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For Immediate Release                               Contacts: Heather Underwood(312) 458-3623

Tuesday, September 23, 2008                                           Gerardo Cardenas (312) 458-3609 

 

FOUR ILLINOIS COMPANIES TOP AARP LIST FOR BEST EMPLOYERS FOR WORKERS 50+

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Heads List for Illinois – To be Honored at Awards Dinner in Chicago

 

CHICAGO , Illinois – AARP has announced the nation’s top 50 best employers for workers 50+ with four Illinois companies making the list.  Topping the Illinois list of companies is Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, headquartered in Chicago.  Other Illinois companies set to receive the awards include, Centegra Health System (Crystal Lake), Hanson Professional Services (Springfield), and Centers for New Horizons (Chicago).

 

“Employers across the country are increasingly recognizing the importance of innovative practices as they seek to recruit and retain experienced workers,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director.  “AARP is honored to award these four Illinois companies for being ahead of the curve.”

 

AARP recognized each employer for offering a variety of creative programs for experienced workers.  BCBSA offers a Mature Worker Program with numerous benefits for employees ages55+ while Centegra offers an Alumni Nurse Program which hires retired nurses to serve as mentors.  Hanson Professional Services and Centers for New Horizons were recognized for their training and wellness programs.   

 

“AARP’s recognition underscores Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association’s commitment to enhancing the lives of our members and employees – of all ages,” said Scott P. Serota, BCBSA president and CEO. “We are proud to have a strong professional workforce of employees and are pleased to reward their dedication with competitive benefits, pay and human resources initiatives.”  

 

The Best Employers winners, and the winners of a separate International Innovative Employer Award, will be honored at a dinner on October 7^th in Chicago. 

 

All Best Employer candidates are vetted to ensure that practices meet the needs of mature workers.  Key areas of consideration include: recruiting practices, opportunities for training, education and career development; workplace accommodations; alternative work options, such as flexible scheduling, job sharing, and phased retirement; employee health and pension benefits, and retiree work opportunities.

 

A complete listing of all of the AARP Best Employers for Workers 50+, please visit: http://www.aarp.org/money/work/best_employers/.