On December 2, Kessler Foundation was awarded the first ever Governor’s Award for Workforce and Economic Development Excellence in Social Enterprise. David J. Socolow, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, presented the excellence awards at the Governor’s Workforce and Economic Development Conference at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City. Governor Jon Corzine convened the 3-day conference to explore how workforce and economic growth initiatives can position the state to emerge from the national economic crisis poised for economic growth. Elaine Katz, Vice President of Grants and Special Initiatives accepted the honor on behalf of Kessler Foundation.

In his remarks, Commissioner Socolow cited the contributions of the Foundation’s Transition to Work initiative, which provides grants to organizations and programs that serve people with disabilities through training, job placement and other support services focused on workplace opportunities. “As we compete in a global economy, our nation clearly needs to employ all of the talent available in our labor force,” he said. “Kessler Foundation has been committed to assuring that talented workers with disabilities are able to employ their skills and talent in the workforce.” The Foundation's research and community employment grants, almost $12 million to date, have improved quality of life for more than 1,700 individuals have and fostered employment for people with disabilities at hundreds of businesses throughout the state.

Commissioner Socolow recognized the Foundation’s innovative approach to expanding employment opportunities by providing seed funding through its Signature Employment grants to launch social enterprise businesses in document scanning, digital mail, and hydroponic technology. He acknowledged the Foundation’s key role in establishing a new state chapter of the U.S. Business Leadership Network, an employer-led initiative that promotes best business practices and competitive employment opportunities for skilled candidates with disabilities. “It is through these efforts,” he noted, “that barriers that once prevented people with disabilities from working are being knocked down.”