WHEREAS, Maine is fortunate to have over 400,000 people aged 60 and over who contribute skills, talent, wisdom, and experience to our great State; and

WHEREAS, National Employ Older Workers Week is an opportunity to celebrate the many invaluable contributions of older workers across the State; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine leads by example as a Certified Age-Friendly Employer that values diverse employees based on proficiency, qualifications and contributions, free of ageism; and

WHEREAS, older workers in Maine contribute a wealth of experience and commitment to the workforce, contributing to the stability and productivity of Maine’s workplaces; and

WHEREAS, the skills and knowledge of older workers enhance productivity, provide mentorship, and drive innovation in diverse fields; and

WHEREAS, employers benefit by creating supportive and accessible work environments that empower older workers to perform to full potential, ensure equal opportunities for employment and advancement, and foster a culture of respect;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the week of September 22-28, 2024, as

National Employ Older Workers Week

in Maine, and I urge all citizens to join me in recognizing the essential role that older workers play in our society, economy and communities, and encourage Maine’s employers to proactively recruit, retain, and support older workers by acknowledging the contributions and experience of older people, promoting age-inclusive practices, and fostering a culture that respects and values age-diversity.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this twentieth day of September Two Thousand Twenty-Four