Wausau Business Recognized as Exemplary Employer by Department of Workforce Development

Friday, October 21st, 2022 -- 10:01 AM

John Ranallo believes in hiring anyone with a willingness to work and a strong work ethic, which is why the District General Manager for Canteen Vending and Coffee Services in Wausau has been an active partner in creating opportunities and hiring people with disabilities.

Because of the company's diverse and inclusive hiring practices that welcome individuals with disabilities into its workforce, Canteen Vending and Coffee Services has been recognized as an Exemplary Employer by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

"Gov. Tony Evers and his administration have made it a priority to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access a full range of choices and opportunities when it comes to living and working in Wisconsin," said DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek.

"Wisconsin employers hiring people with disabilities aren't simply helping someone get a job; they are changing lives, the lives of those they employ, their family members, and of others in their community who see the work employers are doing and start believing that they can also be a part of something great."

At any given moment, DWD's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is working with 15,000 individuals around the state who are preparing themselves or ready to join the workforce. In Program Year 2021 alone, over 2,000 employers hired 3,500 consumers as a result of working with DVR.

The award is presented as Gov. Tony Evers has proclaimed the month of October Disability Employment Awareness Month in Wisconsin to highlight businesses that recruit and hire people with disabilities and encourage other businesses to provide opportunities for this skilled, dedicated and capable workforce.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month began 77 years ago in 1945, when Congress passed a law focusing on the first week of October. In 1988 Congress expanded the week to a month and selected the name National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Each year a theme is chosen by the Office of Disability Employment Policy under the U.S. Department of Labor. The recognition event at Canteen's Wausau office on featured remarks from Ranallo and DVR Administrator Delora Newton.

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