News Release
October 28, 2004
Contact: Bonnie Hawley
Phone: 703-335-5550
Companies Recognized for Business Excellence in Supporting Employees with Disabilities
The Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) honored six regional businesses with "Employer of the Year" Awards for their commitment and excellence to supporting the employment of persons with disabilities. Presentations were made on October 28, 2004 during the 10th Annual Employer Recognition Breakfast at the Prince William Hospital Conference Center. Shelby Robinson, Assistant Commissioner for Field Operations of the Virginia Employment Commission and Jason Grant of Prince William County Department of Economic Development served as keynote speakers.
This year's award recipients included:
- Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, Inc. - presented to Mr. Bob Davis
- Food Lion Store #362 - presented to Mr. Frank Farmer
- Big Lots, Woodbridge, VA. - presented to Mr. Doug Good
- Shoppers Food Warehouse, Manassas, VA - presented to Mr. Michael Yates
- Potomac News, Woodbridge, VA. - presented to Ms. Susan Svihlik
- Kentucky Fried Chicken, Dumfries, VA. - presented to Ms. Barbara Ralph
"People with disabilities can bring so much to Virginia's workforce when they get the chance to prove it," said DRS Commissioner James A. Rothrock. "These companies truly know what it means to 'put ability first' and we applaud them for their efforts in giving people with disabilities that chance."
The DRS Manassas Field Office has hosted this annual event for the past ten years during October's "Disability Employment Awareness Month," a time of recognition for not only the contributions that people with disabilities bring to the workplace, but for the businesses who realize the value found in this skilled, yet often untapped workforce. Past award recipients have included Marshall's Department Store of Manassas; Prince William County Library System; Don Pablo's; Giant Food of Leesburg; Wal-Mart of Leesburg; Jiffy Lube; U.S. Department of Treasury (Financial Management Division); IKEA; RGIS; Pizzeria Uno; Department of Defense; ECHO; Annanburg Manor; Didlake, Inc. and RDR, Inc.
Background:
The Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) is a state agency that helps persons with disabilities find, maintain, or retain employment through a comprehensive array of services including vocational counseling, career exploration, assistive technology, and other specialty programs for individual needs. For businesses, DRS helps employers address diversity and recruitment needs through its staffing services, financial incentives, networking resources, and disability awareness and sensitivity training programs. To contact DRS, call 1-800-552-5019 (voice), 1-800-464-9950 (TTY) or visit www.vadrs.org.
