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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9, 2007

Governor's Conference Focuses on Recruiting Valuable Employees
Sessions Will Engage Business Leaders, Policy Makers and Older Workers

COLUMBUS - Governor Ted Strickland and the Ohio Department of Aging will welcome business and human resources leaders and policy makers to the 2007 Governor's Conference on Aging on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Aladdin Shrine Center, 3850 Stelzer Rd., Columbus. The conference theme is "The Untapped Resource - Seniors in the Workplace." Keynote speakers and expert panels will help attendees better understand the advantages of employing seniors and the benefits of creating a more favorable work environment for workers of all ages.

"We are pleased to work with the Governor to help Ohio businesses hone their competitive edge," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the Ohio Department of Aging. "His priorities stress making the State a stronger competitor in the global marketplace. To do that, we must tap into the unique skills and work ethics of those who have left, or are about to leave our workforce."

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. As more Baby Boomers retire, Ohio companies will face the loss of many of their upper management and longtime employees, taking with them significant talent, experience and institutional knowledge. Companies can avoid or compensate for this loss by encouraging older workers to stay in the workforce longer, as well as by hiring other older workers who are not yet ready to retire.

Linda Weiner, a national expert on adapting to an aging workforce, will open the conference with a discussion of how prepared Ohio is for an aging workforce. During the morning session, a panel of business leaders will discuss the benefits that specifically courting older workers have brought to their companies. The first afternoon session will feature a panel of human resources leaders who will discuss how to adapt the workplace to the changing workforce. The conference will conclude with a panel of experienced workers, who will share their motivations for staying in or returning to the workforce. During lunch, Governor Strickland will address the group and recognize leaders from two Ohio businesses that made AARP's list of the Best Employers for Workers over 50.

The conference is open to all business leaders, human resources professionals, policy makers, older workers and advocates for aging. Registration fees are $85 for the first attendee from a company and $65 for each additional attendee from the same company. For more information and to register online, visit www.goldenbuckeye.com/conference/.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.