The Search is on for America's Oldest Worker for 2006

ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Experience Works, the nation's largest training and employment organization for mature workers, has launched its annual search for America's Oldest Worker and for Outstanding Older Workers in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

The recognition program is part of Experience Works' national effort to raise awareness of the contributions made by older individuals and to break down barriers associated with the hiring of older workers. All of the outstanding older workers will attend Experience Works Prime Time Awards week in Washington, D.C., in September where America's Oldest Worker will be announced.

"By highlighting the successes of outstanding seniors from across the country, the Prime Time Awards are meant to inspire employers and all Americans to help open the doors of opportunity for thousands of older Americans who want, and need to work," said Martin Rome, vice president of communications for Experience Works.

To be considered, applicants must work a minimum of 20 hours a week in paid employment, and be willing to travel to Washington, D.C., in September to participate in the Prime Time Awards events. Applicants or the person nominating them must complete an application and submit it prior to the deadline of May 31st.

Outstanding older workers from each state are chosen by a selection committee. The older worker with the earliest birth date who meets all the criteria will be honored as America's Oldest Worker. To nominate someone online or to access a printed nomination form, go to http://www.experienceworks.org/.

In 2005, 100-year-old Dwight Hauff, owner of Hauff Sporting Goods in Sioux City, Iowa, was named America's Oldest Worker. All of the past America's Oldest Workers have been more than 100 years old and working almost full time at their professions. Biographies and photos of the outstanding workers from 2005 are available on the Experience Works Web site.

Experience Works is a national, nonprofit organization that provides training and employment services for mature workers. Established in 1965 as Green Thumb, and renamed Experience Works in 2002, the organization reaches more than 125,000 mature individuals in all 50 states and Puerto Rico each year