Reference: Older Worker Bulletins 97-35 Background: The manuals are the second of a series of publications that are being disseminated. These manuals are a compilation of successful experiences and strategies of SCSEP project directors and sponsors on obtaining unsubsidized employment. They are designed to help SCSEP sponsors increase the quantity and quality of unsubsidized placements, enabling SCSEP enrollees to live more satisfying and productive lives. Using Public Relations to Market Older Workers: This manual provides resource material to help SCSEP sponsors initiate or enrich their public relations activities. It is intended to help more older Americans find unsubsidized jobs by increasing the visibility of older worker programs. Job seekers enrolled in the SCSEP need visibility to help them in their efforts to find unsubsidized employment. The better the program and its participants are known in the community, the better the chances are that the local employers will take advantage of this labor pool of older workers. This resource manual is divided into six sections: -- Using the Media -- Preparing Effective Brochures, Flyers and Posters -- Planning and Publicizing Job Fairs -- Planning and Publicizing "Hire the Older Worker Week" -- Business Cards with a Message -- Other Ways to Publicize Your Program How to Help SCSEP Enrollees find Jobs: This resource manual presents material derived from the workshops on job clubs, the job developer, unsubsidized placements in rural areas, developing employer relationships and job search courses and individual job search. It is divided into four major sections: -- How to Organize and Operate a Job Club: -- How to Select, Train and Use a Job Developer -- How to Train Individuals and Groups to Use Job Search Techniques -- How to Promote the Hiring of SCSEP Enrollees Using Motivation and Training to Increase Job Placements: This manual presents ideas and techniques that have worked for successful SCSEP practitioners. In Chapter 1, "How to Use Motivation to Increase Unsubsidized Placements," emphasis is placed on the importance of making sure enrollees understand that the function of the SCSEP is not to provide jobs, but rather to provide the work experience and training that will prepare them for unsubsidized jobs in the public and private sectors. In Chapter 2, "How to Use Skill Training to Increase Unsubsidized Placements," information is presented on some of the training options presently available and how they are being used. Future Publications: The remaining publications to be disseminated include: (1) Employment and Training Policy Implications of the Aging Baby Boom Generation; (2) Increasing Private Sector Placements by Using OAA Section 502(e) Authority and; (3) Individual Assessment and Planning for Enrollees in SCSEP. Also, other relevant publications will be disseminated as they become available. Older Workers Homepage: It is anticipated that these publications will be available for downloading from the SCSEP website. More information on this will be provided when it is available.

References. None. Background. In a continuous effort to provide the best customer service, Mr. Theodore W. Mastroianni announced that Thomas M. Dowd has graciously agreed to become the Chief for both the Indian and Native American and the Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers Divisions. Information. Effective January 8, 1998. Action. None. Inquiries. Questions should be addressed to the Office of National Programs at (202) 219-8502.

Reference: Department of Labor News Release USDL: 97-468 Background: On Tuesday, December 30, 1997, Secretary Alexis Herman unveiled a $711.5 million plan for a two-year competitive grant competition Inquiries: Questions should be directed to your Federal Representative at (202) 219-5904. Attachments: Press release

References. a. JTPA Regulations at 20 CFR Part 632 b. DINAP Bulletin No. 85-15, Administrative Cost limit c. DINAP Bulletin No. 88-20, Administrative Requirements for DOL Grantees d. DINAP Bulletin No. 92-26, Transition Guidance for the Implementation of the JTPA Amendments of 1992 e. DINAP Bulletin No. 94-3, Implementation of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 (revised) f. DINAP Bulletin No. 95-11, Instructions and Reporting Requirements Background. a. PY 98 Allocation: The PY 1998 JTPA Title IV-A, section 401 appropriation is $53.8 million; $1.3 million more than last year's funding level of $52.5 million. Title II-B funding for the summer youth program is $15.8 million. b. Reallocation Policy: DINAP Bulletins 96-15 and 97-05 outline the excess carryover policy and method by which excess funds will be recaptured and reallocated. With recent JTPA funding levels at their lowest levels, carryover amounts in excess of the allowable 20 percent level will be reallocated to those programs without excess carryover. This policy only applies to Title IV-A funding. Plan Requirements. a. Due date(s): SUMMER YOUTH PLAN (SYP) - Grantees receiving Title II-B Summer Youth funds must submit a SYP postmarked no later than April 10, 1998. COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL PLAN (CAP) - All section 401 grantees must submit a PY 1998 CAP postmarked no later than May 8, 1998. SYPs and CAPs postmarked after the above stated due dates will beconsidered late. Grantees who submit their plans late may experience a delay in plan approval and subsequent availability of PY 98 funds (Notice of Obligation). b. Technical Assistance: Each year several grantees are confronted with truly "unique circumstances" which result in late CAP submissions, (e.g., new program director, first time to complete a CAP, etc.). If your program is facing a "unique circumstance" that may potentially cause your CAP to be submitted after the May 8th due date, you need to contact your Fed. Rep. immediately to request technical assistance. This assistance should enable you to meet the May 8th due date requirement. However, if you sought TA assistance, as advised above, and still need more time to complete your CAP, you should consider the following steps if you plan to attend the National Indian and Native American Employment & Training Conference (NINAETC) in Spokane, Washington, May 11 - 14, 1998: Step 1. Keep in constant contact with your Fed. Rep. prior to the CAP due date to receive required TA to complete your CAP. Step 2. If you have taken step 1, and it still appears you are not going to complete and submit your CAP by May 8th, you may request a one-week extension from your Fed. Rep. by no later than April 17th. (No extensions will be considered if requested after April 17th.) Step 3. If a one-week extension is approved by your Fed. Rep., you must be prepared to bring all required CAP materials to the NINAETC to receive one-on-one TA. You must also be prepared to mail the completed CAP postmarked no later than May 15, 1998. c. CAPs and SYPs on Disk. Last year was the first year grantees were given the option of submitting CAPs and Summer Plans on disk. Once again, as a part of the grantee/Department partnership effort and a commitment to reduce administrative burden while increasing program results, we are providing grantees the option of submitting their CAP and SYP using the Planning Disk Program (3.5" floppy disk) or in the traditional paper document format (hard copy). All of the required CAP and SYP planning instructions, forms and performance standards requirements have been formatted to create a computer software planning program called the "DINAP Planning Disk." The software program is easy to use, insures that all CAP and SYP requirements are completed, and detects common errors. Grantees must send their plans either in the traditional paper format (hard copy) or on diskette, do not send both. The disks and instructions are enclosed. d. CAP and SYP Narratives: All grantees are required to complete a CAP and (if applicable) SYP narrative(s) for PY 1998. e. Community Service Employment (CSE) Wage: The Fair Labor Standards Act was amended to increase the Federal Minimum Wage to $4.75 per hour beginning October 1, 1996 and $5.15 per hour beginning September 1, 1997. However, pursuant to Federal Regulations at 20 CFR 632.81(b)(1) ["Maximum Wage rates for CSE"]; "The wages (including those received from overtime work and leave taken during the period of employment) paid to any CSE participant from funds under the Act shall be limited to $10,000 per year (or the hourly, weekly or monthly rate which, if full time and annualized, would equal a rate of $10,000 a year)". When calculated, this regulation limits the maximum hourly rate for CSE participants to $4.81 per hour. The current regulation at 20 CFR 632.81 contradicts the amendments to the Federal Minimum Wage of $5.15 per hour as of September 1, 1997. Therefore, grantees are directed to comply with the current Federal Minimum Wage of $5.15 per hour. In addition, "Approved rates above $10,000 are fixed at the CETA approved rate as of September 30, 1982, unless adjusted by the Secretary." Grantees must receive prior DOL approval to pay CSE participants more than $10,000 within a one-year period. f. Required SYP and CAP Items: Grantees should reference the SYP/CAP checklist (see Attachment No. 6) to ensure that all required forms and documents are properly completed and included in the appropriate plan package. Additionally, all required forms and other attachments are labeled sequentially as SYP-1 thru SYP-4 and CAP 98-1 thru CAP 98-19. Any page labeled with an identifier (i.e., SYP or CAP 98) in the upper right-hand corner must be submitted with the applicable plan. g. Number of Copies to Submit: The original and two copies of the CAP must be submitted to DINAP with a completed and signed Grant Signature Sheet (CAP 98-1). Grantees that want a copy of the CAP with an original signature for their files must provide an original signature on each of the copies (29 CFR 97.10(b)(2)). Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (CAP 98-17) and the Certification Regarding Lobbying Activities (CAP 98-19) also require grantee signatures. Grantees are advised to keep a copy of all submitted plans. Grantees who utilize the DINAP planning disk option must print out the Grant Signature sheet (CAP 98-1), Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (CAP 98-17) and the Certification Regarding Lobbying Activities (CAP 98-19) from the planning disk and submit three copies, one with an original signature, along with the planning disk. Do not use the forms in this bulletin if the program planning disk is used. Information. a. Regulations: Section 401 grantees will continue to use and comply with the existing regulations at 20 CFR Part 632, and the mandatory provisions in the 1992 amendments to JTPA referenced in DINAP Bulletin No. 92-26. b. General Waiver Provision: A request can be made for a waiver to any regulatory or program requirement not contained in the JTPA Act (20 CFR 632.70 Waiver of Regulations under Parts 632 and 636). DINAP Bulletin 95-29 provides specific instructions on how to request waivers to the regulations and other program requirements. Note: Grantees may submit a waiver request and CAP documents at the same time; however, the request must be separate from the CAP documents and not included in the CAP narrative. This is to ensure that any delay in approving a waiver request does not delay approving a CAP. Although it is preferable to have an approved waiver effective the beginning of a program year, grantees may submit a request for a waiver at any time during the program year. c. Requests for Acquisition of Real Property and Equipment: Grant Officer approval is required prior to the acquisition of all real property, including equipment, which has a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit pursuant to OMB Circulars A-102 [29 CFR 97.32] and A-110 [20 CFR 95.2(n)]. The actual request must be submitted separately from the CAP/SYP even if the grantee indicates their intention to purchase equipment in the CAP and/or SYP documents. This is to ensure that any delay in approving real property or equipment purchase requests does not delay the CAP approval process. d. "477" Grantees: The twenty-two Section 401 grantees with approved 477 plans are not required to submit a PY 98 CAP. Of the twenty-two that have included the Summer Youth Program in their approved 477 plan, a SYP will not be required for PY 1998. PY 98 funds will be transferred to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Action. If applicable, grantees must submit their Title II-B Summer Youth plans, postmarked no later than April 10, 1998. All grantees must submit their CAPs, postmarked no later than May 8, 1998 to the following address: U.S. Department of Labor ETA/Room N-4641 Division of Indian and Native American Programs 200 Constitution Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20210 ATTN: MIS DESK Note: Plans should be sent only to the address listed above. Only a United States Postal postmark or Express Mail service tracking label with pertinent delivery information are acceptable (i.e., Federal Express, Airborne Express, etc.) Privately owned or leased metered mail postmarks are NOT acceptable (i.e., Pitney Bowes meter machine, etc.). Inquiries. Questions should be directed to your Federal Representative Team. (East Team 202/219-5504, Midwest Team 214/767-2154 and West Team 206/553-6195).

Background: Today, America s workforce is undergoing an unprecedented series of changes. While technology is rapidly reshaping the face of our economy, and business struggles to compete in an increasingly global market, a large segment of America s population, the Baby Boom Generation, is aging rapidly. Simultaneous advances in technology and demographic changes are having effects that will continue to reshape our economy well into the 21st century. Many people are familiar with facts about technology, computers and downsizing; however, relatively few know that the number of workers age 45 and over will have increased by nearly 17 million between 1994 and 2005. Ms. Imel's article, published by Ohio State University's Center on Education and Training for Employment, was commissioned by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement at the U. S. Department of Education. It summarizes a number of studies and articles that bear directly on the economic and demographic changes that society is experiencing. Findings: Many critical findings relative to older workers are found in the article. To highlight a few: a.) The number of individuals aged 55 and over in the work force is continuing to grow. b.) Since 1984, both the full- and part-time work of "retired" men younger than age 65 has increased markedly. c.) Proportionately more older workers were laid off as a result of the downsizing activities that took place from 1986 through 1991. d.) Attitudes and beliefs about older workers are ambivalent; that is, they are viewed as having both positive and negative attributes. e.) Compared to younger peers, older supervisors are more negative in their beliefs about older workers. f.) Managers almost always underestimate the productivity of older workers. g.) Much of the available data is unreliable. h.) Much of the research on aging and work performance has not included a detailed analysis of contextual factors, such as opportunities for retraining, that would provide a link between individual changes and work performance. i.) No basis exists for the stereotypes surrounding the ability of older workers to learn new skills. j.) Older workers are not treated comparably to younger workers in gaining access to training. k.) Ageism is a serious issue in the workplace, denying older workers equal opportunity and equitable treatment. l.) Older workers have served as scapegoats for corporate cost containment, with companies using existing prejudices and stereotypes to justify decisions regarding layoffs and access to training. Actions Required: a.) Sponsors should disseminate information from the article about older workers, and initiate dialogues with employers to educate them about their findings, and b.) Sponsors should promote efforts to educate employers and the general public about the benefits of hiring, retraining and retaining mature workers. Inquiries: Questions should be directed to your Federal Representative at (202) 219-5904.

Background: In order to ensure that the maximum number of eligible individuals have an opportunity to participate in community service assignments, the grantee or sub- grantee shall employ reasonable means to place each enrollee into unsubsidized employment. To encourage the placement of enrollees into unsubsidized jobs, the Department has established a goal of placing at least 20 percent of the project's annual authorized positions into unsubsidized employment. Whenever this goal is not achieved, the grantee must develop and submit a plan of action for addressing the shortfall. In addition, the Employment and Training Administration's overall placement goal for SCSEP enrollees is at least 25 percent, and the number of enrollees served should exceed the number of positions funded by 40 percent. Congressional interest in the unsubsidized placement aspect of the SCSEP continues to emphasize the importance of effective transition for program participants. Rates of Transition: For the program year that ended June 30, 1997, the following SCSEP sponsors met or exceeded their placement goal: SPONSOR/RATE: Idaho Office on Aging 67.2 Wyoming Commission on Aging 56.9 Vermont Associates for Training and Development, Inc. 48.2 American Association of Retired Persons Foundation 38.9 Utah Division of Aging and Adult Services 36.9 Virginia Governor's Employment and Training Dept. 36.1 New Mexico State Agency on Aging 29.9 Nevada Division for Aging Services 29.3 California Department of Aging 28.2 Green Thumb, Inc. 27.9 Asociacion Nacional Pro Personas Mayores 27.4 Connecticut Department on Aging 27.3 National Urban League, Inc 27.0 Illinois Department on Aging 26.8 New York Office for the Aging 26.2 Ohio Department on Aging 26.0 National Senior Citizens Education & Research Center, Inc. 25.5 Colorado Department of Human Services 25.2 Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services 24.7 North Dakota Job Service 24.3 Tennessee Commission on Aging 24.0 National Council on the Aging 23.9 National Caucus & Center on Black Aged, Inc. 23.3 Oregon Senior and Disabled Services 22.9 Delaware Department of Health & Social Services 22.4 Pennsylvania Department of Aging 22.0 Kansas Department of Human Resources 21.9 Texas Workforce Commission 21.6 District of Columbia Department of Employment Services 21.4 Minnesota Department of Jobs and Training 21.2 West Virginia Commission on Aging 21.0 Arkansas Department of Human Services 20.9 Indiana Family and Social Services Administration 20.7 Puerto Rico Department of Social Services 20.6 Maine Department of Human Services 20.3 Hawaii Department of Labor & Industrial Relations 20.2 Oklahoma Office of the Governor 20.1 TOTALS: Program Placement Rate 26.1 Percentage Served (140% Goal) 163.9 The Department of Labor wishes to commend the fine efforts of those sponsors which have met or exceeded the 20 percent goal. It also recognizes that some sponsors that failed to reach the goal in PY 1996 have achieved it in previous years. Sponsors are encouraged to continue their efforts to meet or exceed their unsubsidized placement goal as identified in the grant agreement. It is also noteworthy that, as a group, the SCSEP sponsors exceeded the program performance goals set forth in Older Worker Bulletin 97-2; namely, the achievement of at least a 25 percent placement rate and a service rate of at least 140 percent. Action Required: Sponsors that did not achieve the placement rate of 20 percent must submit a plan of action for addressing the shortfall with their 1998 grant application. Inquiries: Questions should be directed to your Federal Representative at (202) 219-5904.

References: The SCSEP regulations at 20 CFR 641.309(g), Older Americans Act, Section 502; Older Worker Bulletins 94-8 and 96.1. Background: According to the Older Americans Act, the main purpose of the SCSEP is "to foster and promote useful part-time opportunities in community service activities for unemployed low-income persons who are fifty-five years of age or older and who have poor employment prospects." Therefore, this guide was designed to assist the older worker specialist develop individualized assessment and planning procedures to help low-income older workers reach their potential. It provides information on using assessments to develop individual training and employment plans for older workers. It suggests ways to assess the skills of older workers and to help them choose training and employment objectives. Each SCSEP grantee or subgrantee is required under Section 641.309 of the regulations to: (1) Prepare an assessment/re-assessment of each enrollee's skills and talents, their need for supportive services; and their physical capabilities; (2) Provide eligible individuals with training and employment guidance based on strategies which identify appropriate employment objectives; (3) Provide advice and guidance to participants on their progress in achieving such objectives and satisfying their need for supportive services; and (4) Identify training necessary to make the most effective use of the skills and talents of the enrollee. Future Publications: Relevant publications will be disseminated as they become available. Action Required: SCSEP grantees and subgrantees should be reminded to take appropriate action to ensure that enrollees are provided with assessments that include plans for addressing the participants' skills and talents, needed supportive services, and physical capabilities. Older Workers Homepage: It is anticipated that this publication will be available for downloading from the SCSEP website. More information on this will be provided when it becomes available. Inquiries: Questions should be directed to your Federal Representative at (202) 219-5904.

References: Older Worker Bulletins 90-6, 90-12, 93-3, 93-11, 94-2, 96-2; the Older Americans Act (OAA), Subsections 506(c) and (d) and the SCSEP regulation at 20 CFR Section 641.201. Background: The Equitable Distribution Report (ETA 8705) provides a basis for determining the collective progress made by sponsors toward an equitable distribution of program positions. It is also useful for locating new or vacant positions. As part of the planning process, sponsors must participate in the preparation of an equitable distribution report. The requirement is found at section 506(c) of the OAA and 20 CFR Section 641.201(c) of the Federal Regulations. Procedures: Procedures for completion of this year's report are similar to those used in previous years. Remember each sponsor in the State should sign the report (see section 6.a.(3) below). Also, PLEASE REVIEW Attachment I Special Notes. Attachment II provides instructions for completing the report. Reporting Preparation: The equitable distribution report should be prepared by using the diskette provided with OW Bulletin 93-11. The diskette contains the 1990 Census information and the format needed to prepare the report. The number of authorized positions must be updated for each State, however. To update the information, use the Program Year 1997 information for your State found in Attachment III, and the instructions found on page 100 of the user manual,SPONSOR SUPPORT SYSTEM version 1.3. Transmit the reports to the Division of Older Worker Programs. This year, the hard copy printed form is the preferred submittal document. Instructions for completing the hard copy of the Equitable Distribution Report are found in section 6 below. The report should be sent by March 20, 1998. Action: a. State SCSEP agencies are requested to: (1) Convene a meeting of all SCSEP program operators in their State to review the existing slot placement by county; (2) Develop the sub-State distribution report of the present slot allocations. A vacant authorized position should be reported, but temporary positions should not. Compare the equitable county levels with the actual distribution and discuss how to bring about an improved distribution; (3) Obtain the signature of representatives of each sponsor operating in the State on the form or the transmittal letter. If a sponsor chooses not to sign, it should explain in writing why it did not and send a copy of this explanation to each sponsor and DOL. NOTE: If a sponsor representative is unable to sign the form but is in agreement with it, it may send a letter indicating agreement with the report. The letter can be used in lieu of the signature. (4) Submit the Equitable Distribution Report to: -- Division of Older Worker Programs (DOWP) -- U.S. Department of Labor -- 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. -- Room N4641 -- Washington, D.C. 20210 (5) To facilitate communication, a list of national sponsor contacts is attached. (See Attachment IV) b. National SCSEP Sponsors are requested to: (1) Designate representatives to attend State- convened equitable distribution meetings to provide existing and projected slot levels for use in reaching agreement on how to bring about more equitable levels by county; or (2) Convene the equitable distribution meeting and prepare the report in those cases where the national sponsor is delegated the responsibility for the Governor's SCSEP allocation as follows: AL. NSCERC, AZ. NCOA, SD. GT, MT. GT. NOTE: Completion of the report should be a cooperative activity. All sponsors should put forth their best effort. Disagreements should be resolved locally through genuine communication and compromise. Format for the Equitable Distribution Report: The attached report form, ETA 8705, should be used for the Equitable Distribution Report. (See Attachment II). To complete the report, sponsors should follow the instructions which are also provided in Attachment II. Although form ETA 8705 should be used, it may be modified by adding pages or expanding or reducing the size of the columns and spaces. Distribution of SCSEP Resources: The OAA requires sponsors to seek an equitable distribution of program resources. Where necessary, redistributions should be made by relocation of vacant or new positions and through normal attrition. No enrollee should be terminated because of the equitable distribution requirement. When the grant applications are prepared for the next grant period, consideration must be given to the data contained in the Equitable Distribution Report. Technical Considerations: The census information was prepared for the Department from information supplied by the U.S. Census Bureau. The data is based on the 1990 census, and includes only those people who meet the statutory participant eligibility factors: individuals age 55 and over who have incomes at or below 125 percent of the poverty level. This information is found on the diskette that was sent to each sponsor with OW Bulletin 93-11. Information for Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, and the Virgin Islands is not on the diskette. The sponsors in these jurisdictions may use the best available information to complete the chart. Note: The data used to prepare the report should be that supplied by the Department of Labor. If a state agency has updated data it wants to use, it should provide that information to the other sponsors and the DOL two weeks prior to the meeting. Schedule: Reports should be submitted to the DOWP, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-4641, Washington, D.C. 20210, by March 20, 1998. Questions: Questions should be directed to your Federal Representative at(202) 219-5904.

References. None. Background. a. Per the approval of the majority of Section 401 grantees, the Department of Labor reserved three tenths of one percent (.3 percent) of the PY 97 program funds to assist small grantees with travel and per diem costs to attend the National Indian and Native American Employment and Training Conference in Spokane, Washington. This bulletin provides the final list of grantees eligible for travel and per diem reimbursement for one staff person to attend the Spokane national TAT conference. b. Each grantee should make their airline and hotel arrangements through Ms. Charlene Keller with the California Indian Manpower Consortium (CIMC). To save money, all reservations will be handled through a single travel agent retained by CIMC. Tickets will be mailed to the grantee staff designated to attend. Any travel arrangements not authorized by DINAP and made through CIMC will not be reimbursed. This is necessary in order to keep expenses within the fixed amount of resources available to support small grantee travel. c. Reimbursement will cover local transportation expenses (POV mileage, parking, taxis, etc.), lodging expenses, meals, and incidental expenses. Airfare and conference registration fees will be paid for one staff person only per grantee on the attached list. Should a grantee named on the attached list send more than one person to the Spokane conference, the grantee will be responsible for all expenses except for those of the one person whose arrangements were made through CIMC. d. Local taxi fares, rental cars, long distance calls, room service, movie rentals, etc. WILL NOT be reimbursed. Federal travel rates in effect at the time of the conference will be applied to all reimbursement claims. e. CIMC will provide the appropriate travel reimbursement forms (travel voucher) at the conference. All travel vouchers must be submitted prior to August 28, 1998, to be eligible for reimbursement of allowable expenses. Action Required. Grantees listed on the attachment should contact CIMC immediately to make their airfare and hotel arrangements. Questions. Questions should be addressed directly to Ms. Charlene Keller with CIMC, Inc. at 916-920-0285.

Background: The SCSEP sponsors and State Employment Security Agencies (SESAs), along with the American Legion, have traditionally provided the local leadership for celebrating National Older Workers Employment Week. The week provides the opportunity to focus on the many positive contributions that older workers in general, and SCSEP enrollees in particular, have made in the past as well as those that they will make in the future. This year, President Clinton has signed a Proclamation declaring National Older Workers Employment Week to be March 8 through March 14, 1998, again demonstrating the Administration s continued commitment to the employment of older workers. Prime Time Awards: Green Thumb, Inc., with participation of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging, will hold a "Prime Time Awards" ceremony at the White House Visitors Center on Thursday March 12, 1998 to honor outstanding achievements of older workers representing all fifty States and U.S. territories. During this awards ceremony Green Thumb will also honor America s oldest worker. The President's signed proclamation and posters prepared by Green Thumb for the Department, for National Older Workers Employment Week, will be sent to you under seperate cover. The Department encourages you to use these as you plan your activities to celebrate National Older Workers Employment Week. Action Required: SCSEP sponsors should: (A) Distribute copies of the attached Proclamation to their local offices and program sponsors so that they are received prior to March 8; (B) Promote efforts to educate employers on the benefits of hiring and retaining older workers; (C) Undertake efforts to recognize the contributions made by older workers, and to facilitate and promote their continued participation in the workforce, e.g., through job fairs, Older Worker luncheons, newspaper releases, and radio and TV broadcasts emphasizing the contributions of successful older workers; (D) Coordinate with SESAs and their local offices, One-Stop career centers and with Job Training Partnership Act State Liaisons and Service Delivery Areas. The Governor s office and other SCSEP sponsors should work together to further foster community efforts to recognize, promote and celebrate older workers in the States and local communities; and (E) Share examples of products developed and successful experiences which may be helpful to others in the future. Inquiries: Questions should be directed to your Federal Representative at (202) 219-5904.