Saipan Ice and Water employer of the year

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s State Rehabilitation Council has recognized private firm Saipan Ice and Water as the Employer of the Year for most placement of workers with disabilities in the CNMI.

Saipan Ice representatives received the award during the Employer Recognition Ceremony held Thursday afternoon at the Aqua Resort Club.

OVR director Tee P. Abraham, who welcomed some of the 10 awardees, said the event marked the culminating activity ending the monthlong observation of the 2005 Disability Employment Awareness Month this October.

“We are here also to culminate our monthlong activities and to recognize and thank our wonderful partners,” she said.

Other awardees during the ceremony were Hyatt Regency Saipan, William S. Reyes Elementary School, Far East Broadcasting Co., Garapan Elementary School, Department of Public Health, B-SEA Sunsports, Department of Finance, Department of Commerce, Commonwealth Ports Authority and Kagman High School.

Partners of the OVR were also recognized during the event, including the Social Security Administration, Ayuda Network, Workforce Investment Agency, Employment Services, Community Guidance Center, Housing, Public School System’s Special Education, Northern Marianas College, NMPASI, Center for Living Independently, Medicaid, Office of Aging, the State Rehabilitation Council, Council on Developmental Disabilities, Medical Referral, and Medical Liaison Offices on Guam and Hawaii, among many others.

Abraham said the OVR’s mission has always been to increase employment and promote independence among eligible individuals with disabilities throughout the CNMI.

SRC chair Ramona T. Attao provided welcoming remarks. The Council also honored William Jones for the dedication and support to the council.