Updates from Ryan
As we head into late summer, I have three updates to share for August.
1. Welcome Kevin Meier
I’m excited to welcome Kevin Meier as our new Senior Vice President of Retail Growth Strategy and Operations. Kevin has over 25 years of mission-focused leadership in retail thrift, team building, and data-driven strategy. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Strategy, Analytics, and Mission Impact at Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana and previously spent more than two decades in leadership roles with multiple Goodwill organizations, including Goodwill Industries International. His experience growing retail operations, improving performance, and turning data into practical strategies will be a big help as we move forward. It is great to have Kevin back with Goodwill!
2. National Thrift Shop Day – August 17
Mark your calendar for National Thrift Shop Day on August 17th. It’s the perfect opportunity to get ready for back-to-school while enjoying your 50% employee discount in our stores. This day is also a great way to celebrate the vital role our retail operation plays in supporting our overall mission.
3. National Nonprofit Day – August 17
That same day, we’ll also recognize National Nonprofit Day. Goodwill Columbus is far more than just thrift stores, because we provide adult day and residential services for individuals with disabilities, custodial and security services, job training programs, and other pathways that help people reach their “next best” opportunity. Our ability to operate multiple business lines in support of our mission makes us a very unique nonprofit in Central Ohio.
Thank you for everything you do each day to help Goodwill Columbus embrace all individuals as valued and dignified members of our community.
Ryan Burgess
President and CEO
August Highlights
Desree’s Road to Success
Meet Desree, a determined mom of four who’s proving that it’s never too late to take the next step in your career.
After three years of driving school buses for Columbus City Schools, Desree was ready for a new challenge.
She enrolled, and excelled, in Goodwill’s Roads2Work program. Earning her Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to drive semitrucks!
Amazing job, Desree!
Wellness Newsletter by WellWorks
Click here to learn how to “Build a practice of gratitude” and other wellness tips and tricks.
Sidecar Health Info Sessions – New Dates!
Get your Sidecar Health questions answered by Angie Alvera, our Field Benefits Specialist, and Sidecar Health Field Support Representatives!
Upcoming Events
AUGUST 17
National Thrift Shop Day
Shop using your 50% employee discount at a Goodwill Columbus retail store near you this National Thrift Shop Day!
AUGUST 17
National Nonprofit Day
A special thank you to our entire Goodwill Columbus team for your incredible service in our community and dedication to our mission each and every day.
August 28
National Volunteer Day
Volunteering in the community? Share with the team!
Send us a picture at [email protected] and we’ll share on our social media!
Employee Spotlights
Meet Tiffany
Meet Tiffany! As a Workforce Development Program Manager, Tiffany oversees an amazing team of AMP Coaches and has been with Goodwill for over a year!
“I love seeing young people move up in the world. What I enjoy most is seeing the transformation that happens when young people gain confidence in their abilities. Many come in unsure of their direction or doubting their potential, and through job training, they begin to see what’s possible for them.”
Wonderful job, Tiffany!
Meet Helen
We’re incredibly proud of Helen, a participant in Goodwill’s Adult Day Services, for achieving her Impact: Ability certification!
Helen was beaming with pride after completing this nationally recognized program, which empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to advocate for themselves, build safe relationships, and identify unsafe situations.
Way to go, Helen!
Birthdays
Promotions
Anniversaries
Nominate a Co-Worker for an ICARE Award
Notice a co-worker demonstrating an ICARE value? Nominate them for an ICARE Award. Both of you could win prizes to recognize your hard work and commitment!
ICARE Awards Roundup
Each month we are celebrating members of the Goodwill Columbus team for their participation in the ICARE Awards. The July “See Something, Say Something” winners nominated multiple coworkers for an ICARE Award!
***Please check your email to claim your gift card!***
JULY “SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING” $25 GIFT CARD WINNERS
- Shane Clem
- Rose Thomas
- Auburn Harris
JULY ICARE NOMINEES – $25 GIFT CARD WINNERS
The following Goodwill Columbus employees were nominated for ICARE Awards in July!
- Leon Shepherd
- Sozan Nasraldin
- Bailee Forrest
- Jamar Ramsey
- Geary Bradley
- Michael Bohanan
- Veronica Riley
- Sydney Price
- Shantale Ayers
- David Efutlajong
- Marvin Ortello
- Josh Graham
Excellence: “Sam consistently goes above and beyond his production goals. He can produce over 25 carts during his shift!” Auburn Harris on Sam Ruiz
Integrity: “Greg formerly worked for Goodwill and returned as a donation attendant a number of months ago. He is awesome and always willing to pick up hours to support when we have call offs.” Lain Talbott on Greg Lockhart
Collaboration: “For being one of the two fastest reponders to emails throughout ADS. A small, but greatly appreciated quality.” Mike Kelly on Ky’Ara Brown & Shantale Ayers