Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries

The Industrial Services division of Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries was pleased to welcome some of its business partners on Friday, October 29th with a luncheon Open House at the corporate headquarters in Woodlawn.  The event was designed to acknowledge long standing business associations and to welcome new potential partners.  During the program, guests were welcomed by Goodwill CEO, Joe Byrum who greeted the visitors, outlined Goodwill’s mission, and presented an overview of the organization’s multi-faceted programs and services.   “We always appreciate having our business partners visit our facility and see first-hand how we provide real work experiences for the individuals with disabilities and homeless veterans that we serve,” said Joe Byrum.  “The contract work that our business partners provide for us is of utmost importance,” added Byrum.

During the elaborate buffet luncheon which was provided by Goodwill’s food service training program, several companies were recognized and thanked for their long-standing service and commitment to Goodwill Industries.   These included: Larry Mason of the Ford Motor Company, Kent Wyant of HALO, Jeff Germann of the Kroger Company, David Cavazos of the Wornick Company, and Deb Tisch and Tom Rhodenbaugh of Kutol Products.   “We so appreciate the service that these companies have given to us over the past many years and for the work that they are currently providing to Goodwill at this time,” commented Todd Schreiber, Goodwill’s Industrial Services Marketing Manager. 

Ohio Valley Goodwill thanks its business partners for their dedication to the organization and continued commitment to its mission to put people to work! 

Pictured from left to right: Mike Hasenohr, Goodwill store staff, Ann Walters, Goodwill Sales Manager, Krysta Ryan, Tri County Store Manager, Alison Montoya, WLWT-TV News 5 Reporter

Goodwill’s Tri County retail store played host on Friday morning October 29th, for WLWT-TV reporter Alison Montoya as she toured the the region in search of creative ideas for the upcoming Halloween holiday.  Alison and her videographer came to the store looking for children’s costumes, items for adult themed costumes, and even Halloween decorations.  Ohio Valley Goodwill stores are the right destination for savvy shoppers all through the month of October.  Goodwill stores not only are full of costumes, but also the right stop for cool fall decorations. 

Montoya interviewed Ann Walters, Goodwill’s Sales Manager who informed the reporter that October is one of Goodwill’s strongest sales months.  “Halloween is generally the busiest season for our stores and we try very had to help our customers with costume ideas.  We have even developed a guide that can help our shoppers with theme ideas and our staff is always eager to assist with ideas and suggestions,” indicated Walters. 

Just as any other time during the year, store sales help to provide the income to support programs and services for men and women with disabilities, homeless veterans and others with barriers to employment.   Make one of Ohio Valley Goodwill’s 16 Greater Cincinnati area retail stores your destination for all your fall shopping needs.

Michael Flannery, Goodwill Public Information Officer accepting grant check from Romey Reynolds, Marshalls store manager.

The morning of Thursday, October 28th was an exciting one for Goodwill as well as the new Marshalls store opening in the Eastgate area. In their Grand Opening tradition, Marshalls stores, which are owned by the TJX Companies, selects a charitable organization to receive a grant award in the community of the new store location. Ohio Valley Goodwill submitted a grant request for its Female Veterans Placement program and was awarded a $5,000 grant by the TJX Foundation.

Representatives from the TJX Foundation had toured Ohio Valley Goodwill’s corporate headquarters in July of this year and been provided a comprehensive tour of all of the programs and services that Goodwill offers including the Veterans programs. The $5000 grant award was specifically designated to be used to support Goodwill’s job placement efforts on behalf of female veterans.

Ohio Valley Goodwill applauds the mission of the TJX Foundation which is to sustain social commitment to social responsibility by making a positive impact in the communities in which they do business.

Since the early 1990′s, Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries has been offering programs and services for our nation’s veterans in the Ohio and Northern Kentucky area.  More than 5,000 veterans have received service during this time through Ohio Valley Goodwill’s programs. Approximately, 6.5% of the veterans that Goodwill serves are female.

For the 4th year in a row, Ohio Valley Goodwill’s Retail team was asked to serve as honorary judges for the 2010 Fountain Square Halloween Costume Contest sponsored by 3CDC, Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation. Entrants included children and adults in a variety of categories including “most creative”, “scariest”, “funniest”, “cutest kid”, “best team”, “best couple” and “best overall”. Krysta Ryan and Vanessa Cornett, Goodwill Retail Managers, acted as the guest judges and were appropriately dressed for the part. Krysta dressed as Medusa (a character from Greek mythology) and Vanessa as a Renaissance fair maiden.

For this year’s event, 12 different contestants took the stage. The overall winner was “Aquaman,” to the delight of all those in attendance. “We really enjoy being part of this annual Cincinnati Halloween tradition and look forward to being invited back every year,” said Krysta Ryan.

Pictured is Ranaye Hampton, Goodwill Leisure-Rec Coordinator.

Ohio Valley Goodwill was delighted to be one of the featured exhibitors at the 2010 Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities (BCBDD) annual Provider Fair event on Thursday, October 21st. Held at the Wilks Conference Center on the campus of Miami University, the annual provider fair is an opportunity for individuals and families to find out about the many programs and services offered throughout the community.

Goodwill Rec-Leisure Coordinator Ranaye Hampton and Fairfield Vocational Center Supervisor, Michael Goforth represented the organizaton in sharing program information with all of the interested guests at this year’s event. The 2010 Provider Fair welcomed a significant number of transition students and recent graduates seeking support and assistance with employment opportunities as well as social activities.

“The Butler County Provider Fair is always a wonderful opportunity to share information with individuals, families and teachers about all of the many things that Goodwill can provide,” said Ranaye Hampton. “Our Fairfield Vocational Services Center is a great place to receive help with employment needs and the Rec-Leisure program can help people to feel included in their local community,” add Hampton. Ohio Valley Goodwill currently serves almost 100 individuals through its partnership with the Butler County Board of DD.

L to R: Pictures are John Romer, Advocacy Director, HCDDS and James Harley, Advocate.

During the 2010 Election Forum sponsored by long-time partner, Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS), Goodwill advocate James Harley was recognized by  John Romer, Advocacy Director, as the newest member of the Advocacy Leadership Network. James has been a very active and committed advocate on behalf of individuals with disabilities for many years and has provided testimony in the past for Hamilton County Commissioners in support of HCDDS. He has also been a featured “actor” for Ohio Valley Goodwill in an on-going series of mission-oriented television commercials.

James along with Goodwill staff members, Erin Hill and Sharon Hannon, were in attendance at the 2010 Election Forum which was facilitated by members of the Advocacy Leadership Network. The forum provided the opportunity for attendees to hear from 2010 candidates about their position regarding issues affecting citizens with disabilities. Among the special guests were Jim Tarbell and Chris Monzell, both running for County Commissioner, as well as Tom Brinkman for County Auditor and Michael Rench, RSC Administrator, representing Governor Ted Strickland.

In his usual assertive fashion, James asked each candidate about their thoughts on issues that directly impact the lives of individuals with disabilities including accessibility, transportation and employment opportunities. The forum was designed to provide the chance for all to hear the candidate’s views and to ask questions to assist in their voting decisions.

Ohio Valley Goodwill is very proud of James and his new appointment to the Advocacy Leadership Network. Goodwill is also grateful to Hamilton County Developmental Disabilties Services and the Advocacy Leadership Network for their sponsorship of the 2010 Election Forum event.

Tuesday, October 19th and Wednesday, October 2oth were filled with activity at Ohio Valley Goodwill’s corporate headquarters as a team of its in-house “actors” participated in the filming of a new community outreach video. The new video is designed to provide an overview of Goodwill’s programs and services in a way that will be engaging for young adults.

As more and more individuals move from the world of school to the world of work, finding out about life choices becomes increasingly more important. The Goodwill video will tell the story of its service offerings through the experiences of peers that actually participate in the programs. Narrated and hosted by Goodwill Public Information Officer, Michael Flannery, the visual piece will be used in conjunction with in-person testimonials and other educational pieces during a series of community outreach efforts over the next year. “We are very excited about having the opportunity to talk with students, teachers, parents and other advocates in a way that they will find informative and also, fun,” said Sharon Hannon, Marketing Specialist.

Ohio Valley Goodwill serves more than 2300 individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment annually and assists in supporting personal success.

“Business to Business Expo” – Woodlawn and Evendale Chamber Event. George Palmer, Director, Public Relations and Marketing, Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries and Martha Schottelkotte, Brown Mackie College and President, Woodlawn Chamber of Commerce.

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries was pleased to participate in the second annual “Business to Business Expo” hosted by the Woodlawn and Evendale Chambers of Commerce on Tuesday, October 12, 2010.  The purpose of the Expo is to highlight businesses in the region and to offer a networking venue for these businesses in a forum that showcases their products and services.  More than 50 local and regional businesses participated in the second annual expo.  The event was held this year at the Evendale Recreation Center. 

 ”The Business Expo offers a great way for Goodwill to network with a large variety of businesses that may not be aware of our organization’s contract availabilities,” said George Palmer, Director of Public Relations and Marketing and a member of the Woodlawn Chamber.  “Participating in the Expo is a positive way for other organizations to learn about Goodwill’s packaging, assembly, and outsourcing availabilities,” added Palmer.   Chamber activities have helped local businesses to become familiar with Goodwill’s business capabilities.  Ohio Valley Goodwill has been an active participant with many regional chamber organizations for many years and is committed to being a leader in the local business community.

If you want to celebrate Halloween and be earth friendly at the same time- look no further than Ohio Valley Goodwill. Shoppers can buy the gently worn items they need for a unique Halloween costume, and reuse and recycle while being creative at the same time…Whether you’re looking for a new costume or items to create your own costume, Goodwill’s network of 16 stores have everything you need. A little imagination can turn you into anything from an Avatar character to your favorite superhero and more.

“Reusing items for Halloween is good for people and the planet,” said Joe Byrum, President and CEO. “By shopping at Goodwill, you’re celebrating Halloween in a sustainable way and helping people in your local community to receive skill training and find jobs.”

Goodwill is also a great way to find the most value for your dollar. Those families seeking affordable costumes and decor need to look no further than any one of Goodwill’s conveniently located area stores.

So this Halloween, you can be eco-friendly, have fun and save money all at the same time with Ohio Valley Goodwill. Stop by today to see how creative you can be. For a list of our store locations, please click here. Remember, our Batesville store is always our Halloween headquarters every year. Goodwill wishes you a safe and happy Halloween season!

Friday, October 8th marked the official celebration of tenure milestones for several of Ohio Valley Goodwill’s staff team. Employees that have been with the organization for 25, 20, 15 and 5 years were recognized for their contributions to the Goodwill mission during an official tenure pin event. All individuals recognized at the October 8th ceremony are affiliated with the organization’s programs and services for individuals with disabilities. The Goodwill team members at today’s celebration included: Matt Byrum and Stephanie Eppley-25 years, Fannie Hill and Sharon Hannon at 20 years, Leslie McCurley at 15 years and Jackie Bush, Jodi Miller, Esther MWilu, Lucy Smith, Kristie Watts all at 5 years. All received Goodwill tenure pins and were congratulated by colleagues and supervisors for their efforts in support of the individuals the organization serves.

“At Goodwill, we recognize that it is truly a committed, dedicated staff team that makes it possible for us to provide the quality of programs and services that we are known for,” said Jo Ann Decker, Rehabilitation Vice President.