Four Biz to be Honored for Hiring People With Disabilities

MARC: Community Resources will recognize local businesses for employing people with disabilities at its annual Business Appreciation Breakfast on May 16 from 8-9:30 a.m. at the Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown.

The businesses are: ShopRite (Manchester & East Hartford), Chili's (Cromwell), CW Resources (New Britain), Courtyard by Marriott (Cromwell) and the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center (Wethersfield).

Dr. Patricia Charles, Superintendent, Middletown Public Schools, will give
the keynote address. Many students have transitioned into MARC programs upon
graduating from Middletown Schools. The event is hosted by MARC's Business
Advisory Council. The BAC educates the business community about
employment needs and helps identify and develop job leads.

It is increasingly difficult for people with disabilities to find good jobs. "We help connect people looking for work, most often in small work teams, with the local business community," said Liz Warner, President/CEO. "Our consumers have great attitudes and love their jobs. Local businesses gain productive, quality employees. It's a win-win."

The five companies will be recognized as follows:

• ShopRite (Manchester & East Hartford) will receive the Employer of the Year award for Group Supported Employment. Group Supported Employment is designed for consumers at least 21 years old who work in small teams supported by a job coach. Our consumers support ShopRite's Clean Store Initiative, ensuring that the environment for customers is a welcoming one.
• Chili's Restaurant, Cromwell, will receive the Group Supported Assessment Site award. Chili's provides a friendly environment for our consumers who help staff prepare for the next day's customers.
• CW Resources, New Britain, will receive the New Employer of the year award, which recognizes a business working with us for the first time. MARC consumers support the Meals on Wheels program.
• Courtyard by Marriott, Cromwell, will receive the Individual Placement award for job sites that hire and train individuals with disabilities who work independently. The hotel has employed a consumer with disabilities for nine years in the laundry department.
• The Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center, Wethersfield, will receive the Volunteer Site award. The center provides opportunities to water their extensive collection of flowering plants and to enjoy the beautiful grounds for picnics in nice weather.

• Brigitte Bourret, Dittman & Greer
• Quentin Phipps, Middletown Downtown Business District
  
• Joe Santaniello, Attention to Detail / Verizon Wireless Zone
  
• Kelly Smith, KGS Insurance Services
  
• Allen Stanwix, Greenwald Industries