Published: April 28, 2008 03:24 pm         

Officials looking for state's oldest worker

Nominations will be accepted for Tennessee's outstanding older worker for 2008 until June 1. An online nomination form or a printed nomination form can be accessed at www.experienceworks.org.

The Experience Works Prime Time Awards program is part of Experience Works' national effort to raise awareness of the contributions made by older individuals and to break down barriers associated with the hiring of all older workers. This year's search is being sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care, an outstanding employer of older workers in 2006.

Outstanding older workers from every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico will be honored in Washington, D.C., and in their home states for their contributions to the workforce and local communities.

Nominees or applicants must be 65 years of age or older, a resident of Tennessee, currently employed, and working at least 20 hours each week for pay. The honoree must be willing and able to travel to Washington, D.C., the week of September 22-26 for the Prime Time Award events. The visit will include meetings with congressional representatives, a tour of the city's landmarks, and the awards banquet and ceremony. Honorees have an opportunity to meet, share their stories, and celebrate their accomplishments. Family, friends or colleagues can send in a nomination, or older workers can self nominate.

Tennessee's outstanding older worker in 2007 was 83-year-old Sam Colvett, an income tax preparer from Alamo. His father taught him a strong work ethic and how to farm, but Mr. Colvett was only a high school junior when his father was severely injured, making Mr. Colvett the main provider for his family. Determined to finish high school, he went to school whenever he could, catching up at night. When not farming or in school, he joined his uncles and cousins in custom home building. He also attended the Internal Revenue Service Tax School and became a certified tax preparer. Well into his 60s, Mr. Colvett was still working three jobs: farming, construction, and tax work. Health problems forced him to give up the construction business, but he continues to live on and work the family farm, and has been in the tax business for over 65 years. Last year he prepared taxes for over 650 accounts (individuals and businesses). In his spare time he enjoys fishing, travel, and armchair politics.

The search for America's Oldest Worker for 2008 is also under way, as is the search for outstanding employers of older workers. Last year, 101-year-old Ray Jenkins, maintenance coordinator from Colchester, Vermont, was named America's Oldest Worker.

Experience Works is a national, nonprofit organization that provides training and employment services for mature workers. Established in 1965, Experience Works reaches more than 125,000 mature individuals in all 50 states and Puerto Rico each year. For more information about Home Instead's services visit www.homeinstead.com.