Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Honors State Employees

Proclaims May 7 State Employee Recognition Day

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced the recipients of the second annual Governor's Awards for Excellence and praised all state employees for their dedication to service during national Public Employee Recognition Week.

"The daily efforts of our 78,000 state employees enhance the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians," Governor Rendell said. "Because of their dedication to excellence, the commonwealth has a reputation as the keystone of quality government and as a provider of outstanding services."

The Governor's Awards for Excellence ceremony paid tribute to the exemplary accomplishments of commonwealth employees in seven categories:

Community Service Award

• William Feher, Luzerne County, Department of Environmental Protection
• Linda Fullem, Fayette County, Department of Transportation

Cost Savings Award

• Larry Say, Venango County, Historical and Museum Commission

Customer Service Award

• Chris Morrow, Franklin County, Department of Insurance

Heroism Award

• Michael Lubinsky, Westmoreland County, Department of Corrections
• Christopher Mickulicz, Fayette County, Department of Corrections

Humanitarianism Award

• Nancy Boyer, Northumberland County, Department of Labor & Industry

Initiative/Innovation Award

• Richard Beam, Somerset County, Department of Environmental Protection

Leadership Award

• Dale Adair, Chester County, Department of Public Welfare
• Renee' Shrimp, Lycoming County, Department of Corrections

"Regardless of whether you work in public safety, human services or health care - or if you work in transportation, economic development or education - the services you provide have a dramatic impact on other people's lives," the Governor said. "I'm very proud of our efficient workforce and I'm particularly proud of the excellent work you do. I applaud you for going above and beyond your job requirements."

The awards are presented as part of Public Employee Recognition Week, which is celebrated during the first week of May. During the week, state employees are recognized for their efforts to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars as they continue to address complex problems with innovative solutions that maximize public services and minimize costs.

Governor Rendell proclaimed May 7 as State Employee Recognition Day. For details on the awardees' accomplishments, visit www.awards4excellence.state.pa.us.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit: www.governor.state.pa.us.

CONTACT: Mia DeVane

717-772-4237 (OA)

Barry Ciccocioppo

717-783-1116