Fortenberry Commends Nebraska’s Outstanding Older Worker

Washington D.C. - Congressman Jeff Fortenberry today commended Beth Tielke, the winner of the 2007 Nebraska Outstanding Older Worker award bestowed by the national nonprofit Experience Works. Tielke received the award late last week at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., where she met Fortenberry and other officials.

“Mrs. Tielke deserves this great honor,” Fortenberry said. “Her extraordinary accomplishments are many, whether as a successful entrepreneur, a dedicated philanthropist, or as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her drive and innovation are remarkable.”

“I had the pleasure of meeting Beth last week outside a House Agriculture Committee hearing. Sweet and kind, her glowing smile brightened the room. She is a wonderful example of how hard work and fortitude can result in success.”

A resident of O'Neill, Beth’s first business venture began in 1974, when she was helping her husband Bill run their dairy farm and raising seven children. She and her husband opened Tielke’s Dairy Supply to earn extra money to help pay for a daughter’s college education.

She soon expanded the dairy supply to include a deli and then a sandwich business. She would later open two pizza restaurants and an Internet shopping business called My Power Mall. She is also a saleswoman for Watkins Products and Electrolux vacuums and today has 50 Watkins dealers under her supervision.

Beth, a philanthropist, founded the Share Our Dream Foundation and launched a fundraising drive to build a bird aviary for the residents of a local elder care facility. She has also established an online tribute to the Nebraska men and women who have served and continue to serve in our armed forces called www.NebraskaTroops.com. It contains many tributes to those currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and stories from those who served in World War II.

The Outstanding Older Worker Award is presented each year to individuals over 65 who continue to make meaningful contributions in their workplaces and communities. It is given by Experience Works, a national charitable, community-based organization that helps seniors get the training they need to find good jobs in their local communities.

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