Sherman Rankin of Salisbury has been awarded the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Workforce Development, Outstanding Youth Participant.
Gov. Mike Easley named two companies and five individuals as recipients of the Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Workforce Development for 2008. The awards honor individuals and businesses for outstanding accomplishments and contributions in helping North Carolina achieve its workforce development goals.
“It takes knowledge, talent and skill to successfully compete in our global economy and these companies and individuals have demonstrated their commitment to excellence and to our state,” Easley said. “I congratulate these award winners for helping to make North Carolina’s knowledge-based workforce one of the most educated and skilled in the nation.”
Rankin went from potential dropout to peer leader, working to change self-defeating behavior and gain skills that will allow him to acquire and maintain future employment. He also participated in leadership activities that are allowing him to work with and inspire at-risk peers. He plans to attend college and continue the journey toward a successful life.
The N.C. Commission on Workforce Development recognized the recipients at an awards ceremony Thursday during the 2008 Workforce Development Partnership Conference in Greensboro.
Other award recipients were:
Classic Leather Furniture Co., Hickory: Governor’s Award for Excellence in Workforce Development, Outstanding Employer. Classic Leather, founded in 1966, is the nation’s oldest leather upholstery company. Its 272 employees pride themselves on delivering a quality product that is custom-made in the U.S. The company’s community leadership and commitment to its employees truly represents employer excellence.
Country Legends WIST 98.3 FM, High Point: Governor’s Award for Excellence in Workforce Development, Outstanding Employer. The station consistently demonstrates commitment to regional workforce development. The station has partnered with numerous community organizations to sponsor and promote regional events, including the 2008 Career and Education Fair in Asheboro. WIST donated a promotional package valued in excess of $10,000 and contributed to the success of the event.
Katrina McCain Jones, Whiteville: Governor’s Award for Excellence in Workforce Development, Outstanding Adult Participant. Katrina McCain Jones turned around a lifetime of adversity and successfully trained as a licensed practical nurse at Southeastern Community College. She is employed full-time at Sunbridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Elizabethtown.
Vinson McNeill, Broadway: Governor’s Award for Excellence in Workforce Development, Outstanding Adult Participant. Under sponsorship of the Lee County JobLink Career Center, McNeill completed training at Central Carolina Community College and is employed as a motorcycle mechanic at Sandhills Harley-Davidson.
Betty Jean Caulder, Laurinburg: Governor’s Award for Excellence in Workforce Development, Outstanding Youth Participant. Caulder returned to high school through the Scotland County Workforce Investment Act Youth Program, where she earned her diploma and learned useful job skills. She plans to attend Richmond Community College to further her education.
Stacy Peek, Asheville: Wayne Daves Award for Outstanding Achievement in Workforce Development. Peek is a career counselor with the Mountain Area JobLink Career Center in Asheville. He presents a positive, professional image in all transactions and has made a tangible and positive difference in the lives of the customers he serves.
The annual N.C. Workforce Development Partnership Conference was held at the Sheraton four Seasons/ Koury Convention Center in Greensboro. N.C. Commerce Secretary Jim Fain presented the awards.