On October 17, 2017 the Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board, the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, New Seasons Market, and Umpqua Bank hosted the 17th annual awards ceremony to honor Clark County’s employees with developmental disabilities, their employers, employment agencies, and citizens who provide outstanding service.
The event took place at The Heathman Lodge in recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month with the theme: Inclusion Drives Innovation. Kelly Love of Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center was the emcee. Throughout the program, several videos were shown to introduce award categories. These videos featured a combination of 2016 Award winners and others making an impact in Clark County supported employment (click links to view):
- Celebration Introduction Video
- Furuno USA Inc.
- Adventure Dental
- Clark County I.T. Department
- Employment Specialist Feature
- Clark County Government and Community Feature
The 2017 Award presenters were: Clark County Councilor Julie Olson, Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board Member Le Ann Larson, and the chair of the Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board Ted Engelbrecht. The event, attended by over 250 people, was broadcast live on CVTV. See the recording here: http://www.cvtv.org/vid_link/21091
2017 Award Winners
The 2017 Large Employer of the Year is Pacific Crest Custom Cabinetry, which has worked creatively to restructure tasks to leverage the skills of their employees and work with them to ensure they work the maximum number of hours they desire. They work hard to create an atmosphere that brings coworkers together as a team, making each employee know that he or she is an integral part of the work family.
The 2017 Small Employer of the Year is Marshall’s. They are known for their ability to see hiring as an opportunity to include people of all backgrounds and perspectives. They provide excellent natural supports and have gone above and beyond with supporting everyone to be successful. The management team understands that a cohesive and effective team is created when each employee is recognized for their contribution and opportunities for growth and career advancement is afforded to everyone.
The 2017 Employee of the Year was presented to two different stand-out nominees:
Austin Ewald, courtesy clerk at Mill Plain/Andresen Safeway. He is known for never being too busy to help a customer or coworker. If things are slow in the front, he will help his coworkers with stocking or changing out displays. His keen eye for detail is appreciated by all and he never misses an item out of place when doing his hourly safety sweeps of the store. His positive attitude and dedication to his work is apparent to all. If you stop by the Andresen Safeway on a 100-degree day in August or a snowy day in December, you will see him outside gathering carts with the same speed and determination.
Christopher Gaston: He was nominated by his employer, saying that he has continued to be a dedicated and valued employee through the 21 years he has worked at S.E.H. America. He is highly regarded by his fellow co-workers and is noted for his good humor and gregarious nature. Throughout his history at S.E.H., he has been recognized as “Employee of the Month” several times. Most recently, he was selected for typifying “S.E.H. Guiding Principle #6: Keeping work enjoyable, positive, and engaging activity while respecting others. By his long tenure and performance, he exemplifies how capabilities far exceed barriers, and his presence in the workplace is an asset.
The 2017 David Hanawalt Service Award was presented to Carolyn Newton of Goldman and Associates. She is described as a person who is “any manager’s go-to person.” Not only does she enjoy her job, but her success in supporting people in job retention, increasing duties, and working more hours, shows her true commitment to her work. The quality of her work has led to referrals from other employers, and she has supported every single one of her customers to retain their job since hired at Goldman and Associates 5 years ago—not a single job was lost on her watch.
The 2017 Dennis Campbell Outstanding Service Award was presented to Harold Rains, Finance Manager for the Department of Community Services. He is described as a man full of not only ideas, but action. He has spearheaded building-wide diversity trainings that are quite innovative in Clark County. He has also taken his positive experience with supported employment on the road, participating in various events and conferences. He has sat on panels of employers, sharing his experience and encouraging other businesses to give supported employment a try. He firmly understands the importance of a county that will hire staff that echo the diversity of the community they support. He is someone who believes wholeheartedly in power of people—all people, to contribute and be valued.
Employers affiliated with all 2017 nominees are: Ilani Resort, Walmart, Home Depot (Jantzen Beach), Clark County Treasurer & I.T. Department, Heathman Lodge (Hudson’s Bar & Grill), Wendy’s, Dog Gone Clean, MadDog’s Gourmet Hotdogs, MOD Pizza (Hazel Dell), Vancouver Elite Gymnastics Academy, and Jack in the Box.
Congratulations to all!
For more information about Clark County’s employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities, please contact:
Mary Strehlow,
Manager
(360) 397-2075 ext. 7825, [email protected]