Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries

L to R (rear) Cheryl Phipps, HCB Sup’t, Leslie
and Claire McCurley, Michael Flannery, MC
L to R (front) Stephanie Mitchell
and Gracie Flannery.

The morning of Saturday, April 25th, was marked by the sounds of celebration as more than 150 supporters of the Hamilton County Board of Developmental Disabilities- affiliated CARA (Commmunity Ambassadors Resource Alliance) group joined together for it’s 4th Annual “Wheels For Wishes” fund-raising event. Ohio Valley Goodwill has been a major sponsor of this fun special event since its beginnings.

The family-oriented festivities were made especially entertaining this year thanks to the help of Goodwill Public Information Officer, Michael Flannery, who served as MC for the 2009 Wheels party. “Wheels for Wishes” is held each year to raise awareness and funds to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities served by the Board and partner organizations like Goodwill.

CARA Coordinator, Kate Hawkins, reports that highlights this year included the new “Sing-Along” facilitated by Mimi Sinclair (Music Therapy), the newly accessible Metro bus tours, the wheel-decorating contest and especially, the good-natured humor of MC Michael Flannery.

The 2009 “Wheels For Wishes” event is expected to raise more than $3000, which will benefit indivduals served through the Board and its partner organizations.

Courtis Fuller, WLWT,
interviews Tri-County Store team

Ohio Valley Goodwill was delighted to welcome reporter Courtis Fuller, WLWT, to its flagship Tri-County store on Friday, April 17th. The reporter was there to do a story about Goodwill as an important resource for people looking for affordable interview attire. Store Manager, Vanessa Cornett and store team member, Nicholas French showed off the many items of brand name merchandise that are available at any Goodwill location. “We are able to sell the suit that might cost $250 in a regular department store for around $26 here at Goodwill,” said Vanessa Cornett. “At Goodwill, we’re very proud of the fact that we are a community resource and a great shopping destination during these tough economic times,” added Cornett.

Goodwill’s need for donations was also discussed as the number of new shoppers continues to increase. Courtis Fuller helped to emphasize that contributions to Goodwill are always needed but especially during times when the demand is so great.

“We very much enjoy working with Courtis and WLWT News 5 in our efforts to raise awareness about Goodwill and its many services,” said George Palmer, PR Director. “Our stores are vital to our ability to continue our mission of putting people to work in the Greater Cincinnati area,” added Palmer.

The Goodwill feature was included in the evening newscast on WLWT News5 on April 17th.

Mr. Charles Wright, Goodwill Board Chair
Ms. Laurie Brinkman, Cincinnati USA Chamber
Mr. Joe Byrum, President/CEO OVGI

Ohio Valley Goodwill was delighted to welcome almost 80 members of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber to its Spring Morning Mixer event, held at the organization’s corporate headquarters. Participants at the Chamber event had the opportunity to network with each other as well as the chance to learn about the important programs and services that Ohio Valley Goodwill offers.

Goodwill’s Board Chairman, Mr. Charles Wright, who is an active member of the Chamber, was responsible for bringing the “Morning Mixer” to the organization’s headquarters. “We were delighted to have the opportunity to talk with Chamber members about Goodwill and our mission of service,” said Joe Byrum, President and CEO. “We want the business community to know that Goodwill is an important multi-faceted resource in the Greater Cincinnati area,” added Byrum.

Interested attendees were provided tours of the Goodwill facility and were all astonished and interested to see the diverse array of programs and services that the organization is able to offer.

“We are just thrilled that the Chamber selected Goodwill to host this important business event,” said George Palmer, PR and Marketing Director. “We are grateful to Laurie Brinkman from the Chamber and her team for their support of this wonderful opportunity.”

On Thursday, April 2nd, Ohio Valley Goodwill was delighted to be featured as an exhibitor and presenter at the 2009 Transition Provider Fair sponsored by the Northwest Local School District. The annual event is held to provide families, students, teachers and counselors with needed information to help in planning for life after high school. More than 40 different organizations were involved in this year’s fair.

Kelly Manns, Senior Manager (pictured) had the opportunity to provide an overview of Goodwill’s programs and services to the attendees of this year’s event. The annual Transition Fair is always well attended by parents and professionals as they assist students in moving into life after school.

City Beat Magazine named Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries as the “2009 Best Thrift Clothing Store” as part of their 2009 Best of Cincinnati Awards.

Shown: L to R: Pattison Lunken and Vanessa Cornett (Store Representatives)  proudly showing off the 2009 City Beat Magazine “Best of Cincinnati” Award.

In partnership with 15 other Goodwill organizations throughout the state, Ohio Valley Goodwill was honored to be a co-sponsor of the 2009 Legislative Reception held March 31st at the Capitol Club in Columbus, Ohio.

This year’s reception event is especially meaningful because many of the attendees are new to their positions and are just learning about Goodwill and its potential in terms of workforce development and economic impact to the state-wide economy.

Ohio Valley Goodwill has always been a strong proponent of legislative advocacy and annually invites its elected representatives to tour its facilities and find out more about its many programs and services. “We have worked hard to maintain a close collaborative relationship with our elected officials, “said Joe Byrum, President/CEO. “Legislation that affects the individuals we serve is of vital importance to us,” added Byrum.

The year’s event welcomed more that 25 legislative representatives including state senators, representatives and aides. Outreach to regional representatives takes place on an on-going basis after the annual OAGI Legislative Reception is held.

Look for updates to the www.ohiogoodwills.org website in the coming week!

TOP PHOTO: L to R: Joe Byrum, Pres/CEO OVGI with State Representative Dale Mallory. ABOVE: L to R: State Representative Joe Uecker, Joe Byrum, Pres/CEO OVGI and State Representative Peter Stautberg.

Goodwill was pleased to present its 2009 “Let’s Go To Work,” fashion show to an audience of more than 300 Clermont County students, parents and teachers on March 31st. The show was part of a day-long series of workshops designed to help soon-to-be graduates prepare for the world of work.

Master of Ceremonies Michael Flannery (and Goodwill’s Public Information Officer) and Donna Beckum, Beechmont Store Manager co-facilitated the interactive fashion show which featured models from the organization’s award-winning CARE program. The Center for Advocacy, Recreation and Education (CARE), is designed to provide social and personal development opportunities and its participants were delighted to be asked to be part of the 2009 show. “This is the second time we’ve been asked to be part of a fashion event that is specifically for students preparing to enter the workforce,” said Lois Kramer, CARE Supervisor. “We are always excited to be part of these important educational experiences,” added Kramer. This year’s show was held in the Kruger Auditorium on the UC Clermont campus. Ohio Valley Goodwill congratulates our wonderful CARE models and the Graduates of Clermont County schools!