By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

It was some innovative thinking by Jenn Johnson, director of Inspire Continuing Care (ICC), and Melanie Rice, a Geneseo School District Social Worker, that resulted in the creation of the ACES (Accessible Competitive Employment Stakeholder) Award. The award, which is now part of the Geneseo Chamber annual awards, is presented to the business that employs individuals with special needs.

Johnson and Rice reached out to Zack Sullivan, executive director of the Geneseo Chamber with the idea of an award to recognize local businesses who are intentionally working toward providing uniquely qualified students or adults with gainful employment.

“Adding the ACES Award as a Chamber of Commerce award made sense, as it is meant to honor local businesses, Sullivan said. “The award fits into the Geneseo Chamber criteria of recognizing local businesses and organizations who contribute to making Geneseo a better place for all. The Geneseo Chamber is appreciative of the collaboration with Melanie and Jenn, and offer our sincere appreciation to Adam Minard of Sweet Pea’s Bar & Grill for all of his outstanding contributions to our community. He is playing a direct role in enhancing the lives of individuals with special needs.”

Jenn Johnson said that ICC received a donation to have an ACES Award vinyl sticker made by Underground Graphics that Minard will post in the front window of his restaurant.

Presentation of the sticker was made recently and Johnson added that it was fitting to make the presentation this month as October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Minard admitted he was “caught off guard“when he learned he was the recipient of the award, and he added, “But it felt really good. Being recognized at the annual Chamber dinner was great.”

He shared how Sarah Davis came to work at Sweet Peas, and added, “Sarah started working with me when she was in high school. I was contacted by high school staff asking if I would be interested in hiring Sarah. She started out rolling silverware in napkins. I thought then she could work with me as a hostess, as she is very friendly and has a great personality. Another employee, Austen Burgett, was referred to me as well and he has developed into being a great employee. I have also had other people with special needs employed at Sweet Pea’s.”

“I appreciate having people with special needs work with us at Sweet Pea’s,” Minard said. “Having them work here is a result of their having had support from parents and teachers, and for them to work for me at Sweet Pea’s, those people – their parents and teachers, have trust in me, and I appreciate that.”

“I feel very blessed to have been able to help them develop into the great employees they are,” he added.

The criteria For the ACES Award states: “A Geneseo business that intentionally assesses their business model to identify job tasks that can be learned, mastered and performed by a uniquely qualified student or adult thereby promoting community investment and involvement for everyone involved.”

“A Penguin in their business class. In other words, a ‘first penguin’ is a pioneer, seizing the day, unafraid to break away from the pack and try new things, even if it’s risky or may not bear fruit.”

-1. Open to learning how to accommodate and gainfully employ individuals with special needs by employing their strengths.

-2. Recognizes and helps mentor untapped potential and ability of individuals with special needs.

-3 Recognizes the positive impact of highlighting front and center the value of employing an individual with special needs. And, in turn positively influencing co-worker’s morale, overall culture, as well as, the greater community.

-4. Recognizes that hiring and promoting individuals with special needs shows consumers with special needs as well as their families and friends that they are valued.

-5. Recognizes and understands that these individuals bring a strong sense of loyalty adaptability and resourcefulness to the workplace.