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The Untapped Resource - Seniors in the Workplace

Ohio is witnessing a dramatic growth in the number of citizens who are 55 or older - a trend that will continue well into the 21st century. By 2008, 40 percent of the labor force will be age 45 or older, and eight million more Americans age 55 or older will be in the labor force than in 1998.

Americans aged 55 or older are a dedicated and experienced core of our workforce. Their contributions to the nation as paid workers and volunteers in both the private and public sectors are immeasurable. However, as more Baby Boomers retire, there will be a decline in the workforce, especially for experienced and well-trained workers.

Governor Ted Strickland's priorities stress making the State a stronger competitor in the global marketplace. Older Ohioans, a desirable group of employees, can and will make a significant contribution to that goal.

On Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007, the Ohio Governor's Conference on Aging brought together business leaders, human resources professionals and policy makers at the Aladdin Shrine Center in Columbus to discuss the challenges companies and communities face in placing and retaining qualified seniors in the workplace. The conference included:

Click here for photos taken at the conference...

• Opening Keynote: "Ohio's Aging Workforce: Is Your Business Prepared?" by Linda Wiener, Wiener Training & Consulting, Vancouver, WA.
• Panel Discussion: "The Competitive Advantage of Experienced Workers"
  • Deborah Russell, Director of Workforce Issues, AARP, Washington D.C.
  • Todd Wilson, President, Accelerated Moving and Storage, Inc.
  • Michael Linton, President of Staffing Leadership Group, ODW Logistics, Inc.
  • Leah McGuire, Associate General Counsel and Director of Diversity, Border's Books
  • Moderated by Chuck Jenkins, Executive Director, Employment for Seniors, Inc.
• Luncheon Keynote by Governor Ted Strickland. Gov. Strickland recognized leaders from two Ohio businesses that made AARP's list of the Best Employers for Workers over 50. The governor also signed AARP's "Divided We Fail" pledge for health care reform.
• Panel Discussion: "Adapting Corporate Culture to the Aging Workforce"
  • Jeff Keifer, Human Resources, American Electric Power
  • Lisa Kirk, Recruiting Director, Talent Acquisition, Nationwide Insurance
  • Stephen M. Wing, Director, Government Programs, CVS Corporation
  • Rachel' Wagner, Project Manager - Ohio Medicaid Hotline, Automated Health Systems
  • Dawn Malone, Administrative Director - Work and Family Services, Bon Secours Richmond Health System
  • Moderated by Marc Molea, Chief, Older Americans Programs Division, Ohio Department of Aging
• Panel Discussion: "Experienced Workers: What We Offer"
  • Iris Cooper, Manager, Office of Small Business Development, Ohio Department of Development and co-founder and owner of Glory Foods, Inc.
  • Gary M. Kazanjian, Executive Director, Office of Communications, Ohio Department of Education
  • Barbara E. Riley, Director, Ohio Department of Aging
  • Jim Wing, pharmacist, CVS
  • Moderated by Scott Layson, Senior Employment and Workforce Development Administrator, Ohio Department of Aging

Sponsored by the Ohio Department of Aging