- ESD
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The 32nd Annual Governor’s Employer Awards are coming this October, brought to you by the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment (GCDE). Nomination season is here, and we need your star power!
The GCDE is housed within — and partners proudly — with the Employment Security Department (ESD). And Phil White, ESD’s former deputy commissioner, is personally inviting everyone to submit an award nomination.
Please watch his heartfelt and humorous video and read his message below. And then, please submit a nomination! Celebrate equity for workers with disabilities!
Sincerely,
Yvonne Bussler-White, GCDE Awards Committee chair
Elizabeth Gordon, GCDE executive director
Please watch his heartfelt and humorous video and read his message below. And then, please submit a nomination! Celebrate equity for workers with disabilities!
Sincerely,
Yvonne Bussler-White, GCDE Awards Committee chair
Elizabeth Gordon, GCDE executive director
Yvonne Bussler-White and Elizabeth Gordon
From Phil White:
Are you ready for “The GCDEs”? That’s what we’re calling the 2024 Governor’s Employer Awards ceremony because it will be a festive Oscars-style, red-carpet event, complete with a tuxedo-clad emcee: me!
My first job in hosting this blockbuster event is soliciting nominations. And guess what? Nominations are officially open!
So please read this email and watch my video, meant to entertain while delivering an important appeal: If you know of any employers who do a great job hiring and advancing people with disabilities, please do us a huge favor! Pass on the news: We’re now accepting nominations for The GCDEs — prestigious awards that celebrate equity for workers with disabilities.
Please watch Phil’s video!
We offer “employer of the year” awards to employers who recruit, hire and advance people with disabilities. Award categories include small, medium, large, private, public, nonprofit and youth employers.
We also give three lifetime achievement awards for individuals who have made significant contributions in the fields of disability equity and employment.
As you know, studies show that diversity and inclusion policies are correlated with high performance. They create opportunities, improve performance and boost profit margins.
So listen up! We want to shine a light on organizations and people who create inclusive workplaces! And we need your nominations to do that. Get your pens and your keyboards warmed up and ready.
See GCDE’s website to find all details and nomination materials. Nominations are open through July 31.
Then, clear your October calendar. The GCDEs are coming to the Kitsap County Convention Center this fall! Can’t wait to see you there as we celebrate YOUR nominee!
Phil White, former deputy commissioner
Washington State Employment Security Department