WHAT:

With the California economy showing few signs of recovery, JVS is honoring people and businesses who are making it work in a city where over 300,000 people are unemployed. JVS will recognize Wells Fargo as Corporate Citizen of the Year, along with the following as Employees of the Year:

• Graduating Class of JVS' CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant) program, which trains long-term welfare recipients for careers in health care- one of the few growth industries in the state;
• Brett Lippel, a seasoned executive, who like many white-collar professionals found himself out of work and out of resources;
• Jennifer Zacarias, a 12th grader at Belmont High who faced a personal crisis and turned to JVS' programs for at-risk youth;
• Rebekah Brod, who sought help when a devastating disease forced her to give up her career.
  

WHO:

Experts from the financial, business and non-profit sectors who can discuss current economic trends and their impact on local employment and social services. Featured speakers and attendees include: Alan Adelman, Executive Vice-President and Chief Investment Strategist for Wells Fargo; Michael Dolphin, Division Chief of the EDD; Bill Gay, head of the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services; Patrick Henning, Jr., CA Department of Labor, Andrea Kune, Deputy Director, CA Department of Industrial Relations; Lauren Mains, Senior Advisor, Office of the Governor; Vivian Seigel, CEO of JVS, Terri Smooke, Special Assistant to Governor Davis, and Richard Ziman, CEO of Arden Realty.

Additional guests and participants include: actress Sela Ward (Once and Again, The Fugitive), broadcast journalist and event MC Jim Moret and representatives from the offices of Paul Koretz and Mike Antonovich.

WHEN:

Wednesday, May 14
11:00 a.m. Honorees & Media Reception - Empire Room
12:00 p.m. Lunch & Program - International Ballroom

WHERE:

Beverly Hilton Hotel
9876 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills

WHY:

A non-profit, non-sectarian agency founded in 1931, JVS helped more than 14,000 people in greater Los Angeles find jobs or change careers in 2002, a staggering 60% increase over the previous year, while assisting over 1,500 businesses with their employment and hiring needs.