Bemidji, Minn- Jan. 16, 2015–The Occupational Development Center (ODC, Inc.), a non-profit organization specializing in providing quality work opportunities for individuals with developmental and other employment barriers, has announced a new vice president of Marketing and Business Development starting Jan. 1, 2015. Lane Young, who has an Associates Degree in Marketing & Management as well as a Bachelors Degree in Technology Management, will draw on his 11 years of experience at ODC, Inc. to, as he said, ” create a brand that the public can identify with that is positive and inviting.”
Young, who previously held the title of Business Development Coordinator, is located at the ODC, Inc. Bemidji location. Young, who has worked with the non-profit since March 2004, has a passion for helping ODC, Inc.’s consumers reach their highest potential in the employment industry.
“ODC has helped thousands of individuals with disabilities achieve occupational goals, provide a feeling of self-worth, earn a living and prove their capabilities to society,” Young said. ” Every person has different ‘abilities’, the opportunity to help individuals achieve their goals has been a rewarding experience.”
As Young transitions into his new position as vice president of Marketing and Business Development, he hopes to enhance the image of ODC, Inc. while being able to provide crucial tools for all staff to use that will result in the development of long-term business.
After opening its doors in 1971 as a small sheltered workshop, ODC, Inc. has grown to be a thriving nonprofit with ten divisions and three outreach locations in northern Minnesota. ODC, Inc.’s mission may be simple, but it is vital to helping communities grow. Its mission is: “To develop the skills of individuals with disabilities by providing opportunities for suitable, sustainable employment that result in greater independence.”
Work opportunities within their facilities are varied; from the manufacturing of products and subcontracts to placing consumers into community employment.
ODC, Inc. has worked successfully with dozens of companies, such as LaValley Industries, Aramark, Arctic Cat and Polaris in northern Minnesota, to provide quality employees, quality products and quality services, all of which Young hopes to continue doing in the future.
“It is a privilege to support the mission,” said Young.
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