Judie was awarded this honor at the 26^th Annual Business & Professional Women’s Colloquium held in Red Wing, MN.  This event recognizes the successes and achievements of business and professional women.

“Influencing others to do great things” is one definition of leadership. It embodies the spirit of Judie. In less than three years has she has transformed the organization and woven herself into the fabric of the Winona community.

As an operational leader, Judie with astute business acumen has eliminated waste, increased profitability and established new goals to better serve WORC clients. In the community, she has worked to establish partnerships that are beneficial and share common goals. While all of this deserves recognition; Judie’s true achievement is her ability to inspire, engage and motivate.

Under her guidance we have learned to overcome self imposed limitations, expand capabilities and discover untapped potential. She has taken a group of individuals and formed a cohesive team ready to take on any challenge. Early in her tenure, Judie shared her vision, passion and drive for improvement and invited us to “get on the train – its leaving the station”.  We are so glad we did.

Congratulations, Judie!

Competitive pay, flexible schedule, and friendly fun environment. Access to group health, dental, life and disability insurance, and retirement options depending upon number of hours worked.

Applications available online at www.winonaorc.org. Interested candidates should submit application and resume to: Human Resources, Winona O.R.C. Industries, 1053 East Mark Street, Winona, MN  55987, or email hr@winonaorc.org. Application deadline is May 5, 2012.  EEO/AA Employer.

Winona ORC held its annual recognition banquet and dance Friday, February 17^th at Visions Center.  The banquet recognized Winona ORC clients, staff and community members for their support in 2011.  More than 220 people attended this year’s event: Star Performers.

Awards given included: Customer of the Year went to Brian’s Toys for employing 63 clients with meaningful work; Community Employment Employer of the Year went to the RiverStar who has provided our clients with more than 2000 hours of work as well as a pleasant and welcoming work experience; Supported Employment Employer of the Year went to the Winona Area Public Schools by providing our clients with on the job training and support continuing education for more than seven years. Volunteer of the Year went to Derek Espy who has been a driving force on the Winona ORC annual golf tournament committee. Special Recognition went to Knitcraft and Miller Waste Mills who collaborated together and have been instrumental in the process of providing Winona ORC’s Knits & Mitts recycled yarn.

Winona ORC 2011 Employee of the Year, voted on by staff and clients is Kathy Wenger.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) awarded $85,000 to Winona ORC as part of the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program for Capacity Building. Over a one year period, Winona ORC will develop a safety training program to more effectively reach their diverse employee population.

Winona ORC Director of Development, Mandi Householder, states; “This grant will allow us to develop trainings specific to the population we serve; people with disabilities. Lack of resources has hindered our ability to develop a specialized program, but this grant will give us the resources we need to build on what currently exists. We are very excited and grateful for this opportunity!”

Winona ORC is a non-profit organization that provides job opportunities to over 310 people on a daily basis in Southeast Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.

In 1996, Kevin was 28 years old, married, and had two small children. He worked as a farmer, volunteered as a firemen, and was a licensed EMT. One accidental fall that year changed his life forever.

Kevin was climbing up to the roof of his home to repair a satellite dish when he fell off the ladder. This fall resulted in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and he was given a 1% chance of living. After surviving the initial injury, he languished in a coma for seven months. If he overcame the coma, the doctors expected total memory loss without the ability to walk.

Fourteen years later, Kevin has overcome overwhelming odds. Kevin not only walks but has the ability to drive a car. He does have slight memory loss, but Kevin has learned to make adjustments to compensate. Winona ORC has played a role in Kevin’s recovery, helping him expand his vocational skills and providing him work opportunities. Kevin now works four days a week at Winona ORC, always eager to work and proud of his contributions. As a result of the TBI, Kevin will always face challenges. He will continue to strive to overcome them through hard work, determination, and from the support he receives from Winona ORC.

TBI Statistics

Traumatic brain injuries have a broad base of symptoms and are very complex. Of the 310 people Winona ORC serves, 5% of the population have a TBI. Our services help people succeed at employment when their disabilities hinder their abilities.

From the Center of Disease Control and Prevention:

• 1.7 million people sustain a TBI annually
• TBI is the third largest contributing factor of injury-related deaths
• Males are more commonly diagnosed with a TBI - 59%
• Falls are the leading cause of a TBI - 35%