Press Release                   

Tradeshow

Ten Individuals and Organizations were Honored at the 20^th Anniversary of the Developmental Disabilities Hall of Fame and Erin Ritchey Memorial Awards

Six people were honored at the 2008 Regional Erin Ritchey Memorial Awards and four others were inducted into the Developmental Disabilities Hall of Fame in an “Oscar style” ceremony Friday, April 25^th, at the Mandalay Banquet Center.

 The awards honor professionals, families, advocates and volunteers who support services and activities for people with disabilities and whose contributions have made a significant impact on people with disabilities, as well as individuals with disabilities who have made significant contributions to their communities or who have outstanding personal achievements. 

 The winners include Shari Napier, Gail Yates, Eunice Powell, Felicia Appleberry, McGregor Surmount Corporation, Phyllis Logel, Timmy Parker, Steven D’Amico, John J. Varmuza, and Dr. Julie Gentile. 

McGregor Surmount Corporation was honored with the 2008 Business Award.  The narrative read:

 “McGregor Surmount Corporation goes above and beyond in providing work opportunities and workplace inclusion for individuals who might otherwise be excluded. After moving to their new facility, McGregor contracted with MONCO Enterprises to employ individuals with disabilities to do light hand assembly work. At present, there are over 100 individuals working on thirty three different jobs at the Kuntz work center and McGregor.  

McGregor’s management and employees have become goodwill ambassadors for MONCO by spreading the positive message about the benefits of employing people with disabilities. Because of McGregor, MONCO has been able to secure other assembly work from two other companies in the Greater Dayton area.

Whether it’s a carry-in meal for Thanksgiving, the annual Christmas party, or a celebration for doing award-winning work, McGregor always includes MONCO work group in these activities.  

McGregor Surmount Corporation was selected to receive “The Whirlpool Supplier of the Year” award two years in a row. They were so impressed with the performance of the workers at Kuntz, they shared the award with those individuals who assisted them in winning this national award. “The quality of their work is one of the reasons that McGregor has received this award,” said Greg Wartinger, Director of  Sales for McGregor. 

McGregor Surmount Corporation has gone the distance by reaching out and giving individuals with disabilities a chance to showcase their abilities, when otherwise, they may not have been given the chance. They are truly an incredible organization.”