Rep. Hal Rogers' Advocacy for Workforce Development Earns National Recognition

The Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP) is thrilled to announce that U.S. Representative Hal Rogers has been selected to receive the prestigious Congressional Workforce Champion Award from the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB). This award recognizes Rep. Rogers' outstanding commitment to advancing workforce development initiatives, empowering job seekers, and supporting employers in Eastern Kentucky and beyond.   

“The best resource we have in Eastern Kentucky is our people. Our workforce is the best in the country, and it’s an honor to work with employment program leaders, like EKCEP, to ensure our workforce has the training, education and resources they need to be successful, and to be prepared for new industry in our region,” said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. “I’m honored to receive this national recognition on behalf of the incredible people in southern and eastern Kentucky, who continue to raise the bar for quality performance.”

As a member of NAWB, EKCEP nominated Rep. Rogers for this award, highlighting his significant contributions to the region's workforce, including his support for workers in the region’s signature coal industry and EKCEP’s Hiring Our Miners Everyday (HOME) program. Rogers’ support was also instrumental in the development of EKCEP’s Teleworks USA initiative. In 2013, he labeled the program as the newest resident of Appalachia’s Silicon Holler. Since that time, the program has assisted thousands of Eastern Kentuckians gain access to critical job opportunities in the remote-work sector. 

"We are incredibly proud to see Congressman Rogers receive this well-deserved recognition," said EKCEP Executive Director Becky Carnes-Miller. "His support for EKCEP during his time in Congress and his tireless advocacy for workforce development within his district have been instrumental in transforming lives and strengthening our communities."

EKCEP also recognizes Rogers’ leadership in addressing the critical link between employment and long-term recovery for individuals recovering from substance use disorder. His founding of Operation UNITE has set a national standard for a holistic approach to addiction recovery, integrating treatment, law enforcement, education, and workforce reintegration efforts.  

Congressman Rogers also played a key role in securing a $40 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) for Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) to implement the Eastern Kentucky Runway Project. As the local workforce development agency for 23 counties in Eastern Kentucky, EKCEP is a key partner in this initiative, which focuses on closing the prime-age employment gap through innovative workforce development programs, strengthening career pathways, and connecting job seekers to training opportunities that align with emerging industries in the region.   

"Congressman Rogers understands the unique challenges and opportunities in Eastern Kentucky," added Carnes-Miller. "His dedication to securing vital funding and supporting key initiatives has directly empowered EKCEP to expand our services, develop innovative programs, and enhance regional workforce planning."

The NAWB will present the Congressional Workforce Champion Award to Rep. Rogers at a Congressional Breakfast on April 2nd in the Capitol Visitor Center. Representatives from EKCEP, including Board Chair Gilbert Holland, Executive Director Becky Miller, and Deputy Director Bridget Back, will be present to honor Congressman Rogers.

EKCEP, a nonprofit workforce development agency headquartered in Hazard, Ky., serves the citizens of 23 Appalachian coalfield counties. The agency provides an array of workforce development services and operates a network of Kentucky Career Centers, which provide access to more than a dozen state and federal programs that offer employment and training assistance for jobseekers and employers all under one roof. Learn more about us at ekcep.org.