Governor Honors Winners at
State Employee Recognition Ceremony
during National Public Service Recognition Week

"Each of us who works for state government has the honor and the privilege to serve the people of this great state," said Gov. Whitman at the annual event which took place at the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs' armory in Lawrenceville. "Together, we have the opportunity to make New Jersey an even better place in which to live, work and raise a family, and we're doing it, all of us, together."

"I have always believed that government is really all about people," continued Gov. Whitman. "It's not about programs, it's not about power - it's about people. It's about the people we serve, and it's also about the people who serve. I am grateful that here in New Jersey we have so many capable people who have chosen to serve."

In conclusion, the Gov. said, "Today, we pause to recognize those state workers who have gone the extra mile, made the extra effort, and reached beyond the usual level of excellence to distinguish themselves among an already distinguished work force."

After her remarks, Gov. Whitman also received two awards from the National Public Service Roundtable - a national organization that works with state departments nationwide to establish public service recognition. The first award recognizes New Jersey as a model state in the area of employee recognition. The second one honors New Jersey as the runner-up in the National Public Service Excellence Awards based on the Department of Transportation's emergency initiative on Route 46 during Tropical Storm Floyd.

The State Employee Recognition Awards Ceremony is hosted by the Department of Personnel and recognized 281 state workers this year in such areas as heroism, exceptional service and professional achievement. There are Employee Recognition Awards and State Awards.