Congratulations to Julia Cleary and Ericka Thomas on being selected as the Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette Employees of the Year for Program Year 2006-2007.

Julia is a Youth Specialist in the Workforce Development division of the organization. She administers the Out-of-School youth program as well as the Manufacturing Career Exploration Program (MCEP) for high school students. This year, Julia has taken the lead to design the curriculum and recruit participants for the New Adventures camp for middle school students being held at Steel Center Vo-Tech in southern Allegheny County.

Additionally, Julia administers SAGE and assists job seekers at the PA CareerLink Westmoreland to utilize the Employ On job search website. She is also a member of the PIC Marketing Committee and the PIC Newsletter staff.

Ericka is a Program Development Specialist in the Education division of the organization. She works to identify employment opportunities for individuals being served in the Employment, Advancement, and Retention Network (EARN) program.

Earlier this year, Ericka was recognized at the annual Pennsylvania Partners Conference in Hershey by the Bureau of Employment and Training Programs. The "Governor's Achievement Award" is awarded to outstanding participants in Employment and Training programs. As a single woman caring for her two nieces, Ericka found herself laid off from a company after working there for seven years. She was recognized for overcoming challenges and obstacles with great courage and determination by finding full-time employment at PIC. Her achievements have helped her to relate to clients and serve as a role model to clients and co-workers alike.

On June 15, 2007, Tim Yurcisin, President presented Julia and Ericka each with a $500 check and a bouquet of flowers. In addition, each will be treated to lunch with the PIC Vice President of their choice.

Congratulations again, Julia and Ericka! Keep up the great work!

Participating in the Award Ceremony at the Greensburg office are (left to right) Terri Campbell, Vice President of Operations; Chuck Burtyk, Director of Workforce Development; Julia Cleary, Youth Specialist;
and Tim Yurcisin, PIC President.

Participating in the Award Ceremony at the Uniontown office are (left to right) Ted Martin, Project Supervisor; Shujuane Martin, EARN Coordinator; Ericka Thomas, Program Development Specialist;
and Tim Yurcisin, PIC President.