workforce Development Association. “The recognition received last week from a network of our peers underscores that Florida’s new brand is having a positive effect.”

For more information on services available through the CareerSource Florida network, visit careersourceflorida.com.

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