Con Med is
The Arc’s Employer of the Year
Con Med Corporation has
worked with The Arc’s Employment Services since it began in 1986, and today
employs six individuals with disabilities at three different locations in
Utica and Rome. Over the years, they have given work opportunities to many
others.
Most of those hired have
succeeded in assemblywork, which requires dexterity and precision. Others
have been hired to do maintenance; one young man was promoted to a position
in shipping and receiving.
While most of the
individuals have been steady and productive employees, Con Med has also
worked with The Arc to help persons with physical or emotional problems.
The Arc’s senior job coaches have found Con Med supervisors and Human
Resources personnel to be universally supportive and caring, working with
each unique situation to bring about positive outcomes for all. Rik
Mitchelson at the main Con Med plant on French Road was especially helpful
with a very needy employee, who surmounted a number of issues with
co-workers, before she finally was forced to leave due to medical concerns.
Supervisor Tim Market is a
valuable support for another French Road employee. According to senior job
coach Carissa Conley, Tim and Con Med’s HR staff went above and beyond to
help one individual retain her job while going through very difficult times
away from work. “The Con Med staff can be counted on when people have
issues,” Carissa adds. Their supervision is steady and dependable.
“Anyone can succeed if
given the opportunity” is the philosophy practiced by Rome Con Med staff
Mike Thayer and Jim Gaetano. Four persons currently work in the Rome
assembly plant, one since 1995 and another since 1997. “The company has a
family atmosphere,” says senior job coach Mary Weaver. Which helps, when the
workforce is very ethnically diverse, as Con Med’s is.
The young man who has
moved up from janitorial cleaning to a shipping and receiving clerk has seen
not only an increase in his salary, but his self-respect has also soared.
“The company recognized his potential and was willing to work with him to
help him achieve more,” said senior job coach Vicki Sheppard. This
individual was given initial training by an Arc job coach, and when he was
promoted, one-on-one Arc training was again provided. Supervisor Bill
Dempsey was patient and understanding, and a key in this success story. The
shipping and receiving department operates like a team, and everyone is
included in the camaraderie as well as the work.
Con Med has demonstrated
over and over that when persons with disabilities are given opportunity,
dignity and respect, both sides win. The company reaps the benefit of loyal,
satisfied workers who stick with their jobs with dedication. The employees
enjoy being integrated into the workforce and the community.
Previous Employers Honored
by The Arc’s Employment Services:
2002: Lutheran Care Min istries (Lutheran Home)
2001: Pizza Hut
2000: Bob’s Restaurant, AFSA Data, Hotel Parq.
1999: Turning Stone Casino, Camp Oswegatchie
1998: The Observer-Dispatch, P & C Supermarkets, Utica National
1997: Packy’s Pub
