Green Thumb changing its name to Experience Works

WADENA -- Green Thumb, Inc., the nation's leading provider of training and employment for older workers, has changed its name to Experience Works.

"In the past 10 years we have significantly expanded the services we offer to mature individuals," said Andrea Wooten, president and CEO of Green Thumb. "We have added a staffing service, an e-commerce Web site, many local services and a national, yearlong event to recognize the contributions of older workers. We believe that our new name much better describes the wide range of these services."

The name "Green Thumb" comes from the organization's origins in 1965. That year, as part of Lady Bird Johnson's "Beautify America" program, retired farmers who needed additional income, applied their expertise and "green thumbs" to improve America's parks and highways. That project evolved into the Senior Community Service Employment Program, funded under Title V of the Older Americans Act, which helps low-income seniors secure meaningful employment.

"As Green Thumb we have always been advocates for the employment of older workers in Minnesota; and as Experience Works we will continue to be the leader in providing training and employment opportunities for Minnesota's mature workers," said Paul Anderson, state director.

Green Thumb is a national, nonprofit organization that provides training and employment services for mature workers.

For more information visit www.experienceworks.org.