Kroger Named as a “Champion of Opportunity” for Hiring Ohioans with Disabilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 01/8/2016

 

ODD presents one of four 2015 “Champion of Opportunity Awards” to the Kroger at the Oakley Marketplace, Cincinnati.  Kroger has hired nearly 60 consumers from the Southwest Ohio OOD vocational rehabilitation program and has been an active participant in OOD-sponsored job fairs.  For years, Kroger has been among Ohio’s business leaders in hiring employees with disabilities to fulfill the company’s workforce demands.

 

Pictured left to right from OOD: Cynthia Crews, Jon Hackathorn, Greg Dormer, Mark Fay, Tim Brown, president of the Cincinnati and Dayton Division of Kroger, Bill Bishilany, Susan Pugh, Jennifer Roeder, Kim Colyer.

 

 

Kroger Named as a “Champion of Opportunity” for Hiring Ohioans with Disabilities

Recognition of its commitment to, and leadership in, integrating individuals with disabilities into its workforce

 

COLUMBUS, OH – Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) yesterday recognized Kroger as a Champion of opportunity for its commitment and leadership in integrating individuals with disabilities into Ohio’s workforce. Kroger executives were presented with the Champion of Opportunity Award, part of OOD’s annual business recognition program, Thursday during a brief ceremony at the Kroger Oakley Marketplace, on Marburg Ave., in Cincinnati.  

 

Since July 2014, Kroger has hired nearly 60 consumers from the Southwest Ohio OOD vocational rehabilitation program and has been an active participant in OOD-sponsored job fairs held in Cincinnati and Dayton.  In addition, Kroger store managers serve on the local Business Advisory Councils in Southwest Ohio. In this capacity, the managers provide an employer’s perspective on hiring people with disabilities. Kroger also has overhauled its hiring procedures to include an exception process to specifically consider how candidates with disabilities could best navigate new procedures.

 

“For years, Kroger has been among Ohio’s business leaders in hiring employees with disabilities to fulfill the company’s workforce demands,” said OOD Executive Director Kevin L. Miller. “This Champion of Opportunity Award acknowledges Kroger’s leadership in hiring within this untapped labor market.”

 

The Champion of Opportunity Award honors companies that have gone “above and beyond” in their commitment and who serve as statewide examples of what it means to provide quality employment opportunities and increased independence for individuals with disabilities.

“Kroger is honored to be recognized with the Champion of Opportunity Award,” says Tim Brown, president of Kroger, Cincinnati/Dayton division. “Diversity and inclusion represent two of our core values and are deep-rooted in our culture. This award confirms Kroger’s commitment to an inclusive and diverse workplace. We are so proud of all of our outstanding associates who live our values and are committed to taking care of our customers and each other.”

The Opportunity Awards were created to highlight Ohio companies committed to providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.  The awards recognize companies at various levels: from those who have just begun to recruit, hire, and retain individuals with disabilities to those with a proven track record of integrating individuals with disabilities into their workforce.  For more information and a listing of the 2015 award winners please visit http://www.ood.ohio.gov/Employers/Opportunity-Awards.

 

OOD is committed to engaging and educating Ohio businesses on the benefits of recruiting, hiring and retaining individuals with disabilities.  Its business relations model works directly with Ohio companies to understand their workforce needs, quickly match job seekers with specific openings, and provide needed assistance and training.

 

OOD is the state agency responsible for assisting individuals with disabilities to live independently, gain meaningful employment or receive disability benefits through the Social Security Administration.  www.ood.ohio.gov

 

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