PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 18, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- John Clayton, workforce development manager for Independence Blue Cross (IBC), received the first Individual WorkReady Spotlight Award on Wednesday in recognition of his significant contributions to WorkReady Philadelphia and his dedication to advancing opportunities for the city's young people.
2012 marks the first year that individuals and programs were honored through WorkReady Spotlights. The awards were celebrated in the morning during the Breakfast of WorkReady Champions at the Sonesta Hotel in Philadelphia.
"John has been an amazing partner over the years and I believe no one is more deserving of this award," said Stephanie Gambone, vice president, external relations, the Philadelphia Youth Network. "His passion, commitment, and dedication to improving the lives of Philadelphia's young people is contagious."
In his role as IBC's workforce development manager, Clayton oversees the company's high school and college internship programs, builds relationships and coordinates programs with external organizations that provide further education and development opportunities, and manages many of IBC's diversity related activities.
"I am honored to be the first recipient of the WorkReady Spotlight Award," said Clayton. "The most rewarding part of my job is watching these intelligent, hardworking students develop and grow in a professional environment. If they leave IBC with a quality, educational experience, then I have been successful in my work."
Philadelphia Youth Network's WorkReady program provides young people with service learning, work experience, and internships to help prepare them for entrance into the workforce. Through this program, IBC has provided more than 550 summer jobs and professional development opportunities for over 10 years.
In recognition of its leadership in youth development, IBC also received the Fostering Continuity Award, which was given to companies that supported 25 to 200 internships this past summer. Fellow recipients of this award include Bank of America, Citizens Bank Foundation, City of Philadelphia, Comcast, TD Bank, United States Army Corps of Engineers-Philadelphia District, United States Environmental Protection Agency, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, and University of Pennsylvania.
Derrick Reed, a former WorkReady intern at IBC, provided remarks as Clayton was presented with the WorkReady Spotlight Award.
- Michael A. Nutter, mayor, City of Philadelphia
- Tracee Hunt, chief human resource officer, Bancroft Neurohealth and board member, Philadelphia Works
- Kathy Wiggins, assistant executive director, education and the workforce, The U.S. Conference of Mayors
- Rob Wonderling, president and CEO, The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
- WorkReady youth
The Breakfast of WorkReady Champions is hosted by the Philadelphia Council for College and Career Success, a subcommittee of Philadelphia Works, Inc., and is managed by the Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN). PYN works with over 50 organizations to operate WorkReady programs across the city.
About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we have 3.1 million members nationwide. For nearly 75 years, we have been enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more about how we're changing the game, visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook at ibx.com/facebook and on Twitter at @ibx. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.