HOULTON, Maine — One of the Shiretown’s largest employers has been named one of 2018’s best employers for workers over the age of 50.
Community Living Association, which employs more than 250 people in the greater Houlton area, was selected by the State Workforce Board’s Older Worker Committee to receive the “Silver Collar Employee Award.”
The Silver Collar Employer Award honors employers whose policies and practices match the needs of mature employees, capturing their skills and experience, strong work ethic, flexibility, and enthusiasm, according to the workforce board.
“More than 40 percent of Community Living Association employees are seniors, with many over the age of 60,” said Peter Marcotte, human resources director for CLA. “Many (employees) are in their late 60’s and 70’s. Some have retired in their late 70’s and early 80’s after 30 to 40 years at CLA.”
CLA provides residential, day program, work support, community-based training, case management, and shared living services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The business helps people to have fully engaged lives, valued roles, and participate fully in the community.
“CLA has above average pay and benefits including excellent medical, prescription, vision, dental coverage and extraordinarily generous paid time off,” said Rob Moran, executive director. “And we offer full-time benefits at 28 hours per week. Seniors are tremendous employees. CLA is very grateful and proud to be a senior-friendly business.”
“I congratulate this year’s winners for recognizing the value that different employees bring to our workforce,” said Gov. Paul R. LePage in a press release. “Our state needs and values the contributions of all members of our workforce, no matter their age, and the Silver Collar Awards recognize businesses who put these values into action.”
Maine is the oldest state in the nation, with a median age of 44.7 years. Today, workers age 55 and over comprise 28 percent of the labor force, the press release stated. That share is expected to rise over the next decade as the large baby boom generation advances in age.
The State Workforce Board (SWB) is responsible for assisting Gov. LePage in improving the state’s business climate by designing and implementing strategies that help Mainers enter the workforce as well as advance by increasing their skills. For more information about the SWB or workforce development, visit http//www.maine.gov/swb.
Other awardees are Couleur Collection LLC in Falmouth, Loving Touch In-Home Care in Bangor, and Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport.
