PHOTO PROVIDED Leaders of Spherion Staffing and Recruiting in Williamsport accept the President’s Award.

Spherion Staffing and Recruiting in Williamsport announced recently that it was presented with the President’s Award during the company’s annual National Meeting.

With more than 30 years of experience, franchise owners Jay and Don Ruggery Jr. were recognized as one of the top-performing offices across Spherion’s franchise network of 200-plus staffing agencies nationwide, a news release said. In 2025 alone, they achieved double-digit growth by staying actively involved in the daily operations of their offices and the professional development of their team members across Pennsylvania, encouraging them to foster deeper connections with local businesses and job seekers in need.

“Tapping into the power of DirectFlex, the Spherion Williamsport team significantly grew their number of direct hire placements, recognizing the increased demand for permanent roles across Central Pennsylvania,” the news release said.

“At the beginning of 2025, we knew that we wanted to grow big, and we challenged ourselves to think differently over the past year about how we show up for our clients and local job seekers,” said Jay, according to the news release. “Whether it’s leaning into flexible staffing solutions that can help place the right candidate in the right opportunity or investing in our internal team’s development through new trainings and certifications, this award reflects the passion and drive of our people across every market we serve.”

The 2026 Spherion National Meeting was held in Baltimore, Maryland, at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel from March 18-21. Uniting franchisees, corporate leaders and strategic partners from across the country for several days of learning and celebration, this year’s company-wide gathering was especially meaningful as Spherion marks its 80th anniversary in 2026, celebrating eight decades of connecting businesses with talent and strengthening local communities.

Team members participated in educational sessions focused on topics relevant to the 2026 hiring reality, such as the importance of human interaction, legal trends, and using AI tools to grow revenue. The meeting concluded with Spherion’s Awards & 80th Anniversary Celebration, recognizing top-performing franchisees and offices whose leadership and results exemplify the brand’s commitment to excellence.

“As we celebrate 80 years of serving communities across the country, it’s incredibly inspiring to see the work our franchisees are doing in their local markets,” said Kathy George, president of Spherion Staffing and Recruiting, according to the news release. “Jay, Don Ruggery Jr. and the Williamsport team embody the qualities that have allowed the Spherion network to thrive for so many years. Their dedication to building meaningful relationships with clients and candidates while helping businesses grow and individuals find opportunity is making a lasting impact in the Williamsport community.”

“Each Spherion franchisee enriches their community by connecting businesses with talent and creating employment opportunities every day,” the news release said. “When successful, the office and its investments flow back into the neighborhoods it serves. The power of Spherion is in its local roots.”