The State of Iowa and The Principal Financial Group Take Lead Roles in AARP Foundation's National Mature Workforce Initiative
Feb. 28, 2005 (Washington, D.C.) - Recognizing the value of the mature worker, the State of Iowa and the Principal Financial Group® today joined the AARP Foundation in launching the AARP Workforce Initiative to help Americans age 50 and over seek jobs and remain in the workforce.
Gov. Tom Vilsack of Iowa announced plans to implement a statewide mature worker pilot program to elevate the image of mature workers with industries, employers, government and the public during the launch of the AARP Workforce Initiative, held today at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Governors from Arizona and Mississippi joined Vilsack in launching the program.
"The State of Iowa is pleased to have this new and exciting partnership with the AARP Foundation to advance the success of Iowa's mature workers, and of Iowa business," said Gov. Vilsack. "In Iowa, we strive to leverage all the resources available to make our entire workforce the most productive in the nation, and we particularly appreciate the proven capabilities of mature Iowans. We have 21st century training readily available, and we have the commitment to be sure our workforce can meet the demands of the growing economy. We are determined to ensure that mature workers - and the businesses they support - both continue to thrive in Iowa."
The Principal Financial Group and participating companies, known as "AARP Featured Employers," were selected based on their recognition of the need to prepare for the changing workforce and their commitment to work with AARP Foundation on a program to match qualified workers with employment opportunities.
"The Principal is very proud to participate in this significant campaign to encourage the recruitment of and retention of our nation's mature workforce," said Carey Jury, vice president of the Principal Financial Group. "As one of AARP's 'Best Employers for Workers Over 50', The Principal recognizes what is not only wanted, but needed by this valuable group of employees."
The Principal Financial Group is joined by other Featured Employers, including: Adecco, Allied-Barton Security Services, Borders Group, Inc., Express Personnel, Johns Hopkins Health Systems, Kelly Services, Manpower, Inc., MetLife, Inc., Pitney Bowes, The Home Depot, Universal Health Services and Walgreens.
The overall goal of the AARP Featured Employers Program is to connect mature workers with job opportunities. First, it will help 50+ workers prepare to remain in the workforce by linking them with skills assessment tools and training resources. Next, it will provide connections for those who may want full or part-time jobs or new careers with companies who value their experience. Finally, it will be a resource to large and small companies, to help them understand the needs and interests of a mature workforce. The strength of this program involves commitment on the state and local level working with both the public and private workforce sectors to provide connections for mature workers seeking employment.
The Workforce Initiative and Featured Employer program are an outgrowth of the AARP Foundation's first hiring partnership with The Home Depot, which was launched last February. Immediately and through the year, hundreds of thousands of inquiries were received from AARP members and others interested in employment.
"Older employees benefit everybody: workers continue to earn and stay engaged and productive; and mature workers will help employers to avert the labor shortages that will occur as boomers retire and fewer young workers enter the workplace," said AARP Iowa State Director Bruce Koeppl.
By 2010, almost one in three workers will be at least 50. As boomers begin to approach retirement age, the pool of replacement workers will not be large enough to meet employers' labor demands. Through the Workforce Initiative, job seekers can visit AARP's website at www.aarp.org/featuredemployers to learn about each Featured Employer, including types of jobs available, benefits and how to apply. Job search assistance and resources geared toward the 50-plus worker can be found at www.aarp.org/careers.
About The AARP Foundation
The AARP Foundation is AARP's affiliated charity. Foundation programs provide security, protection and empowerment for older persons in need. Low-income older workers receive the job training and placement they need to re-join the workforce. Free tax preparation is provided for low- and moderate-income individuals, with special attention to those 60 and older. The Foundation's litigation staff protects the legal rights of older Americans in critical health, long-term care, consumer and employment situations. Additional programs provide information, education and services to ensure that people over 50 lead lives of independence, dignity and purpose. Foundation programs are funded by grants, tax-deductible contributions and AARP.
About The Principal Financial Group
The Principal Financial Group®
(The Principal)®1
is a leader in offering businesses, individuals and institutional clients a wide range of financial products and services, including retirement and investment services, life and health insurance and banking through its diverse family of financial services companies. A member of the Fortune 500, the Principal Financial Group has $168.7 billion in assets under management2
and serves some 14.9 million customers worldwide from offices in Asia, Australia,
Europe, Latin America and the United States. Principal Financial Group, Inc.
is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol PFG. For more
information, visit www.principal.com.
1) "The Principal Financial Group®"
and "The Principal®" are registered
service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a member of the Principal
Financial Group.
2) As of December 31, 2004
