UWC -- STRATEGIC SERVICES ON UNEMPLOYMENT AND WORKERS' COMPENSATION

1331 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, NW, SUITE 600
WASHINGTON, DC 20004-1790
(202) 637-3463

Fax (202) 783-1616
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 22, 2006

CONTACT: Eric Oxfeld 202-637-3463

Inviting Nominations
for 2006 National Unemployment Insurance Awards

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 22, 2006 – "Nominations are now open for the 2006 National Unemployment Insurance (UI) Awards," UWC President Eric Oxfeld announced today. "The National UI Awards recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of unemployment taxes and benefits," he said. The awards will be presented at the 25th annual National Unemployment Insurance Issues Conference, May 1-3, in Portland, OR (the "Rose City"). This conference is sponsored by UWC's National Foundation for Unemployment Compensation & Workers' Compensation.

"We invite nominations for 4 annual awards," said Oxfeld. "Nominations must be received by March 25, 2006."

  • The UWC Outstanding Contribution Award. This award is given to a UWC member or researcher/thinktanker for outstanding contributions to UWC or the National Foundation for Unemployment Compensation and Workers' Compensation.

  • The J. Eldred Hill, Jr., Award. This award is named after J. Eldred Hill, Jr., former president of UWC (formerly UBA), who was the first recipient. It is given to an individual for excellence in the public policy arena in service to the employer community.

  • The UI Integrity Award. This award is given to an individual who has demonstrated courageous commitment to preserving the integrity of the unemployment system.

  • The Father Becker Award. This award was instituted by J. Eldred Hill, Jr., and first given to the late Father Joseph Becker. The award is given to an individual who has made major contributions to unemployment insurance (UI) I research.

Nominations may be submitted by email to 2006 Awards chairman Norm Raffaell or Eric Oxfeld, or sent to UWC by mail or fax. Nominations should include the specific award, the name of the nominee, and a brief description of why this individual merits the award.

"The unemployment insurance system is a vital part of our national safety net for workers, employers and our communities," Oxfeld said. "Employers finance the UI program through federal and state payroll taxes and contributions. The National UI Awards recognize the outstanding leadership and contributions needed to maintain a sound unemployment insurance program."

Past award recipients

-UWC-

ABOUT UWC: UWC is the only national association devoted exclusively to providing legislative and regulatory representation for the business community on national unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation issues. UWC members are employers, national and state business organizations, service providers, and others who share management’s interest in sound public policy on unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation.