Prime50 wants to be the catalyst for change in the workplace against the false perceptions, myths and illusions about the 50+ worker that have existed for many years. Today we can say with confidence that this change is occurring. We speak to employers every day. What we are hearing is that they are beginning to recognize the importance of the 50+ worker and how their previous perceptions are dissipating because of what they see, hear and read. They are discovering and realizing that 50+ workers-whether they are executives and managers or clerks and receptionists-are a valuable human asset. We are hearing that they welcome the loyalty, hard work and discipline displayed by the 50+ worker. They are saying that the 50+ employees are more flexible than they thought, that they easily adjust to different workplace environments and that they embrace new learning experiences.

Prime50's mandate is to help the 50+ worker get employment opportunities and to help employers get experienced and loyal employees. However, there will always be employers who, for various reasons, have to let employees go or have to downsize because of technological changes in the industry.

When Kodak Canada Inc. announced earlier this year that it was going to have to close its manufacturing facilities in Toronto and 320 employees were being let go, it was no surprise. With the introduction of digital cameras, production of the conventional camera was being affected. However, we were impressed with how Kodak handled the announcement with its employees and what it did to find them other jobs.

First, it announced the decision internally six months in advance of its closing to give everyone a chance to understand the reasons and to be prepared. Second, it created career fairs in April and June 02, 2005 to sell the talents of its 320 employees to other employers. Third, it arranged career counseling programs for all its employees.

Joanne Heighway, Director of Human Resources for Kodak Canada Inc., had heard of Prime50 and felt that our services for its 100 50+ employees would be very helpful, so we were invited to be part of the career fair to see how we could help them. Many had been with Kodak most of their working lives and were a loyal and dedicated workforce. Michael Ducey, President of Kodak Canada Inc., told me that, despite the announcement, production never suffered and had, in fact, increased-an indication of the respect and commitment that Kodak's employees paid to the company.