Pinebrook Retirement Community of Miami Township was honored as the Business Advisory Council “Employer of the Year” at the October 21 Clermont Chamber of Commerce Monthly Breakfast Forum. Standing from left are: Scott Brown, Business Advisory Council Chair; State Senator Joe Uecker (R-District 14); State Representative John Becker (R-District 65); Don Munro, Pinebrook Retirement Community; Mindy Richard, Pinebrook; Dennis Curley, Pinebrook; CCDD Superintendent Dan Ottke; Matt Van Sant, Clermont Chamber of Commerce President/CEO. Seated from left are members of the CCDD Young Professionals Group: Ethan Steumpfle, Kroger; Amber Atkerson; Milford-Miami Township Public Library; and Aaron Strait, Panera Bread Milford.
Pinebrook Retirement Community has been named the 2016 Business Advisory Council “Employer of the Year” in celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This award was presented at the Clermont Chamber of Commerce Business@Breakfast on Friday, October 21.

The Business Advisory Council (BAC) and Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCDD) have been proud to partner with the Clermont Chamber of Commerce to honor employers each year during their October breakfast event.

Dennis J. Curley is the Executive Director of Pinebrook, which is a retirement community located in Miami Township. They offer independent and assisted living for senior citizens; other amenities include a fitness center, styling salon, a theater, library, and a private dining area for when family and friends visit. Preparation for meals in the dining department kitchen is where Pinebrook needed additional employees—that’s when they contacted the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCDD).

“Pinebook has hired three individuals from our agency this year,” said Dan Ottke, CCDD Superintendent. “Chef Don Munro and his staff treat each member of the dining department equally, regardless of their ability or disability. Those they have hired from our Community Employment Department enjoy being part of the Pinebrook Team.”

The keynote address for the Business@Breakfast event was Chip Gerhardt, III, who worked tirelessly over the past several years to pass legislation for the new STABLE accounts. STABLE accounts have features like typical bank accounts, but are also investment accounts similar to 529 college savings accounts. These specialized accounts allow individuals with disabilities the opportunity to save and invest money without affecting their benefits.

STABLE accounts are made possible by the federal “Achieving a Better Life Experience” Act that was passed by Congress in 2014 and just made available on June 1, 2016. At least 1,000 people with disabilities have already opened a STABLE account since June, said Gerhardt.

To learn more about the STABLE accounts or the Clermont County Business Advisory Council, contact Lisa Davis at 513-732-4921 or ldavis@clermontdd.org.