Ahead of the Curve? Showcase your outstanding business practices by applying for the Age Friendly business awards

Do you know a Portland business that goes above and beyond to provide exceptional service to older adults? Are you a Portland business owner with a knack for attracting and retaining older workers? Apply today for an Age-Friendly Business Award or an Age-Smart Employer Award.

The number of people age 65 or older in the Portland area will increase 106% to more than 500,000 by 2030. Each year older adults generate more than $7 trillion in economic activity nationwide, a figure that is expected to double by 2032, according to research sponsored by AARP.

Because Age-Friendly businesses benefit everyone, the Portland Age Friendly Cities Economic Security and Work Committee, spearheaded by Venture Portland and Elders in Action, launched the brand-new Age-Friendly Business Awards Program.

“Older adults have tremendous economic and social capital,” said Barbara Bernstein, Executive Director of Elders in Action. “We want to highlight the value of older workers and tip our collective hats to those businesses that welcome adults of all ages.”

The Age-Friendly Business Award recognizes businesses or organizations that create a welcoming environment and provide great service for people of all ages. Anyone may submit an award application for their favorite Age-Friendly Portland business. Winners will be selected based on their commitment and business practices that best serve older adults in Portland.

• Want to know if your business or a business you know qualifies for an Age-Friendly Business Award? Download the Award Guidelines.

The Age-Smart Employer Award recognizes businesses or organizations that create workplaces that encourage different generations to work productively side-by-side. Eligible Portland business owners may submit an Age-Smart Employer Award application. Winners will be selected based on their policies and practices that benefit older workers.

"AARP has long supported valuing older workers. That's why AARP was proud to support the inaugural year of these awards," said Jerry Cohen, AARP Oregon State Director. People are healthier and living longer and have a great deal to contribute. The challenge is for employers to better understand the value of older workers and learn to manage a multigenerational workforce. (Learn more with AARP's  Multigenerational Workforce report)

• Want to know if your business qualifies for an Age-Smart Employer Award? Download the Award Guidelines.

Award winners will be celebrated during a breakfast ceremony at Portland City Hall on October 31, 2018, followed by recognition at the Portland City Council meeting that day. “Older generations bring wisdom, talent and capacity that we can harness to strengthen our community,” said Mayor Ted Wheeler. “I believe that age-friendly cities will be more desirable, successful, and economically viable than those that are not. By working across generations, we can develop solutions that are beneficial to people of all ages.”

Nominations will be accepted through July 31 so submit an award application today!

Download award guidelines, applications and a helpful FAQ at agefriendlyportland.org/business-awards. If you have any questions, please contact Shānna Pittman-Frank (Elders in Action): AFAwards@eldersinaction.org or 503-317-4408.