Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 22, 2023
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

Lakeshore Chinooks Recognized for Diverse and Inclusive Hiring Practices

MENOMONEE FALLS – Every summer, the Lakeshore Chinooks baseball team looks to fill 50 internship positions and jobs, both full time and part time. With the help of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DWD/DVR) and local job coaches, the team fills several such roles with individuals with disabilities.

"Whatever the job is, they take it seriously and make the most of it as they love coming to work, interacting with coworkers and getting to know the players and coaches," General Manager Eric Snodgrass said. "They have a great attitude and outlook on life and enjoy being part of time as much as we enjoy creating opportunities for them to help the organization."

Because of its diverse and inclusive hiring practices that welcome individuals with disabilities into its workforce, the Lakeshore Chinooks were recognized as an Exemplary Employer by DVR during a recent award presentation at the team's headquarters.

"Lakeshore Chinooks are making a difference in Menomonee Falls and serve as a great example of how local employers can meet their workforce needs while having a positive impact not only on their employees, but on their communities as well," DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said. "They demonstrate that hiring people with disabilities is not only the right thing to do, but it's good for business, too."

Gov. Tony Evers proclaimed October National Disability Employment Awareness Month in Wisconsin to highlight businesses that recruit and hire people with disabilities. Last year, more than 2,000 employers created more inclusive workplaces in Wisconsin. The Lakeshore Chinooks team was one of more than 20 businesses recognized since early October for leading the way toward building a more diverse workforce in the state.

The award presentation featured remarks from Snodgrass along with DVR Business Services Consultant Denise Puffer, DVR Director Amy May, and team Assistant General Manager Robert Rothe.

All Wisconsin employers are encouraged to reach out to DVR and meet with a local Business Services Consultant who can connect them with a variety of free resources to help recruit and hire people with disabilities, build staff diversity, and retain well-trained employees.

DVR helped over 3,350 Wisconsin residents with disabilities find work over the past year. Individuals with a disability looking for ways to find a job, keep a job, or get a better job are encouraged to contact DVR at 800-262-0050, visit a local DVR office, or visit the DVR website.

The Lakeshore Chinooks were recognized as an Exemplary Employer during an event at their Menomonee Falls headquarters on Thursday, Nov. 16. The award is presented to employers for their diverse and inclusive hiring practices. Pictured from left to right: Allison Gordon, DVR Consumer Services Director, Elizabeth Para, DVR Counselor; Phil Konrath, Transitions Development Job Developer/Coach and Mentor; Robert Rothe, Lakeshore Chinooks Assistant General Manager; Amy May, DVR Director; Denise Puffer, DVR Business Services Consultant; and Eric Snodgrass, Lakeshore Chinooks General Manager.

New Job Accommodations Training

To help provide employers with educational resources to diversify their workplace and create work environments that help retain employees, and to give employees information about their rights and responsibilities in the workforce, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) has created new online accommodation trainings for employers, workers, and job seekers.

The Accommodation Training Library consists of brief, informational videos that cover topics, including hiring people with disabilities, the reasonable accommodation process, disclosing a disability, disability discrimination, and other topics related to employment law. The new accommodation training videos can be found on the DWD Career Pathways website.

The videos were created as part of a U.S. Department of Education Career Pathways Advancement (CPA) Initiative grant awarded to DVR in 2021. The CPA Initiative is allowing DVR to create resources and opportunities to support DVR consumers as they advance in their careers.

ABOUT DWD

Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation, and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.