2018
noteworthy news
ODC presents Warroad Senior Living Center with plaque
The Warroad Senior Living Center was honored in October with a plaque to recognize their dedication to providing an inclusive workplace for some of our individuals served.
Helen DeVore-Hill, Roseau Employment Specialist, presented the plaque to Shawntae Holter, Activity Director at WSLC, with Steve Siedschlag (ODC person served) and Bobbie Eidsmoe (ODC Job Coach) in attendance.
New Look for Website
The ODC website was beginning to show its age so efforts were made toward a site-wide facelift over the summer, complete with new photography.
Hibbing DMV moves to new location
Our DMV office in Hibbing found a new home at 3106 E. Beltline Highway. After a fresh coat of paint and some spiffy new signage, the new location was officially open to customers in August.
A marketing solution
A long-term marketing solution has been found for ODC moving forward.
This fall we entered into a partnership with LaValley Industries (an OEM producer of pipeline handling equipment) to form Collaborative Solutions, LLC.
Borne from the need to fill a crucial void in the availability of committed high-level marketing services for both companies, the partnership established a startup marketing firm under the name Marketing Factory Group (MFG).
This firm is led by Executive Director Summer Nitsch, who oversees a staff of three professionals that include a graphic designer, web developer, and marketing communications specialist.
MFG serves the manufacturing industry, nonprofit sector and travel/outdoor recreation companies, producing strategies specially-tailored to meet each customer’s objectives and reach their desired audience.
All marketing, graphic design, website development and social media needs for our organization will be taken care of by the firm, helping ODC diversify and strengthen its market reach and continue to create new opportunities for the underserved in each of our communities.
We look forward to this new partnership! Visit the firm’s website to learn more.
Outstanding disability employer award presentation in roseau
This year our Roseau division nominated the AmericInn Roseau for the Outstanding Disability Employer award.
This is a state-level award given out by Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR) each year during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. AmericInn Roseau was one of six recipients of the award—it was good to have Greater Minnesota represented among the award winners!
The award presentation ceremony on Oct. 30 was well-attended (including appearances by State Representative Dan Fabian and State Senator Mark Johnson). Helen DeVore-Hill, Roseau Employment Specialist, was on hand to speak and present the award to AmericInn general manager Darrin Smedsmo on behalf of MOHR and ODC.
Also in attendance were Roseau Division Manager Roger Allen, Loni Vettelson (ODC person served) and Giselle Craig (ODC Job Coach).
The event was covered by local newspaper and radio.
happy retirement, sandee!
We honored Sandee Sanden, Administrative Assistant, with a grand send-off for her many years of service tending to the day-to-day ongoings of the organization and her dedication to our mission of providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Sandee performed in this role for 34 years. In addition to her administrative duties, she was the go-to person on company history and knowledge. Her presence and expertise will be missed.