Winner: Kelly Kennedy from Opportunity Services (nominated by: Gretchen Ykema, Tom Andrews)

This individual was nominated by two individuals who had this to say about this year’s JPD Placement Person of the Year:

“100% commitment to this profession – it is my impression that for this person it is more of a calling, than a job, thinks outside the box, is optimistic, does an amazing job with my consumers, very professional, accepts a challenge with a smile and is an excellent communicator. I wish we had more placement people like her!”

Nominees:  Sarah Deeny (nominated by: Liz Jones) 

Non-JPD Placement Person of the Year

Winner: Jim Moritz from State of MN, Vocational Rehabilitation Services (nominated by: Steven Kuntz, Marci Jasper, Maureen McAvoy, Mark Jacobs, Terrell Towers, and Rich Wagner)

This individual was nominated by several individuals who had this to say about this year’s Non - JPD Placement Person of the Year:

“Ultimate team player, results oriented, over 30 years of experience working with businesses in the area of recruitment, retention, and training, held several roles within the central theme of promoting employment opportunities for people with disabilities, the Iron Man of placement, driven, enthusiastic, known for leadership, collaboration, and partnership building, and legendary.”

Nominees: Michelle Chmielewski (nominated by: Christine Paul, Amy Veches) and Melissa Lowe (nominated by: Cindy Uran)

JPD Employer of the Year/ Large Metro

Winner: Walgreens Distribution Center in Rogers, MN (nominated by: Ron Adams, Sara Wolf, Marci Jasper)

This employer was nominated by several individuals, which is a true testament to this employer! Here is what they had to say:

“Actively recruits persons with disabilities and has hired at least 10 employees. We work together to increase hires of qualified candidates. This employer’s philosophy has been to increase their workforce with persons with disabilities. Extremely accommodating, hires interpreters, communication is an “open-door” policy where employees can talk to Walgreens staff and they will listen, provides an inclusive environment, open to letting placement staff sit in on interviews and give feedback on the job seeker. They are a true example of what it means to be a great employer for people with and without disabilities. They have the notion of hiring people with disabilities because it is good business, not because they have to. They have great production rates at this distribution center in large part to the people with disabilities they have hired there.”

Nominees: North Memorial Hospital (nominated by: Brenda Peterson)

JPD Employer of the Year / Non-Metro

Winner: Coborns in Princeton, MN (nominated by: Doris Illies)

“This employer has opened their doors to persons with disabilities; they help individuals feel welcome and part of the team. They are active in providing feedback, allowing placement specialists to be involved and helping the placement specialist learn their expectations. They are patient, work well with people by giving clear expectations and goals, they are open and honest and give good feedback, and give a person a chance to make a mistake, learn from it, and move forward. The Managers have been excellent to work with!!!”

Nominees: N/A