Festival Foods is the inaugural winner of the Top Disability-Friendly Employer Award presented by Disability:IN Wisconsin.
Disability:IN Wisconsin is the state affiliate of Disability:IN, a global, non-profit, non-partisan business-to-business network empowering businesses to achieve disability equity and inclusion. Each year the organization recognizes individuals and employers who have made significant commitments to advancing disability inclusion in the workplace and communities across the state.
“Recognizing the remarkable efforts of individuals and employers in advancing disability inclusion, these awards are a testament to the commitment and innovation in creating inclusive work environments,” said Disability:IN Wisconsin Executive Director Judy Quigley. “These awards not only recognize the achievement of these individuals and organizations but also encourage others to follow in creating a more inclusive society. Disability:IN Wisconsin remains dedicated to its mission of fostering inclusive workplaces, and these awards reflect the progress being made towards this goal.”
Headquartered in De Pere, Festival Foods has grown to 40 stores throughout Wisconsin and more than 8,000 associates. Festival Foods has established a culture that fosters equal and accessible opportunities for everyone including those with diverse abilities and skill sets in each of the communities where they have a presence.
This past year, leaders from Festival teamed with Project SEARCH to conduct mock interviews and a Transition-to-Work Program, as well as introducing “Mental Health Awareness Week”. The company works closely with community partners to provide valuable work experience for those individuals with barriers to employment who are interested in careers in the grocery business.
Levi Stein, executive director of The Friendship Circle of Wisconsin in Fox Point, was awarded the Derek Smith Leadership Award. The Friendship Circle of Wisconsin creates friendship in the lives of individuals with special needs and those facing isolation while providing an opportunity to become a contributing member of the community.
Victor Agapov, Principal of Wallo Brands, Middleton, was awarded the Disability:IN Wisconsin Excellence Award. Wallo Brands is a founding member business of Disability:IN Wisconsin, and is a certified Disability Owned Business Enterprise.
