Politics & Government

Gov. Corbett Recognizes Walmart Among Employers

Delaware County Walmart stores were among the list of employers recognized by the Corbett Administration with the Governor's Achievement Award for keeping employment growing.

Although they've only been now, the was recently recognized by the Corbett Administration for keeping employment growing in Pennsylvania.

The Marple Walmart, located in the Marple Crossroads Shopping Center in Springfield, was among the three other Delaware County Walmart stores–Boothwyn, Eddystone, and Glenolden–who were recognized with the Governor's Achievement Award.

Representatives from state workforce development agencies recognized the Delaware County Walmart stores and eight other employers at the 28th annual Pennsylvania Partners Employment, Training & Education Conference last week, reports Pennlive.com.

Find out what's happening in Springfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to a representative of Walmart, the Delco Walmart stores were nominated by the Delaware County Office of Employment and Training via the EARN Center, based in Chester. The EARN Center works with displaced, laid off and fired workers to help them re-train and re-enter the workforce successfully.

The EARN Center has placed 133 people in positions across the Delaware County Walmart stores. Many of those hired at the stores have also been promoted to supervisory and managerial positions, according to Walmart representatives.

Find out what's happening in Springfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Walmart Personnel Manager Tammy Boswell, who coordinates with the EARN Center to place people at one of the county's Walmart stores, shared that EARN has created an opportunity for those in need. She said she was initially "shocked" and "surprised" that the Delaware County Walmart employment program was recognized by Gov. Tom Corbett and she takes pride in the program.

"Through this program, people receive the opportunity," said Boswell. "I'm not saying that everyone we hire are the best but with the right direction and training, people we hire really, really want to do something. I enjoy helping people–if I can help somebody, I will help."

Ericka Benson, 23, of Chester, is an optician at the Marple Walmart store who began as a cashier when the store first opened. Soon after she gave birth to her son, Benson was in search of work and turned to the EARN Center for help.

Through EARN, Benson said she was able to receive help on interview skills, resume writing, and how to dress for an interview through their classes offered at the center.

Soon, she received a call back from Boswell offering her a job at the Marple Walmart. Though she's already been promoted and trained as an optician at the store, Benson has set her sights on a future promotion as a manager at the store.

"I started as soon as it [Marple Walmart] opened," said Benson. "It's been fun. All of the bosses are the best. I started off as a cashier and then this position [optician] opened. They trained me right here and I got it. I think I want to become a manager here someday."

Other employers recognized by Corbett include:

Department of Labor & Industry and Pennsylvania Partners

Governor's Workforce Development Awards

Eastern Pennsylvania

  • Michael Foods, Inc., Schuylkill County

Central Pennsylvania

  • Metaldyne Sintered Components, Elk County

Western Pennsylvania

  • Acutect Precision Machining, Crawford County

Department of Labor & Industry Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

Governor's Award for Employers Hiring Workers with Disabilities

  • U.S. Department of Defense Commissary Agency, Carlisle Barracks, Cumberland County

Department of Aging

Hall of Fame of Champions of Older Workers 2010 Outstanding Employer

  • Lowe's Home Improvement, Schuylkill County

Department of Education

Education Workforce Leadership Award

  • Bradford Area High School, McKean County

Department of Public Welfare

Employer Honor Roll Awards

  • Wash Cycle Laundry, Philadelphia County; nominated by Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation
  • Walmart, Delaware County; nominated by the Delaware County Office of Employment and Training
  • Dollar General, Luzerne County; nominated by EDSI of Luzerne County in Wilkes-Barre


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