Department of Workforce Development

		Scott McCallum     Governor State of Wisconsin

Wednesday, April 24, 2002
Contact:	Debbie Monterrey-Millett (608) 266-9806 Chris Marschman (608) 261-6705

Madison – Gov. Scott McCallum announced today that Valley Grinding Service and Supply, Inc. has won the April Governor’s Workforce Innovation Award (WIN), which recognizes individuals and organizations that create innovative approaches and outside-of-the-box solutions to develop and sustain Wisconsin’s workforce.

"I am proud to honor Valley Grinding Service and Supply, Inc. with this award because they understand that quality workers come in all different packages," Gov. McCallum said.

Jerry Erdmann is a 60-year-old man with vision problems, but he wasn’t about to let that stop him. Employed since 1995 by Valley Grinding in Little Chute as a computer draftsman, Jerry truly enjoyed his job, but his deteriorating vision was making work more difficult. Eventually his ophthalmologist at the Green Bay Eye Clinic referred him to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, a move that turned out to be a good one for Jerry.

The counselor met with Jerry's employer and explained his ophthalmologic condition and accommodations that could help him continue working there. They discussed Jerry's needs, and Valley Grinding President Jack Van Vreede said they would make the necessary accommodations for Jerry.

Mr. Van Vreede personally researched the different accommodations available and viewed demonstrations showing their capabilities, eventually choosing the system that would work best for Jerry and the company. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation assisted Jerry and Valley Grinding by providing financial assistance in purchasing visual aids which Jerry needed immediately for his job.

Today, Jerry continues working at Valley Grinding as a computer draftsman, often working as much as 50 hours a week. His case-file with Vocational Rehabilitation is now successfully closed.

"Valley Grinding is a shining example of the good that can come when the private sector partners with government and non-profit entities," Gov. McCallum said. "Helping the greater good doesn’t have to come at the expense of the bottom line," he said.

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