Posted: 11/6/07
Area residents, companies honored at ABCís Appreciation and Awards Night
Three awards were presented to Caledonia and La Crescent area individuals and companies at ABCís annual Appreciation and Awards Night, held Thursday, Oct. 28 in Caledonia. The awards are presented to individuals who have made significant strides in their vocational lives and the companies who have demonstrated a commitment to the employment of individuals with disabilities through their hiring practices.
John Michael Murphy was selected the ABC Works Employee of the Year. John originally started working at Woodland Industries and then in 2000 came to ABC Works. When in-center, John was very helpful with such jobs as stamping popcorn bags for Merchants Bank, collating flyers for the Caledonia Argus and working on button production. John is currently delivering The Foxxy Shopper in La Crescent, labels vegetables containers at River Valley Sprouts in Houston, fills pop machines in Hokah, and does custodial work at the Spring Grove Collision Center, transfers buttons to and from Blumenthal Button Co. in Lansing, Iowa, and newest job is working at Quillinís stocking shelves and unloading the delivery truck. John has an incredible work ethic and preciseness to him like no other. All of his employers truly enjoy working with him.
Quillinís of Caledonia was chosen as ABC Works Employer of the Year. Quillinís has been very supportive of the ABC Works program. Their first hire Erin Jacobson was in 1999 to stock shelves. In 2006 they hired John Murphy to assist with the shelf stocking and unload the morning truck. Their most recent hire is Sarah Wiste who works in the deli.
Kwik Trip of Caledonia was chosen by Woodland Industries to be our 2007 Employer of the Year. Kwik Trip hired Kate Breen on January 1, 2004 and Kate continues to work there. Kwik Trip gives Kate the natural supports she needs to be successful in a community work site. While at Kwik Trip you may see Kate out sampling food, keeping the hot spot filled with goodies, or in the kitchen where she assists with some preparation. When Kate was asked why she liked working at Kwik Trip, Kate stated "I really enjoy all my co-workers, everyone is very nice, and the food tastes great!" Thank you Kwik Trip for assisting Kate with the opportunity to work in the community and having challenging and gratifying work!!
Jerry Kurtz has been selected by his co-workers to be this yearís Employee of the Year at Woodland Industries. Jerry was Woodland Industries first Quarter WOW award winner. Jerry has a great attitude, gets along with his co-workers, and takes the initiative to stay busy while at work. Jerry currently works at two enclaves, Merchants Bank and Hiawatha Valley Mental Health doing light custodial duties. Jerry is very dependable and has a positive attitude towards his work and co-workers.
The staff and participants of ABC Works have enjoyed working with Quillins and look forward to many more years as well as opportunities.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com