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Greg Babe Accepts Power of Work Award for Bayer
Bob Mike, NAFTA IS, Speaks on Individual, Government and Business Responsibility
in Employment of People with Special Needs
NAFTA IS Chief Information Officer Greg Babe, accepted the 2002 "Power of Work
Award" from Goodwill Industries on behalf of Bayer Corporation, at a reception
in Pittsburgh's Carnegie Music Hall on October 25.
Bayer was selected for the award from among 54 nominees, for its development and
implementation of a corporate-wide strategic plan that provided for the
recruitment of and competitive employment for people with disabilities who
specialize in information technology.
Bayer was also recognized for its efforts, through a partnership with Bender
Consulting, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Community College of Allegheny
County, in founding the Pittsburgh Disability Employment Project for Freedom
which developed an information technology training program specifically for
people with disabilities, that to date has graduated 79 students. The program
has a 65 percent retained employment rate.
"Organizations and initiatives like these, and like Goodwill Industries, are
good examples of what we can accomplish when we bring together the minds and
hearts of people from all spheres, public and private, and work collaboratively
to address issues," said Greg, in accepting the award.
Bob Mike, NAFTA IS Analyst in Pittsburgh, was one of the featured speakers at
the event. In his remarks, Bob emphasized the need for people with special needs
to rely on self-initiative, personal responsibility and assertiveness in
securing employment.
"But personal responsibility and government assistance are only part of the
equation. We need the participation of concerned businesses and companies, like
Bayer Corporation, to provide employment to those individuals who groomed
themselves painstakingly to meet the qualifications necessary for gainful
employment," said Bob.
Bob came to work at Bayer through Bender Consulting of Pittsburgh a firm that
specializes in training people with disabilities and placing them in jobs.
According to Rudy Rosnick, his supervisor, Bob is a productive and valuable
member of the team and has a very positive attitude.
Goodwill established the Power of Work Awards in 1997 to recognize employers who
make a major, positive impact on the lives of people with barriers to employment
by offering them the opportunity to earn the self-esteem and self-sufficiency
that come with having a meaningful job. Three other Pittsburgh area
businesses, received the award: Pittsburgh Marriott City Center; Sweetwater
Personnel; and UPMC Health System.
Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh and its affiliates employ nearly 900 persons,
making it one of the largest and most diverse social and human service
organizations in the region. Through its services, the agency helps people
overcome barriers to employment and become independent, tax-paying members of
their communities.
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