The Monett Area Workshop, now in its fourth year as part of SWI (Springfield Workshop Inc.) Industrial Solutions, recently celebrated its annual Employee Appreciation Day. Employees now number 63, almost three times the number from when SWI took over. Director Rob Walker stressed many whose families thought they could not work now have jobs. “Let us decide,” he said, encouraging persons with disabilities to visit at 204 S. Central in Monett. Employees had burgers as their meal of choice and received certificates for their years of service. Walker, standing, presented a certificate to Kimmie Davis of Monett, who has been employed at the Workshop for 46 years. “Companies understand you are valuable,” Walker told the workers. “Companies count on you. You are the best workshop in the state.” Murray Bishoff/special to Monett Monthly
One of the special features of Employee Appreciation Day at the Monett Area Workshop was ventriloquist Diana Rockwell from Lawrence, Kan., who has appeared on “America’s Funniest People.” Rockwell used Minnie the Talking Doughnut to share messages of encouragement with the workers. Murray Bishoff/special to Monett Monthly
