On June 16, 2011, Capital Workforce Partners, KRA’s CTWorks client in the North Central Region of Connecticut, held its 7th Annual Workforce STARS Breakfast. Over 150 attendees gathered to honor the achievements and commitment of area workforce professionals, businesses, civic leaders, and legislators. Christina Bartucca, KRA Deputy Director for the WIA Program, and Karen Brown, KRA Deputy Director for the Jobs First Employment Service (JFES) Program, were presented with the “Commissioner Patricia Mayfield Memorial Award”, and honored as “CTWorks One-Stop Workforce Professional STARS”, a special recognition of those who, through the workforce development system improve their lives or those around them. This year’s theme was “Let Your Sun Shine”, which is about celebrating successes and finding light in what we do. Ms. Brown stated, “I am honored to have received the Workforce STARS Leadership Award. It is gratifying to be recognized for my performance and to have had the opportunity to publicly thank and acknowledge the North Central JFES team for their hard work and dedication to the program.” Ms. Bartucca said, “I am proud to lead an exceptional team of workforce development professionals, and I have accepted the Workforce Professional STARS award on behalf of the entire KRA team. This award is a true testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment that myself and the team holds in order to make a difference in people’s lives every day.” Also, John Michaud, KRA Quality Assurance, and Martha Rolon, KRA Career Agent, received Honorable Mention awards as “CTWorks One-Stop Workforce Professional STARS”. Timothy Stewart, Mayor, New Britain (CT) was presented with a Special Legislative STARS Award, along with Joe Courtney ,US Congressman (CT) and Beth Bye, CT State Senator, legislators who have loyally sustained the CT workforce system amid harsh budgetary headwinds.
