Businesses honored for hiring practices

AREA — The Progress Center recently recognized two area businesses for going above and beyond the call of duty in the employment of persons with disabilities.

The Bridgton Veterinary Hospital in Bridgton was recognized as the 2010 Large Business of the Year, and Fore Street Redemption in Oxford was recognized as the 2010 Small Business of the Year.

"Both businesses go to extraordinary measures to help those in need of employment from the Progress Center," said Priscilla Burnette of the Progress Center. "This makes it a win-win situation for the employer as well as the employee."

Nelson "Skip" Foley, from Fore Street Redemption, says that the company has benefited from its relationship with clients of the Progress Center, who have a wide range of disabilities.

He says that one individual from the Progress Center has qualified for an end-of-the-month bonus program that seeks to reward hard work.

"They work for us," said Foley. "They're part of the family. We just included them. That's all."

Darrin Farrington, the manager at Fore Street Redemption, says that the benefit was mutual.

"It's been excellent," he said. "It helped him, helped us, the whole nine yards."

Foley, who finds the workers to be reliable, says that employing the center's clients is something that he would recommend to many businesses in the area.

"It kind of has to fit with whatever the business has going on," said Foley. "They have a capable mentor, and they understand what needs to be done, and they guide the individual through it. In some cases, it will fit well, and in other cases it may not. It depends on what they have to do."

The relationship between the redemption center and the Progress Center began when one of the center's clients became well known for enthusiastic participation in the recycling of cans and bottles.

Gary McPherson of the Progress Center, said that the businesses have benefited the community by helping people with disabilities to transition into employment.

The recognition dinner, held at Tuscany Hall in South Paris, is held as part of the National Disability Employment Awareness celebration.