Boeing

One year ago, leaders in the American business community dedicated themselves to moving people from a welfare check to a paycheck by joining President Clinton's Welfare to Work Partnership. Since then, more than 5,000 businesses have joined this nonpartisan, national association of corporations and pledged to take leading roles in helping people leave welfare and get work.

To expand business' commitment in the Puget Sound area, The Boeing Company is hosting a Welfare to Work Employers' Forum on June 12. Coordinated by Washington Works, a Seattle-based welfare to work nonprofit, local and national employers will speak about the challenges and rewards they faced in initiating welfare-to-work programs. Keynote speaker United Airlines CEO Gerald Greenwald, who is chairman of the Welfare to Work Partnership board, will discuss how United Airlines implemented a successful program in 1997 and now has more than 800 employees hired off the welfare rolls.

"I know for certain that, when given the chance, former welfare recipients become dedicated and reliable workers," said Greenwald. "I know for certain that welfare to work is a smart solution."

Along with Boeing, sponsors of the event are BF Goodrich, United Parcel Service of America, the Washington Women's Foundation, The Puget Sound Business Journal, the U.S. Department of Labor, The Welfare to Work Partnership and Washington State Employment Security.

In addition, the forum will demonstrate to business representatives how to meet workforce needs and successfully hire welfare recipients, as well as share strategies for reducing employee turnover.

This half-day forum is for middle-management, human relations and finance business people. It takes place June 12, 9 a.m., at the Boeing 2.22 Building Auditorium, located at 7755 East Marginal Way South, Seattle, near Boeing Field. The cost is $40. Those interested in attending may register by calling Washington Works at 206-343-9731, extension 24.