Department of Workforce Development

TOMMY G. THOMPSON
Governor
State of Wisconsin

For immediate release – June 24, 1998
Contact: Mike McCoy (608) 267-4400

Governor will recognize efforts to smash Glass Ceiling

MADISON - Governor Tommy G. Thompson today asked businesses and organizations that have smashed the glass ceiling to share their success stories with Wisconsin. Employers who havepro-active policies to promote qualified women and minorities to top management positions are eligible to receive the governor’s 1998 Diamond Award Oct. 21 in Milwaukee at the Midwest Express Center.

"Many businesses and organizations are doing an excellent job of smashing the glass ceiling so that women and minorities can advance as far as their abilities will take them," Gov. Thompson said. "We want to share their success stories with other employers so that they can make the best use of all their skilled workers in Wisconsin’s record low-unemployment labor market."

The deadline for award nominations is July 27. Companies and organizations are encouraged to nominate themselves. The award recognizes businesses, organizations, public agencies and institutions that have made progress in any or all of these ways:

• Creating a climate and commitment to the advancement of inorities and women to upper management and board positions;
• Providing effective career development training, sponsorship, and mentoring programs for minorities and women;
• Developing internal support systems which eliminate artificial barriers to the advancement of minorities and women;
• Using innovative recruitment and advancement methods for minorities and women within the company, organization, agency or institution.

Glass Ceiling Commission chairman Linda Stewart, secretary of the Wis. Department of Workforce Development, said efforts that qualify for recognition include recruitment, selection, development, and retention practices that have increased participation of minorities and women in upper management.

To apply, contact Marlene Duffield, Wisconsin Glass Ceiling Commission, P.O. Box 7946, Madison, WI 53707-7946; on the Internet, go to http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/glassc/glassc1.htm.

Room 115 East, State Capitol, P.O. Box 7863, Madison, Wisconsin 53707

(608) 266-1212 FAX (608) 267-8983