OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --- The 18th Annual Governor’s Disability Employment Awards will be presented during a special ceremony beginning at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, in the Governor’s Mansion Pavilion in Oklahoma City.
Gov. Brad Henry will present commendations to 15 persons with disabilities, 15 businesses and two media organizations. (List of winners is attached). Gov. Henry has designated the month of October as Disability Employment Awareness Month as it is celebrated nationally with the theme “America Works When All Americans Are Working.”
The Governor’s Disability Employment Awards honor outstanding persons with disabilities who are working in community jobs around the state. They also honor businesses that hire people with disabilities that often enable them to succeed. Media organizations that promote employment programs for people with disabilities are also honored.
The ceremony is sponsored by the Office of the Governor, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Oklahoma State Department of Rehabilitation Services, State Department of Education, the Office of Handicapped Concerns, the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council and the Oklahoma Association of Persons in Supported Employment.
Editors and News Assignment Directors: If you are interested in covering this event or would like more information on a particular honoree from your area, please contact Sheree Powell, Developmental Disabilities Services Division, at (405) 521-4972.
2003 Governor’s Disability Employment Awards of Excellence Winners
Employee Award Category: In recognition of outstanding achievements in employment:
Lisa Bullock, Oklahoma City
Perry “Nikki” Butcher, Cushing
Crystal Elliott, Cushing Bryan Ferguson, Midwest City
Wallace Martin, Oklahoma City
Jerry Miller, Tulsa
Heather Niles, Blackwell Carol Rowan, Oklahoma City J. Carl Smith, Stroud
Dale Swarer, Okmulgee
Scott Switzer, Terlton
Norbert J. Turnbow, Bristow Dustin Walker, Tulsa
Nancy Ward, Oklahoma City
Jeremy White, Tulsa
Business Award Category: In recognition of hiring persons with disabilities and ensuring their success:
A+ Welding and Construction Inc., Laurence Armstrong, Owner - Cushing
Big Lots, Muskogee, Richard Mossey, Manager - Muskogee
Blackwell Public Schools, Dr. Dorothy Young, Principal Bristow Housing Authority, Melvin Taylor, Manager
Cherokee County Nursing Home, Tahlequah
Indian Springs Country Club, Bob Gellar, Supervisor, Broken Arrow Kwikset, Bristow Outback Steak House, 2219 SW 74th St., Oklahoma City
Petro Truck Stop, Oklahoma City
Reasor’s Grocery Store, 7114 S. Sheridan, Tulsa
Renaissance Salon and Spa, Marjorie DeLong, owner/manager – Oklahoma City
Ross True Value, Chickasha Target Super Center, Edmond, Lori Granec, Manager - Edmond
Tinker Air Force Base, Jean Jodlowski, Employment Office – Midwest City
Wal-Mart #499, Bill Waller, Manager – Enid
Media Award Category: In recognition of positive publicity given to work programs that serve persons with disabilities:
Enid News and Eagle
KBEZ Radio, Cindy Bear – Tulsa
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