ARAMARK at VCU receives 2004 New Freedom Initiative Award

By Malorie Burkett

ARAMARK Services at Virginia Commonwealth University recently received the 2004 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Virginia Business Leadership Network.

Patterned on President George W. Bush's New Freedom Initiative and the national recognition award established in 2002 by Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao, the award recognizes businesses that are making proactive efforts and act as role models for business excellence in hiring, accommodating and serving persons with disabilities.

VCU's ARAMARK location was nominated and honored for their hiring of disabled workers and ongoing relationships with various local organizations and agencies that promote disabled workers.

"We as a company need employees who want to work," said Bonnie Bayliss, ARAMARK human resources associate. "The disabled candidates seek employers who will look at their work history and abilities as opposed to looking at their disabilities. We feel we are helping our community by employing them, and have found time and time again that they are really our best workers."

The award was presented by former Virginia Lieutenant Governor John Hager during Virginia Business Leadership Network All Star Awards ceremony.