Each year, the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) sponsors an awards program to recognize outstanding contributions to workforce development in Ventura County. Winners of the 2008 Annual WIB Awards will be announced on June 12, 2008, at the WIB Annual Meeting held at the Ventura County Office of Education, 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo, CA. Nominations for the 2008 Annual WIB Awards will be accepted online through May 2, 2008. Award categories include the following:

- Collaborative Action - A partnership between an outside entity and an employer that helps the employer improve the relevance and capacity of its workforce education and training.

- Lifelong Learning - An employer that supports continuing education, and/or provides significant education and training opportunities to its workers.

- Champion for Job Growth - A nonprofit organization, government entity, elected official or other individual who is an active supporter of workforce development.

- Opportunity - An individual who embodies the spirit and purpose of workforce development in Ventura County.

"We have many businesses, organizations, and individuals who work hard to develop and strengthen our county's workforce," says Alex Teague, WIB Chairman. "Their efforts make a significant impact on the lives of workers and the overall health of our economy. It is important to recognize their accomplishments."

Award recipients in 2007 included the HealthCare Advisory Partnership (Collaborative Action), the Associacion Nacional Pro Personas Mayores (Lifelong Learning), Toro Enterprises (Lifelong Learning), La Hermandad (Champion for Job Growth), and David Pantoja, an Oxnard High School student (Opportunity Award).