MOHR announces 2023 Outstanding Disability Employer Awards

Honorees throughout Minnesota provide exceptional work opportunities for employees with disabilities.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 18, 2023

ROSEVILLE, Minn. —The Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR) is honoring 11 employers throughout the state of Minnesota as Outstanding Disability Employers. Honorees consist of companies large and small from all industries and all areas of the state. The common thread between them is that they all go above and beyond to support employees with disabilities, allowing them to thrive in the workforce. “Hiring and retaining employees of all abilities strengthens diversity, fosters inclusion, and adds creative energy to the state’s workforce,” says Robin Harkonen, President of MOHR, and Executive Director of East Range DAC. “While thousands of businesses employ individuals with disabilities, our 11 honorees really do go above and beyond to ensure their employees are included and given opportunities to grow.”

The 2023 Outstanding Disability Employers (and their MOHR member partner):
•  Team Industries  Audubon, MN (Blue Sky Support Services)
•  Black Bear Casino – Cloquet, MN (Pinewood, Inc.)
•  Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center – Duluth, MN (UDAC)
•  Great Lakes Aquarium – Duluth, MN (Trillium Works)
•  Mayo Clinic Laboratories – Rochester, MN (PossAbilities)
•  White Bear Lake Schools  White Bear Lake, MN (PAI)
•  Fitness Evolution – Monticello, MN (Functional Industries)
•  American Polywater – Stillwater, MN (Rise)
•  Juut Salon – Wayzata, MN (Partnership Resources)
•  Whole Foods  St. Paul, MN (TSE)
•  Todd Coulombe/Servicemaster  International Falls, MN (Occupational Development Center)

“Individuals with disabilities across Minnesota are able to gain independence, purpose, and community when they are included in the workforce,” adds Harkonen. “Employment is an invaluable contributor to quality of life.”

MOHR’s Outstanding Disability Employer recognition coincides with National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Established by President Truman in 1945, the month served as a call for Americans with disabilities to be granted access to the opportunities and rewards of employment.