The award is presented to the One-Stop System which is responsible for developing and achieving the nation's workforce goals within a local area and is awarded by the NWA Board of Directors.

One-Stop Systems are described as "centers that provide employers and job seekers with information and access to a comprehensive range of employment programs and services including education."

This recognition verifies the dedication of the Region 1 Governance Consortium Committee and Keys to Organizational Growth, Inc. management team's efforts in striving to ensure the highest quality of customer service is offered to all WORKFORCE West Virginia clients, said Donna O'Neill, chairperson, Region 1 Workforce Investment Board.

"The One Stop Governance Consortium and KOG have worked extremely hard to make our system the best," said O'Neill.

According to Tina White, director, Workforce Development Services, the purpose of the Region 1 WORKFORCE West Virginia Career Centers is to promote effective economic and workforce development partnerships that develop and sustain productive workers for business and create prosperous communities for all citizens of Region 1 - the 11 southeastern counties of West Virginia.

Part of the criteria for this prestigious award is for the One-Stop to engage the business community and leadership, involving both public and private industry, in developing programs and services.

"The Region 1 WORKFORCE West Virginia One-Stop Career Centers house the many professionals which comprise the collaborative team which connects employment, education and training services to the needs of the business community," said White.

Further, this award recognizes the One-Stop's ability to effectively respond to employer demand in the marketplace for competent employees.

According to William Loope, executive director, Region 1 Workforce Investment board, the workforce board is committed, as a region, to successfully linking employers to a qualified applicant pool.

"As we strive to provide job seekers those employment opportunities which provide year-round, full-time employment, we are cognizant of the skills employers need in order to be profitable and successful in this ever-changing, even global economy in which we live. Providing job seekers with opportunities for skills training which meets those demands is crucial to our regions continued economic development. This award recognizes our ability to do these things effectively," said Loope.

According to Jerry Berry, chief Local Elected Official for the Region 1 Workforce Investment Board the award is well deserved. "The staff and the partners in the One Stops never cease to make us proud of Region Thanks to them for a job very well done," Berry said.