W.O. Lawton Award

The W.O. Lawton Business Leadership Award honors businesses and business organizations that have made the commitment of time, money, and leadership to make their community’s workforce and economy more vibrant. 

A primary role of Workforce Development Boards is to build relationships between businesses and public partners such as economic development organizations, education providers, and community and faith-based organizations. This is only possible, however, when a business steps up and makes a commitment to be a full partner in the Board's endeavors. 

Businesses and business organizations that have made a substantial contribution to the success of your workforce development board in meeting community needs should reflect some or all of these attributes: 

• Has consistently supported workforce development board activities for at least two years as of January 1, 2024. 
• Has demonstrated commitment by investing resources, time, and leadership into the community. 
• Has made investments that have transformed workforce development board services. That is, the investment has significantly expanded business services, partnerships, training capacity, funding, market share, etc. 
• Has made investments that have resulted in new or expanded services that are currently operating and have achieved significant, concrete, and sustainable impact (e.g., training, placements, new models, new and broader partnerships).

Please provide the following information: