Big Lots #428 (Beechmont) will receive the Employer of the Year award for going above and beyond in providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Throughout 2013, Big Lots has participated in many Community-Based Work Assessments that provide individuals with disabilities an opportunity to learn all aspects of the retail industry. Store Manager Nancy McInturf and her staff assisted CCDD to place individuals in assessments that included unloading, pricing, and preparing merchandise for store shelves; recovering and relocating existing items; greeting store customers and distributing store advertisements; cart retrieval; and how to provide appropriate customer service.
In addition, Big Lots participated in CCDD’s Bridges To Transition Summer Youth Work Opportunity in 2013. Four sets of high school students with special needs worked at Big Lots over an eight-week period from June through August. They participated in learning experiences that mirrored the Community-Based Work Assessments. Many of those students will return in 2014 and look forward to earning a paycheck at Big Lots Beechmont.
CCDD and the BAC honors employers each October for their positive influence in working with people who have developmental disabilities, while giving individuals the opportunity to participate in community employment or work assessments.
Members of the BAC are the Michelle Dool, The Opportunity for Ohioians with Disabilities Agency; Cynthia Crews, Workforce One of Clermont County; Lisa Walsh, Deimling-Jeliho; Pam Brown, Kroger; and Phil Kish, Round Bottom Recycling. Representatives who serve on the BAC from CCDD are Scott Brown, Gene Johnson, Dan Ottke, Roger Moning, and Lisa Davis.
The Clermont Chamber of Commerce Monthly Membership Luncheon will be held at Receptions Eastgate on Oct. 11. Lt. Governor Mary Taylor is the featured luncheon speaker. To attend, contact the Clermont Chamber at (513) 576-5000 or www.clermontchamber.com.