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

March 4, 2005

CONTACT: Eric Oxfeld 202-637-3463

Inviting Nominations
for 2005 National Unemployment Insurance Awards

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 4, 2005 – "Nominations are now open for the 2005 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 24th annual National Unemployment Insurance Issues Conference, April 18-20, in Nashville. 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 18, 2005."

  • 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 2005 Awards chairman Norm Raffaell or Eric Oxfeld, or sent to UWC by mail or fax. Nominations should include the names of individuals and a brief description of why they should be considered, along with the specific 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. The National UI Awards recognize the outstanding leadership and contributions needed to maintain a sound unemployment insurance program."

-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.