Gov. Kay Ivey presented statewide awards to Old Times Country Buffet general manager Angela Locascio, left and Andrew Heinzen, right.
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — The Alabama Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities recently presented Auburn resident and Ole Times Country Buffet employee Andrew Heinzen with the Small Business Employee of the Year Award. The committee also named Ole Times Country Buffet as Small Business Employer of the Year.
According to a press release from the Governor’s Committee, Heinzen, who has spina bifida, was honored for being “a dependable, dedicated and determined employee who brings great value to the restaurant and coworkers. His smile and selfless attitude inspire his coworkers to work harder.”
Ole Times Country Buffet, located in the Auburn Mall, has become a valuable partner in helping people with disabilities become productive members of the workforce, and the company has hired five from the Achievement Center in Opelika. According to the press release, “The management has shown patience with consumers who might work at a slower pace or need extra help to complete tasks. Management encourages its workers to be their best and has become a valuable partner in employing people with disabilities.”
Gov. Kay Ivey, who presented the statewide awards sponsored by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS), the state agency serving Alabama’s children and adults with disabilities. Ivey said she is proud to spotlight the trailblazing individuals and businesses.
“Their grass roots efforts are vital in raising awareness of the tremendous potential of those with disabilities in our workforce,” she said. “Last week, I signed a proclamation declaring October as National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month in Alabama. Already, nearly 39% of Alabamians with disabilities are realizing their dreams of holding a job to provide for themselves and their families.”
ADRS Commissioner Jane Elizabeth Burdeshaw said it is an honor to recognize the talented individuals who overcame obstacles to achieve competitive, integrated employment and the employers who chose to provide opportunities for nontraditional workers. She said ADRS will continue to do its part to place people with disabilities in jobs that fit their skill sets.
The Alabama Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities awards recognize the contributions and successes of people with disabilities and those businesses that provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to achieve through competitive, integrated employment.
