Red, 4-door station wagon w/3.0 engine, 6 cylinder automatic w/146.000 miles.  Asking Price: $1,400

4-door, Blue w/automatic/ 4 cylinder w/277,000 miles.  Asking Price:  $2,000

Aqua w/2.3 engine, standard shift, w/150,000 miles.  Asking Price: $2,000

Tan, 4-door, automatic  w/146,000 miles.  Asking Price: $2,000

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.      ###

NEWS RELEASE

 “EMPLOYEES OF DISTINCTION” REVEALED AT LUNCHEON

42 NOMINEES RECOGNIZED AND 5 AWARDED WITH HIGHEST HONOR

AKRON, Ohio—September 13, 2011— Forty-two outstanding employees from Summit, Portage and Medina Counties were recognized and five individuals were revealed as winners of the “Employee of Distinction Award” at the 10th Annual Employee of Distinction Awards Luncheon hosted by Goodwill Industries on September 7 at Guy’s Party Centre. 

 Congratulations to the 2011 Employee of Distinction Award Winners:

 Jennifer Aubley, Supervisor Bober Markey Fedorovich

Jennifer is dedicated, with a genuine concern and interest in her clients and co-workers.  She is vigilant about communicating and following up which results in great client service and contributes to a positive work environment.   She also founded and runs the firm’s Professional Development Club (PDC) – a forum for non-management employees to develop “soft” skills in a non-threatening environment.  

Amanda Blake, Hair Stylist Gavin Scott Salon & Spa

Amanda’s supervisor states, “There are times when I think she knows more about the bottom line than I do!”  She is an integral part of the salon’s community philanthropic activities, helping to raise over $3,000 for various charitable organizations.    AND, Amanda also cuts hair for over 30 individuals at Project Homeless Connect. 

Andrea Denton, Client’s Rights Coordinator County of Summit ADM Board

Through her leadership, wisdom and energy, the county’s Suicide Prevention Coalition has brought together concerned people to address this most pressing public health problem. With warmth, honesty, optimism and gentle good humor, she is one of our community’s strongest leaders in advocacy for people with mental illness.  She embodies the word “inspiration”. 

Jim Isom, Network Specialist Child Guidance & Family Solutions

Jim is the “MacGyver” of the organization and many times handles thankless tasks.  He knows resources are limited, so he is always looking for cost-saving solutions or the best “deal”, including ways to solve problems using leftover pieces and parts.  Jim is easy to work with, good at problem-solving and is willing to learn new things, including stepping outside of his comfort zone. 

Jennifer van Dulmen, Managing Attorney Community Legal Aid Services

Volunteers help thousands of clients a year, all thanks to the efforts of Jennifer and her team.  She inspires her team, her colleagues and volunteers to do their best through her example and her enthusiasm, sense of humor, intelligence and dedication to our clients.  She throws herself into her projects and faces any challenge with creativity, a can-do attitude, and can be counted on to find solutions. 

The luncheon is an employee recognition event where stellar employees from Summit, Portage and Medina County employers are recognized for their efforts. Nominations were reviewed based on Quality of Work; Dedication to the Business; and Extraordinary Efforts. Individuals with the highest average rankings received an “Employee of Distinction Award,” and the winners were kept a surprise and revealed at the luncheon.

 At the luncheon, emcee and radio personality Ray Horner from 1590 WAKR read highlights from each of the 42 nominees’ nomination forms as they received a certificate commemorating their nomination and two free tickets to a performance at Akron’s historic Civic Theater. In addition, the five winners were given an engraved crystal plaque from Shulan’s Jewelers.

Event Co-Chairs, Jim Bunnell of Austin Tape & Label and Randy Katz of City Scrap & Salvage assisted with the emcee duties by highlighting the selection process of award winners and recognizing the judges, thanking the sponsors and donors, and by introducing the keynote speaker.

 The luncheon also featured a keynote address by David A. Brockman CPA, co-founder and Managing Director of BCG & Company, titled “Culture…Is Yours Worth Catching?”

 “We are truly inspired by the nominees’ work ethic and dedication. They are all such wonderful role models for their co-workers and all those around them. Goodwill is pleased to once again help local employers showcase their top-performers and their Shining Stars,” said Nancy Ellis McClenaghan, Goodwill President & CEO.

 2011 Employee of Distinction Nominees & Award Winners

1.    Jennifer Aubly, Supervisor Bober Markey Fedorovich**AWARD WINNER**
2.    Lisa Bain, LPN St. Luke Lutheran Community – Portage Lakes
3.    Darlene Bonta, Managing Attorney Community Legal Aid Services
4.    Amanda Blake, Hair Stylist Gavin Scott Salon & Spa**AWARD WINNER**
5.   Jeff Brinton, Recruiter/Employee Relations Coordinator White Hat Management
6.    Cathy Byers, Assistant Manager, Fitness Technician Curves, B & S Fitness Quest, LLC
7.    Darlene Cikity, Office Manager SS&G
8.    Jill Cleland/Dining Room Manager & Banquet Supervisor  Akron Women’s City Club
9.    Rachelle Conger, Scale Master City Scrap & Salvage Company
10.    Sandra Costa, Volunteer Legal Services Program, Legal Assistant Community Legal Aid Services
11.    Michelle Cowley, Manager Intensive Services Child Guidance & Family Solutions
12.   Jennifer Cyphers, Administrative Assistant BCG & Company
13.   Andrea Denton, Client’s rights Coordinator ADM Board**AWARD WINNER**
14.   Melanie Drouin, Membership Development Specialist Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio
15.   Octavia Durst, Protective Services Social Worker Summit County Children Services
16.   Kathron Eubanks, Café Associate West Point Market
17.   Mike Foore, Director of Maintenance Services White Hat Management
18.   Cassi Galloway, Outpatient Therapist Child Guidance & Family Solutions
19.   Jon Graham, Utility Aide Akron General Medical Center
20.   Kathy Hasner, LPN Staff Development St. Luke Lutheran Community-Portage Lakes
21.   Tara Hazen, STNA St. Luke Lutheran Community-Portage Lakes
22.   Sue Hess, Housekeeper St. Luke Lutheran Community-Portage Lakes
23.   Damian Huising, IT Specialist AtNetPlus, Inc.
24.   Jim Isom, Network Specialist Child Guidance & Family Solutions**AWARD WINNER**
25.   Dave Johnson, Maintenance St. Luke Lutheran Community-Portage Lakes
26.   Candace Kyer, Senior Client Services Associate Fifth Third Bank
27.   Jonathon Matousek, Executive Chef  Akron Women’s City Club
28.   Lauri Molnar, Bakery & Gift Basket Manager Hattie Larlham
29.   Gail Norfolk, Human Resources Coordinator Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC
30.   Zoeann Powell, Administrative Assistant Community Legal Aid Services
31.   Andrea Reed, Administrative Assistant, Marketing & Volunteer Center United Way of Summit County
32.   Tara Regan, Director of Development Akron Urban League
33.   Mary Rowlance, Administrative Assistant InfoCision Management Corporation
34.   Joyce Sarfo, Utility Aide Akron General Medical Center
35.   Kelli Schott, Human Resource Benefit Manager White Hat Management
36.   Tricia Shook, Cook St. Luke Lutheran Community-Portage Lakes
37.   Kristen Speros, Staffing Coordinator Akron General Medical Center
38.   David Stephens, Regional Director Diagnostic Services~Radiology, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Neurology &  Sleep Medicine Services Summa Barberton & Wadsworth Rittman Hospitals
39.   Jennifer Van Dulmen, Managing Attorney Community Legal Aid Services **AWARD WINNER**
40.   Dennis West, Client Services Specialist CB Richard Ellis Realty
41.   Jean White, Portfolio Manager Team Lead Fifth Third Bank
42.   Peggy Williams, Human Resource Assistant Child Guidance & Family Solutions

  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

MORTON NAMED GOODWILL’S MISSION SERVICES & PR VICE PRESIDENT

 AKRON, Ohio—June 23, 2011— Goodwill Industries serving Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland and Richland Counties is pleased to announce the promotion of Gregory H. Morton to Vice President, Mission Services and Public Relations, effective June 12, 2011.  In identifying Greg as the selected finalist after an internal and external search, Nan McClenaghan, President stated, “Goodwill is very pleased to be welcoming Greg to his new role!  His history of enthusiastic service to the agency as a Director of Workforce Development is enhanced by his past business development management experience with an on-line marketing company and his past administrative service director stewardship with a youth rehabilitation facility.  Goodwill looks forward to his continued leadership as it endeavors to inspire public support for its mission of helping individuals prepare for, find and retain employment.”

As Vice President Mission Services and Public Relations, Greg will lead and direct Goodwill’s overall strategic planning of mission services, including external and internal workforce development and radio reading services, and the agency’s public relations, including media relations, external affairs, marketing and fundraising efforts, as well as the policies, procedures and practices of the organization related thereto.  He will be a member of the executive management team and will also serve as the agency’s Compliance Officer.

Greg joined Goodwill in 2007 as Director of its Employment Resource Centers and that position transitioned to his most recent role of Director, Workforce Development.  Previously he was Business Development Manager at Rightfoot Marketing, Workforce Program Developer at Michigan Works and Director of Administrative Services at Youngstown Youth Academy.  Greg holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science from Youngstown State University and is a Certified Workforce Development professional, a member of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals and a graduate of Leadership Portage County.

He is active in Vision Portage County and a member of its Steering Committee.

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.      ###