Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations News Release

Bob Holden
Governor

Catherine B. Leapheart
Director

Tammy Cavender
Public Information Coordinator

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:  Tammy Cavender (573) 751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 5, 2003

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF LABOR HONORED WITH TWO GOVERNOR’S TORCH OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations has received two Governor’s Torch of Excellence Awards.  The awards honor state departments, businesses and individuals for their leadership and exemplary efforts in the area of diversity in employment or procurement.  This is the fifth year the Department has been honored for its procurement efforts.

The Department was honored with the Silver Award for excellence in procurement.  State agencies are recognized for their progress in diversifying the contract opportunities in Missouri state government.  To qualify for the award, the Department completed superior internal procurement procedures and maintained an exceptional training program for employees.

The Department also received the Bronze Award for excellence in employment.  State agencies are recognized for their progress in diversifying the workforce in Missouri state government.  To qualify for the award, the Department completed superior internal employment procedures in the recruitment and retention of minorities in women in the workforce.

“These achievements reflect the Department’s dedication to diversity and the many employees who work endless hours to assure compliance with the state’s diversity goals in procurement and employment,” said Catherine B. Leapheart, director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.