Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit honors the workers, champions and companies that are combating unemployment in Southeast Michigan
1/24/2013
DETROIT – Today Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit announced details of its annual “Community Awards Luncheon” that recognizes the volunteers, employers, trainees, leaders and businesses that are dedicated to putting Metro Detroiters back to work.
This year, Goodwill will honor Matt and Karen Cullen of Grosse Pointe Woods with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their significant contributions to the revitalization of the City of Detroit. They have both given generously of their time and talents to improve the quality of life for residents in Southeast Michigan and beyond.
DTE Energy will be recognized with the Corporate Award in celebration of the company’s long-standing partnership with Goodwill, which began in 1942. Since that time, DTE has worked closely with Goodwill to create opportunities for the unemployed, including their involvement in the Goodwill’s Green Works Inc. industrial recycling program.
“This event is focused on appreciating the people and organizations that contribute to Goodwill’s success all year round. The inspiring determination of our trainees combined with the leadership and vision of Metro Detroit’s business community substantially contributes to creating opportunities in our region,” said Lorna Utley, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit. “Matt and Karen Cullen and DTE Energy are shining examples of that leadership,” she added.
“Our partnership with Goodwill Industries provides DTE Energy cost-effective industrial recycling while providing trainees job skills that can lead to permanent employment,” said Gerry Anderson, DTE’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “The decades-long collaboration between Goodwill and DTE has created a significant number of local job opportunities, which have benefited the community, the environment and the local economy. This partnership has been a real win-win.”
The event will also celebrate the achievements of trainees, workers, community partners, volunteers and employers committed to Goodwill’s mission of putting people with employment challenges back to work. The following individuals will be honored:
Worker of the Year
- Nicole Brown – Head Cashier, BP, Auburn Hills, MI
- Redric Hartfield – Lunch Aid, Edibles Rex, Detroit, MI
Trainee of the Year
- Julie Thomson – Office Manager, Velmeir , West Bloomfield Twp., MI
- Donna Wheeler – Production Worker, Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI
Community Partnership
- Art Rott – Manager, Tuffy, Walled Lake, MI
Volunteer of the Year
- Kathie Lucas – Volunteer, North Macomb Career Center, Clinton Twp., Mi
Employer of the Year
- Edibles Rex – Catering Company, Detroit, MI
The Community Awards Luncheon will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at DTE Energy, One Energy Plaza, Detroit, Mich. Tickets are available for $50 each through Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit by calling (313) 557-8793.