[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 174 (Tuesday, November 25, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S15972]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO VERMONT ASSOCIATES FOR TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT, INC.

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, today I would like to pay tribute 
to Vermont Associates for Training and Development as it celebrates 20 
years of service in meeting the employment needs of Vermonters, age 55 
and older, who are ready, willing, and able to work.
  I also acknowledge the organization's founding executive director, 
Pat Elmer, for her vision, leadership, and management skills as she has 
guided the organization during the past two decades. The agency has 
developed a number of programs related to career counseling, job 
search, and computer training in order to prepare individuals for the 
work place. In addition, they provide on-the-job training stipends to 
allow people the opportunity to build their resumes through real-life 
work experiences.
  Too often employers may overlook this valuable, and often untapped, 
resource, which older workers have to offer the workplace. I commend 
Vermont Associates for leading the way in changing the mindset of many 
companies by creating new opportunities for employees and employers 
alike.
  As a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
Pensions, HELP, which has jurisdiction over the Older Americans Act, I 
commend Vermont Associates for their wise and prudent use of funding 
from this act. Vermont Associates, and their colleagues across the 
country, were very helpful to me as I chaired the HELP Committee during 
the long-awaited reauthorization of this legislation.
  I have a strong admiration for Pat's dedication and the many others, 
including board members and volunteers, who have built Vermont 
Associates. Vermont is grateful to Vermont Associates for their 
steadfast commitment to equal access to employment. Collectively, they 
have greatly improved the quality of life in our small State. For that, 
Vermont owes a great deal of gratitude.

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