The annual Workforce Development Banquet was held recently at the Southeastern North Carolina Agricultural Center in Lumberton. Three Bladen County residents, who are also Bladen Community College students and Bladen JobLink clients, and a Bladen County business were the recipients of awards at the banquet.

Vernetta Walker received the Outstanding Workforce Adult Award, presented by Jamie Bourquin, Bladen County JobLink program specialist.

Ashley Maitland was named the recipient of the Outstanding Workforce Older Youth Award. Katrina Harbison, Bladen County WIA Youth specialist, presented Ladonna Thomas the Outstanding Workforce Younger Youth Award.

Stanley Scott, Bladen County JobLink director/program specialist, presented the Bladen County Outstanding Employer Award to Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Hester of Axicor of Bladenboro.

Contractors in Bladen County made the nominations from participants and businesses involved in the Youth and Adult Workforce Investment Act programs.

For further information about JobLink and its services, contact Scott at 879-5588.

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