2008 DDSD Statewide Directors Meeting Information
The Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD) honored the following people and agencies for demonstrating excellence in Meaningful Day services.  Awards were given in the areas of Best Employer and Employee, Individual Accomplishment, Professional Achievement, Provider Excellence, and Best Community Membership practices.

2008 ddsd statewide directors meeting award winners

Self-Employment, Outstanding Support to Business Owner: Business Owner of the Year

Valerie Rushman and April Vallo were recognized for offering outstanding support to the Business Owner of the Year, Joseph Paul Chavez. Valerie and April had never helped someone develop a business before, but they jumped right in and helped Joe Paul research every aspect of what needed to be done to get his business going. To make sure Joe Paul’s shoe shining skills were up to date, they found a shoe shine shop in the community that mentored Joe Paul for several weeks on shining shoes. The shop even loaned Joe Paul some supplies so that he could practice shining shoes on his own. They also assisted Joe Paul in contacting the Small Business Development Center for help with his business plan. Valerie and April found a way to get a shoe shine chair custom made at a fraction of the $5,000 cost that they were quoted for a chair. Valerie and April located a site where Joe Paul can shine shoes. He is doing a business trial run in the next month. April and Valerie are part of a very active team that has met with DDSD support ten times since February to help Joe Paul develop his business. It is clear that Valerie and April offer outstanding support with an “anything it takes” attitude to Joe Paul Chavez: Business Owner of the Year!

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