Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries

L to R: Jeff Tesch, OVGI Purchasing Mgr
Wren Hanson, NAPM Professional Development
Amy Hicks, NAPM President
Charlie Wright, OVGI Board Chair

Ohio Valley Goodwill was delighted to be the host location for the monthly meeting of the Cincinnati chapter of the National Association of Purchasing Managers (NAPM) on Tuesday, May 12th. Goodwill Purchasing Manager, Jeff Tesch, in cooperation with Board Chair, Charlie Wright and Wren Hanson, Director of Professional Development, NAPM, worked together to bring the group to the organization’s headquarters.

Twenty members of the NAPM team enjoyed the delicious lunch provided by the organization’s Food Services training team as well as the presentation provided by OVGI Marketing Director, George Palmer. The informative lunch event was followed by a comprehensive tour of the facility which included training programs, job placement offices, work areas as well as the organization’s dormitory for veterans struggling with homelessness. “As an active member of NAPM, I was pretty sure that they were unaware of the comprehensiveness of Goodwill’s programs and services and especially, their out-sourcing capabilities,” said Board chair, Charlie Wright.

The group received a host of information about Ohio Valley Goodwill at the end of the meeting but the organization’s Industrial Services division was showcased as particularly relevant to the business needs of the visiting group members. All were encouraged to visit the new Industrial Services at www.GoodwillB2B.com as well as to review the new IS brochure.

“We are always excited to welcome new groups to our corporate headquarters,” said George Palmer, Marketing Director. “Events like the NAPM luncheon help to educate people about the diversity of Goodwill programs including business services,” added Palmer.

The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) of Ohio Valley Goodwill was a proud co-sponsor of the “2009 Stand Down” event held Friday, May 8th at Mercy Franciscan at St. John in downtown Cincinnati. The purpose of the event is to draw attention to the needs of homeless veterans and to offer a variety of services for these individuals. The phrase “stand down” comes from an old military term relating to a time that military personnel can have their personal needs to.

Highlights of this year’s event included “Haircuts from the Heart,” provided by volunteer hairdressers and supervised by Sister Bonnie; delicious food and beverages; and assistance from more than 20 different service provider organizations. Goodwill is part of a Continnum of Care in partnership with many other community organizations that offer housing support, job services and medical services to individuals who are struggling with homelessness. In addition to Ohio Valley Goodwill, other sponsors for the event included: Cincinnati Veterans Administration, Mercy Franciscan-St. John, Bruegger’s and the Homeless Coalition.

Goodwill has been offering services to homeless veterans since the early 1990′s. Last year, Goodwill provided services to more than 550 veterans and homeless individuals. For more information about the stand down event, contact Mick Fusco, Goodwill’s Grant Manager at (513) 631-4500.

L to R: Joe Byrum, Pres/CEO OVGI
State Representative Peter Stautberg

The celebration of “National Goodwill Week” was appropriately capped off by a visit by newly elected State Representative Peter Stautberg. Goodwill President and CEO, Joe Byrum, provided the Representative with an extensive tour of the organization’s headquarters and explained the Goodwill mission in detail. The Representative was suitably impressed with the many services that Ohio Valley Goodwill offers and the number of people that are helped annually.

“I suppose I’m like most people,” said Mr. Stautberg. “I thought I knew the Goodwill story but am very surprised to find out everything that Goodwill actually does,” added Stautberg. The Representative had the opportunity to talk with participants in the CARE (Center for Advocacy, Recreation and Education) program, meet Veteran Services staff members, and see all of the organization’s operations in action. “I must say I have a whole new impression of Ohio Valley Goodwill,” said Representative Stautberg at the conclusion of his tour.

Ohio Valley Goodwill works in partnership with elected representatives to ensure their understanding of Goodwill’s important mission of putting people to work in the community. “It is vital that our elected officials understand the impact of legislative decisions on the individuals that we serve,” said Byrum, President and CEO.

The Industrial Services division of Ohio Valley Goodwill wishes to announce the official launch of its new website, www.GoodwillB2B.com. The new site is specifically designed to showcase the many services the Industrial Services division can offer to Greater Cincinnati businesses. With an experienced management team that specializes in Packaging and Fulfillment Services, Document Management and Destruction, Janitorial Services and developing Business Partnerships, Ohio Valley Goodwill can be the business community’s #1 out-sourcing choice.

In today’s tough economy, Goodwill’s Industrial Services division can be an effective, cost-efficient solution to business challenges. Benefits include: the ability to reduce labor expenses, increase production output, stream line operations, quick turnaround, storage capability and most importantly, budget control.

Goodwill has been serving the Greater Cincinnati community for more than 93 years and is proud of its A+ recognition by the Better Business Bureau. For more information about the services that the Industrial Services division can offer, please contact Todd Schreiber, Marketing Manager, at (513) 771-4800, ext. 6287.

Visit the NEW www.GoodwillB2B.com today to improve your business tomorrow!

L to R: Vanita Reed, Sarah Davis (rear)
Melinda Gabelman (front), Darlene O’Hair
Craig Franta (rear), Sharon Hannon
Stephanie Mitchell.

“Team Goodwill” was in outstanding form for the 2009 Hope & Possibility Run; a feature of the annual Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon. Sunny skies and warm temperatures inspired team members to post their best time ever in finishing the 3.2 mile event (1 hour and 11 minutes).

The goal of the Hope & Possibility Run is to pair 2 person teams (athletes with and without a disability) in an integrated and inclusive community showcase. The 2009 “Team Goodwill” partners included: Stephanie Mitchell and Leslie McCurley, Craig Franta and Darlene O’Hair, Vanita Reed and Sarah Davis, and Melinda Gabelman and Sharon Hannon.

This is the 3rd year that Ohio Valley Goodwill has been part of this prestigious event that brings all members of the Greater Cincinnati community together in a fun and memorable way. “It’s always so inspiring to see everyone crossing the finish line with big grins on their face,” said Sharon Hannon, Team Goodwill member and Goodwill Marketing Specialist.

Friday, May 1st was a very festive day for Ohio Valley Goodwill. Participants in its CARE (Center for Advocacy, Recreation and Education) program spent the afternoon dancing, socializing and generally, having fun during their 2009 CARE Prom event.Held in the Goodwill Auditorium, this year’s event featured centerpieces made by the CARE participants, delicious snacks and appetizers, and music provided by partner DJ’s and CARE staff members,  Heidi and Courtney. More than 50 individuals and their families as well as Goodwill staff team members participated in the 2nd annual Prom event. “We were excited to have so much support and involvement from everyone at Goodwill for this event,” said Lois Kramer, CARE Supervisor. “The individuals worked really hard on creating the centerpieces for this year’s Prom as well as the boutonnières worn by the guys and the bouquets for the ladies,” added Kramer.

Ohio Valley Goodwill congratulates the CARE program on the success of their 2nd Annual Prom event!

L to R: Joy Packer, LaRue Johnson
Linda Eslick, JoAn Armour, Carolyn Savage
Guild Volunteers

Friday, May 1st marked the start of the 10th Annual Guild Mini-Fest; a two-day celebration that Goodwill’s volunteer group has successfully organized over the past decade. Held at its Tri-County store location, the festival features homemade baked goods, gift items from the Treasure Island Gift Shop, books, tapes, CD’s, a grill-out at lunchtime, fingerprinting by the Woodlawn Police Department, blood pressure screening by the Woodlawn Fire Department, among other highlights.

The Goodwill Guild is a long-standing volunteer organization whose mission is to help make the public aware of Goodwill’s vocational training and job placement efforts and to support its mission of putting people to work. All proceeds from the festival will help to support Goodwill’s programs and services for individuals with disabilities.

L to R: Joy Mayer, Virginia Stevens
Paula Ruiz, Barbara Bean and Cathy Craft
Guild Volunteers.

Ohio Valley Goodwill is very grateful to the Guild for their on-going commitment to support the organization’s mission of service and congratulate the volunteers on the occasion of their 10th Annual Mini-Fest event. “We are delighted that the Guild is celebrating its 10th anniversary of the Mini-Fest this year,” said Joe Byrum, Goodwill President and CEO. “The Guild’s efforts benefit the men and women we serve each year and Goodwill appreciates their on-going support,” added Byrum.

L to R: Susan Mayberry, Employment Services Mgr
Matt Diaz, Employer (Walgreen’s)
Jackie Diaz, Employment Specialist.

Ohio Valley Goodwill’s Employment Services team was delighted to welcome area employers and referral partners to its 2009 Business Advisory breakfast event on Friday, May 1st. More than 25 attendees met to discuss the purpose of the Business Advisory group and to plan for future meetings. The mission of the group is to utilize each member’s expertise to assist individuals with disabilities to enter the workforce.

Chaired by Susan Mayberry, Goodwill’s Employment Services Manager, the breakfast will serve as the launch of regular advisory meetings directed towards enhancing the job opportunities for individuals served through Ohio Valley Goodwill.