PRIDE Industries Achieves Recognition with Gold Stevie Awards
PRIDE Industries has established itself as a beacon of opportunity for individuals with disabilities, being recognized as the leading employer in the nation for this group. Recently, the company was honored with a Gold Stevie Award in the category of "Video Awards - Diversity & Inclusion" at the prestigious American Business Awards. This notable recognition underscores the impact of PRIDE Industries' storytelling approach, allowing the extraordinary talents of individuals to shine through.
The Inspirational Journey of Beth Cole-Pope
The award-winning video featured the inspiring story of Elizabeth "Beth" Cole-Pope. She works as a custodian in a Federal Building in Little Rock, Arkansas, and her methods of cleaning are so exceptional that they have become the standard for her team. Despite being deaf and blind, Beth's skills were overlooked by many prior to her joining PRIDE Industries, where she demonstrated her immense capabilities.
Driving Change Through Storytelling
Erin Fleischmann, the Vice President of Growth at PRIDE Industries, emphasized the importance of storytelling in promoting social change. She articulated that by sharing Beth's story, they not only showcase the abilities of employees with disabilities but also advocate for an inclusive workforce. This initiative aims to inspire other companies to recognize and harness the potential of this often-overlooked talent pool.
Two Gold Stevie Awards in One Year
This recognition marks the second Gold Stevie Award PRIDE Industries received this year, with a previous award in the category of "Website Achievement in Accessibility." This award recognizes organizations that strive to create accessible and usable websites, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and functionality across digital platforms.
The Impact of the Stevie Awards
The Stevie Awards, which encompass the American Business Awards, are perhaps the most prestigious business awards in the United States. This year alone saw over 3,600 nominations from varied organizations, evaluated by a panel of more than 250 international judges. These awards aim to highlight noteworthy accomplishments and innovations across multiple industries, reinforcing the importance of excellence in the business landscape.
PRIDE Industries' Mission and Values
Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries has consistently dedicated itself to creating meaningful employment for people with disabilities. This social enterprise not only offers high-quality services but also prioritizes the social impact of its operations. Their business model includes a wide range of services such as facilities operations, custodial, contract manufacturing, supply chain management, packaging, and fulfillment services. PRIDE Industries aims to empower individuals to reach their full potential, allowing them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
Broadening their Reach and Impact
By maintaining a focus on personalized employment services, PRIDE Industries has proven that an inclusive workforce generates operational success across various sectors. Their commitment to fostering an accessible work environment promotes diversity, equality, and remarkable potential, setting an example for others to follow.
Future Aspirations
As PRIDE Industries continues to receive accolades for its efforts, the organization aims to expand its outreach and influence in the realm of inclusive hiring practices. They urge more businesses to open their doors to individuals with disabilities and recognize the myriad talents they bring. The recognition from the Stevie Awards stands as a testament to their ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Stevie Awards?
The Stevie Awards are global business awards honoring outstanding performances in the workplace across a variety of industries.
What services does PRIDE Industries provide?
PRIDE Industries offers facilities operations, custodial, contract manufacturing, supply chain management, packaging, and placement services.
Who was the featured employee in the award-winning video?
The featured employee was Elizabeth "Beth" Cole-Pope, who is deaf and blind and works as a custodian.
How does PRIDE Industries promote inclusivity?
PRIDE Industries promotes inclusivity through personalized employment services and by showcasing the talents of individuals with disabilities.
What was the focus of the award-winning video?
The video focused on inclusive employment and the exceptional skills of employees with disabilities, specifically highlighting Beth's cleaning methods.
