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NEWS RELEASE

GOODWILL’S ANNUAL MEETING FOCUSED ON “CELEBRATING 85 YEARS OF SERVICE”

 AKRON, Ohio—April 2, 2012— Goodwill Industries serving Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland and Richland Counties celebrated 85 years of service at its 2012 Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at The Tangier in Akron.  The event featured a networking reception beginning at 5:00 p.m.  The program convened at 6:00 p.m. when President  & CEO Nancy Ellis McClenaghan introduced the “i will” concept as featured in the agency’s 2011 Annual Report.

 Ray Horner, Radio Personality for WAKR 1590, was the event’s Master of Ceremony.  A “Celebration of Champions” was the focal point of the evening.  The celebration included honoring several successful program participants and recognizing businesses that have partnered with Goodwill to provide skills training opportunities for participants, hired Goodwill graduates, or who have used the agency’s services to help recruit qualified applicants.  Honorees included:

 Volunteers:

 Community Partners:

Program Participants:

 During the brief business presentation, Shelby Morgan, President/Board of Directors thanked long-time volunteers James Dannemiller, Angela Neeley and Carolyn Pizzuto for their service and welcomed the newly elected slate of Officers for 2012-2013 ~ Chairman, Barry E. Thoman of Meaden & Moore, First Vice-Chairman, C. Allen Nichols, Wadsworth Library, Second Vice-Chairman Gary L. Rickel of CB Richard Ellis Inc., Treasurer Brent R. Thompson of Winer & Bevilacqua, CPA’s, and Secretary Margaret D. Lazzerini.

 Event sponsors included: Silver Level – W3 Wealth Management, LLC; Bronze-level – BCG & Company – Bober Markey Fedorovich – Fifth Third Bank – Meaden & Moore – Roetzel & Andress – SS&G – Welty Building Company, Ltd. -  White Hat Management.  Media Partner – Rubber City Radio Group.

 According to Event Chairs Steve and Cherie Shechter, “You could feel the excitement in the air when you walked into the Tangier’s festive Cabaret Room. It was going to be a celebration of exceptional participants of Goodwill, a time for them to be proud, and to be recognized by all of us.  When CEO Nan McClenaghan congratulated each Champion on stage, the expressions of pride and joy on their faces said it all about the power of work.   Goodwill Industries of Akron has come a long way in 85 years, and one is left with the distinct impression that they are just getting warmed up.”

 About Goodwill Industries

Goodwill Industries of Akron is a not-for-profit corporation that helps individuals prepare for, find, and retain employment. Operating in the five-county region of Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland, and Richland, the Akron-based agency was established in 1927. It is a private, independent organization, operating as an affiliate member of Goodwill Industries International, and a United Way agency in Summit and Medina Counties. Goodwill helps to directly strengthen the region’s workforce through its employment programs and indirectly through the net proceeds from its retail outlets and contract services division. For more information about Goodwill, visit www.goodwillakron.org or call 800-989-8428.      ###

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GOODWILL’S ANNUAL MEETING TO FOCUS ON  “CELEBRATING 85 YEARS OF SERVICE”

AKRON, Ohio—March 6, 2012— Goodwill Industries serving Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland and Richland Counties will celebrate 85 years of service at its 2012 Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 29, 2012, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at The Tangier in Akron (532 W. Market Street).   The event will feature a networking reception beginning at 5:00 p.m.  The program will convene at 6:00 p.m. when the agency will introduce its “i will” concept as featured in the 2011 Annual Report and share key metrics on its service delivery to over 7,200 individuals.

 A “Celebration of Champions” will be the focal point of the evening.  The agency will honor successful program participants and recognize businesses across its service territory that have partnered with Goodwill to provide skills training opportunities, hired Goodwill graduates or used the agency’s services to help recruit qualified applicants.   To round out the event, other community agencies that Goodwill has partnered with over the years and who have also celebrated significant milestones will be recognized.

Event Chairs Steve and Cherie Shechter stated, “We believe in the power of work.  We also believe in the value of a good party, especially when there is something good to celebrate.  What could be better than 85 years of changing lives for the better by helping people overcome barriers to employment?”

During the brief business presentation, Shelby Morgan, President/Board of Directors will thank long-time volunteers James Dannemiller, Angela Neeley and Carolyn Pizzuto, welcome newly elected Board Members and introduce the Officers for 2012-2013.  

 Annual Meeting Details

Thursday, March 29, 2012, at The Tangier, 532 W. Market Street, Akron.  Hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and networking at 5:00 pm.  Program begins at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $25 each ($5 donative value). Contact Beverly Sherrard at 330-724-6995, ext. 229 or bsherrard@goodwillakron.org for tickets or more information. RSVPs are requested by March 16.

 Goodwill would like to thank its annual and event sponsors, which include: Silver Level – W3 Wealth Management, LLC; Bronze-level – BCG & Company – Bober Markey Fedorovich – Fifth Third Bank – Meaden & Moore – Roetzel & Andress – SS&G – Welty Building Company, Ltd. -  White Hat Management.  Media Partner – Rubber City Radio Group.

About Goodwill Industries

Goodwill Industries of Akron is a not-for-profit corporation that helps individuals prepare for, find, and retain employment. Operating in the five-county region of Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland, and Richland, the Akron-based agency was established in 1927. It is a private, independent organization, operating as an affiliate member of Goodwill Industries International, and a United Way agency in Summit and Medina Counties. Goodwill helps to directly strengthen the region’s workforce through its employment programs and indirectly through the net proceeds from its retail outlets and contract services division. For more information about Goodwill, visit www.goodwillakron.org or call 800-989-8428.      ###

NEWS RELEASE

OVER 7,000 JOB SEEKERS ASSISTED BY GOODWILL INDUSTRIES IN 2011

AGENCY TO FORMALLY PRESENT MISSION NUMBERS AT MARCH 29 ANNUAL MEETING

 AKRON, Ohio—January 25, 2012— Looking for work and facing adversity are difficult obstacles, and valuable resources like those provided through Goodwill Industries, serving Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland, and Richland Counties, helped to give 7,263 individuals a hand-up this past year. With the mission of helping individuals prepare for, find, and retain employment, the nonprofit agency provided a variety of services to individuals looking for a new or better job, or the opportunity to advance toward gainful employment.

 “We take pride in our commitment to help individuals prepare for, find and retain employment,” said Nan McClenaghan, Goodwill’s CEO and president. “We continually look for ways to increase and improve the services Goodwill offers.

 Most known for assisting individuals that have disabilities and operating a well-established donation and resale operation, Goodwill is so much more. The agency has been in the business of meeting the needs of job seekers and extending those services to the entire population for 85 years. 

 Although not everyone who receives services from Goodwill is seeking immediate job placement assistance, the agency boasts a seven year placement rate of 80% or better.  Also, its 90% retention rate for 2011 means that most of the 517 individuals Goodwill placed into jobs in 2011 were still on the job after 90 days, and it is probable that their employment will continue. Goodwill’s impact on the local economy as the value of the first year’s wages of individuals placed was over $14 million – dollars that purchased food and services, and paid taxes in local communities. Beginning in 2006, Goodwill began more formally measuring its satisfaction level of participants receiving services, and in each of the last five years, it has achieved at least 92% participant satisfaction.

 It is also important to note that Goodwill’s business lines, which include its Contract Services and Retail Operations, are the perfect training ground for many of the participants receiving services. More than 321 program participants worked within these business operations for a total of 120,553 hours gaining valuable skills, and more importantly, an enhanced feeling of confidence and self-worth to help them become more successful in relation to their employment goals.

 Goodwill Industries would not have been able to achieve these service numbers without the support and encouragement from the public’s donations and its many referral sources and funding agencies.

 Goodwill will formally present its service numbers with the release of its 2011 Annual Report at the agency’s 85^th Annual Meeting at The Tangier on March 29, 2011, at 5:00 p.m.

Goodwill Industries of Akron is a not-for-profit corporation that helps individuals prepare for, find and retain employment. Operating in the five-county region of Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland and Richland, the Akron-based agency was established in 1927. It is a private, independent organization, operating as an affiliate member of Goodwill Industries International, and a United Way agency in Summit and Medina Counties. Goodwill helps to directly strengthen the region’s workforce through its employment programs and indirectly through the net proceeds from its retail outlets and contract services division. For more information about GIA, visit www.goodwillakron.org or call 800-989-8428.

NEWS RELEASE

RECORD ATTENDANCE AT SIXTH ANNUAL TASTE OF VINTAGE EVENT

465 ATTENDED AKRON GOODWILL’S SIGNATURE FUNDRAISER

AKRON, Ohio— November 21, 2011— Shelby Morgan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Goodwill Industries of Akron kicked off the agency’s signature fundraiser by welcoming a record number of attendees. Food, fun and fashion was the order of the evening at Goodwill Industries’ sixth annual Taste of Vintage benefit held Thursday, November 17 at Quaker Station in downtown Akron.     

 Event co-chairs Julie and James Merklin added to the evening’s magnificence by honoring Russ Vernon, retired chairman of West Point Market and, by asking everyone to ‘raise their glass in a toast’ to Russ for his significant contributions of time, talent and treasure in support of not only Goodwill Industries, but several other community organizations.

 While party goers were enjoying food samplings from 15 area restaurants and specialty businesses, they had an opportunity to bid on over 120 packages as part of the event’s silent auction.  Masters of Ceremony Sue Wilson and Scott Wynn, morning show hosts of WQMX 94.9, helped encourage spirited bidding by describing many of the items available for purchase and how the proceeds from those purchases helped support Goodwill’s mission of helping individuals prepare for, find and retain employment.   Auctioneer Bob Hale of Benefit Auction Services kept the bidding excitement going during the live auction and was especially energized during the hand up portion of the auction raising more than $6,850 in support of the agency’s radio reading services ~ WEYE Seeing Eye Radio.

 Rounding out the evening was ~ a Vintage Voyage~ fashion show spanning the decades. The show, MC’d by Scott and Sue, featured 40 models wearing garments from Goodwill’s Vintage Clothing Collection.  From the roaring 20’s, the groovy 60’s, through the disco era and everything in between, models donned the stage to the overwhelming enjoyment of the crowd.  Event volunteers and even several of the party-goers joined in the theme by also wearing vintage clothing! 

 Participating restaurants and caterers supporting the event included Akron Woman’s City Club, Earth Fare, Festive Food Catering – Mature Services Inc., Great Harvest Bread Company, The Bakery at Hattie’s Café, House of Hunan (Fairlawn), Little City Caterers, Mobile Meals, Inc., Pearl Coffee Company, Robert J. – Events & Catering, Saffron Patch of Akron, The Stew Pot Kitchen, University Dining Services at The University of Akron, West Point Market, and The West Side Bakery.

 Event sponsors included OMNOVA Solutions, Inc. and W3 Wealth Management (Silver), BCG & Company, Bober Markey Fedorovich, Fifth Third Bank, Meaden & Moore, Welty Building Company, Ltd., and White Hat Management (Bronze) and In-Kind sponsors ~ Brent V Media, Rubber City Radio Group, The Green Room Spa, Shulan’s and T-Mobile.

About Goodwill Industries

Goodwill Industries of Akron is a not-for-profit corporation that helps individuals prepare for, find, and retain employment. Operating in the five-county region of Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland, and Richland, the Akron-based agency was established in 1927. It is a private, independent organization, operating as an affiliate member of Goodwill Industries International, and a United Way agency in Summit and Medina Counties. Goodwill helps to directly strengthen the region’s workforce through its employment programs and indirectly through the net proceeds from its retail outlets and contract services division. For more information about Goodwill, visit www.goodwillakron.org or call 800-989-8428.      ###

 NEWS RELEASE

FASHION & FOOD TO GET TOP BILLING AT TASTE OF VINTAGE EVENT

ANNUAL FUNDRAISER SET FOR NOVEMBER 17 AT QUAKER STATION

 AKRON, Ohio— October 26, 2011— Event chairs Julie and James Merklin invite you to attend a spectacle of vintage fashion and culinary delights at Goodwill Industries’ sixth annual Taste of Vintage benefit to be held Thursday, November 17 at Quaker Station (135 S. Broadway St., Akron) from 6-9 p.m.  The event showcases live and silent auctions, tastings from some of the area’s finest restaurants and caterers, and a fashion show featuring garments from Goodwill’s Vintage Clothing Collection.  “We have attended this event many times in the past and our daughter Naomi modeled for 4 years.  This is a tremendously fun event and for an exceptional cause, especially in these times where Goodwill’s mission, to help people prepare for, find and retain jobs, is so critical.” This year’s event will include a special recognition ‘toast’ to Akron icon Russ Vernon for his long-standing service to Goodwill and the region.

 Food samplings will be offered by a variety of restaurants and specialty businesses including:  Akron Woman’s City Club, Earth Fare, Festive Food Catering – Mature Services Inc., Great Harvest Bread Company, Hattie’s Café & Bakery, House of Hunan (Fairlawn), Little City Caterers, Mobile Meals, Inc., Pearl Coffee Company, Robert J. – Events & Catering, Saffron Patch of Akron, The Stew Pot Kitchen, University Dining Services at The University of Akron, West Point Market, and West Side Bakery.

 Samples of auction items include a Disney Dreams package (a seven-day stay in a private condo in Orlando, Florida – over spring break – April 7, 2012–April 14, 2012; with one-day park-hopper passes for four to Walt Disney World Theme Park); one carat total weight diamond pendant with necklace from Sterling Jewelers valued at $1,399; a one-night stay in the African Queen Suite at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, OH; and an official, autographed Brad Maynard Football from the Cleveland Browns.

 Event Details

Thursday, November 17, 2011 from 6-9 p.m. @ Quaker Station, 135 S. Broadway Street, Akron, $50/person ~ RSVP at www.tasteofvintage.com or by calling 330-724-6995.

 Thanks to event sponsors OMNOVA Solutions, Inc. and W3 Wealth Management (Silver), BCG & Company, Bober Markey Fedorovich, Fifth third Bank, Meaden & Moore, Welby Building Company, Ltd., and White Hat Management (Bronze) and In-Kind sponsors ~ Rubber City Radio Group, The Green Room Spa and T-Mobile.

 About Goodwill Industries

Goodwill Industries of Akron is a not-for-profit corporation that helps individuals prepare for, find, and retain employment. Operating in the five-county region of Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland, and Richland, the Akron-based agency was established in 1927. It is a private, independent organization, operating as an affiliate member of Goodwill Industries International, and a United Way agency in Summit and Medina Counties. Goodwill helps to directly strengthen the region’s workforce through its employment programs and indirectly through the net proceeds from its retail outlets and contract services division. For more information about Goodwill, visit www.goodwillakron.org or call 800-989-8428.      ###