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ABC, Woodland Industries hold annual honors banquet
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By Tom Murphy
Caledonia Argus
Ability Building Center and Woodland Industries recognized employers, employees, and businesses at its annual recognition banquet in Houston County last month. The Houston County banquet was held at the Four Seasons Community Center, Caledonia, with 250 people attending.
ABC Works
ABC Works in Caledonia and La Crescent honored its employee of the year, Cindy Burg. Kathy McCabe listed Cindy’s attributes, a good work ethic, independent thinker, reliable, flexible, willingness to learn new tasks, and a team player. “They are what an employer looks for in an employee, someone we want to carry on the responsibilities of a job,” McCabe said.
“Cindy began employment at ABC Works in 2004 out of high school,” McCabe noted. She has been working at Hokah Country Market, Time Travel, Doc’s Blue Moose, Temptations, UW-L, Glory Days, Starlite Lanes, The Four Seasons, and AmericInn.
“Cindy has consistently taken on new challenges and has shown tremendous growth. We have come to depend on her for quality work,” McCabe concluded.
Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of La Crosse was honored for supporting an enclave of five participants and one job coach. “ABC’s job is to repackage bottled pop, water, and juice as well as check the dates and make sure the product is clean,” said Cathy McCabe. “We have found Pepsi to be a pleasure to work for,” she added.
Tim Bye from Pepsi Cola accepted the award on behalf of the company.
The La Crosse School District Nutrition Program was honored as the ABC Works Business Partner of the Year. “We have been delivering to the La Crosse schools and senior nutrition sites for ten years,” said McCabe.
“We are currently delivering dish towels, bar towels, and aprons to 17 schools and 10 senior nutrition sites in the La Crosse area. On average, we wash 1,200 towels a week and we have enjoyed getting to know the people at all the different stops. We hope to continue to serve La Crosse schools for a long time,” said McCabe.
Joni Ralf accepted the award on behalf of La Crosse School District Nutrition Program.
Woodland Industries
Woodland Industries honored Shawn Cleven as employee of the year. Shawn had been one of Woodland’s WOW (Woodland Outstanding Worker) quarterly winner this year.
To be nominated for this award, the Woodland staff looks for a participant who has shown progress in meeting their goals, and having a positive attendance. They must also have shown positive improvements in their work skills, quality, productivity and initiative. From these award winners, the employee of the year is chosen.
The four WOW winners in 2008 were Laura Breeser, Corey Groves, Laurie Cleven, and Shawn Cleven.
“Shawn Cleven has shown tremendous growth in his employment this year,” said Helen Olson, Woodland Industries’ manager. This year, he has worked at Woodland, Quillin’s, and Camp Winnebago. About a month ago, he accepted full time employment at UW-L’s Chartwells.
“Shawn has an excellent attendance record and has accomplished many goals in the past year,” Olson said. “Everyone at ABC is proud of his accomplishments.”
Good Times Restaurant and Bar is Woodland Industries’ employer of the year. Kris and Rachel Wedl accepted the award on behalf of the Caledonia firm.
“Good Times has been a community supported employment site for Woodland for many years,” said Olson. “Kris Wedl has always been wonderful about giving people with disabilities an opportunity to learn and grow. In addition, she has been excellent at advocating for and offering natural supports to our participants,” Olson added.
“Thank you so much, Kris, for helping our participants meet their community goals and being so great work with over the past years,” Olson said.
Woodland Industries’ business partner of the year was Dick Kerndt. “Woodland Industries have been working with Dick and his livestock products for approximately 20 years. During that time, his business has seen continuous growth,” Olson said.
“From assembly to shipping these products, we have involved several participants and given them an opportunity to learn production and quality skills that assists them with being successful at Woodland and in their community development,” Olson said.
“We are appreciative of the work Dick has given us and look forward to a continued work relationship,” Olson concluded.
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