Connie Cash of Witham Health Services and her participation in Arc's Job Connection program earned the Community Partner Award which "exemplifies what it means to help people with disabilities in a way that will allow a person to work and live in our community as independently as possible," Brent Cardin, Executive Director, said.

Cash "is the embodiment of this desire for inclusion," Cardin said. "She is an exceptional manager who shows flexibility in working out various schedule and assignment changes," he said.

"With a community partner like Connie Cash, we have been able to make a difference in people's lives for the good of that person as well as this community as a whole," Cardin said.

Cash said she appreciates the Job Connection staff for all they do."This is a great program," she said. "We look forward to having your folks come and work at Witham."

Business of The Year was captured by Knotty Pine Smorgasbord.  Doug McDonald, owner,  is working with local churches to raise $25,000 in food services for needy causes, Cardin said. "Doug has organized fund-raisers for many a good cause through chili suppers with a percent of the evening's meal going to a not-for-profit" agency, and opened his "workforce to accommodate people with disabilities," Cardin said.

McDonald thought he was at Arc Monday only to cater the luncheon, Cardin said. "We also had something else in mind, as we wanted to give you this award," Cardin told a surprised McDonald.

"The Lord has blessed me many times," McDonald said, including with "an appreciation of the work that goes on here."

"Thanks very much; I appreciate it," McDonald said.