Tri-Valley honors Peerless Products Inc. with 2012 Employer of the Year award

Janea Anderson (left), representative of Peerless Products Inc., receives the 2012 Employer of the Year during the annual Tri-Valley Developmental Services Awards Ceremony on Jan. 25 in Chanute. Also pictured are: (from left) TVDS Executive Director Tim Cunningham, Tim Kenny, TVDS awards presenter, and TVDS Chairman of the Board John McRae.

Tribune Staff Report

Tri-Valley Developmental Services clients, staff and families met in Chanute on Wednesday, Jan. 25, for the annual Awards Ceremony.

"Award nomination forms went to all staff and clients in early November with many being returned making the selection difficult this year," Public Relations Director Anna Methvin said in a news release.

Two clients served by Tri-Valley from both the east and west service centers were selected to receive top honors in 2012. The 2012 theme of "Key to Success" was met by all who not only received the awards, but also to all who were nominated.

"Everyone has dreams and wants to be successful, but what are keys to success?" Tri-Valley Executive Director Tim Cunningham said in his opening remarks. "The keys to success were achieved by our 2012 award winners through their preparations, working hard, confidence and persistence."

The 2012 Achievement Award went to Brenda Wilson of Fort Scott. Wilson was presented with her award by TVDS Board President John McRae for her determination in overcoming the many challenges she faces in her daily life. Wilson has come a long way in one year; she has set personal goals and has exceeded expectations. Wilson now enjoys spending time in the workshop, keeping her room clean and shopping with her roommates, the release said.

The 2012 Employer of the Year award went to Peerless Products Inc. Tri-Valley and Peerless Products entered into a contract in August 2011 for work completed within the TVDS workshop. Clients are employed to pull a protective coat of a bumper which is used to shim window frames.

"Persons served by Tri-Valley in Fort Scott have gained not only employment by this job but also a greater sense of achievement," Cunningham said. "No matter what disability one may have, they all have been able to work this contract. There are very few contracts that provide work for every client."

Tri-Valley has completed 5,000 to 10,000 pieces per week, the release said.

Other awards presented at the event included the Executive Directors Employee of the Year award, which went to Associate Director Bill Fiscus. Mike Reid was selected by the board of directors for the board recognition award. The second achievement award went to Timmy Wasson of Chanute.