Leading The Way: Olean grocer honored for hiring practicesFrom today's Olean Times Herald... We are very honored to receive this award!!
For 20 years, Park and Shop Service Stores have been recognized as an area business that people with developmental disabilities can go to as an entry-level employer. So much so, they have won the regional honor of the New York State Rehabilitation Association 2009 Buffalo Regional Corporate Business Award.
“It’s a nice honor to have,” Thomas Mahar, Park and Shop’s secretary and controller, said. “We have worked with many employees through The ReHabilitation Center. It is an honor.”
Information in the recommendation form for the stores shows that the honor comes from both ends of the relationship.
“They are well-regarded as customer-friendly, family-owned neighborhood grocery stores,” the recommendation form reads.
“The key word in their name is ‘service,’” it continues. “They built their business on this single principle, which is maintained to this day in the tradition inherited from their father. Their relationship with (The ReHabilitation Center) is a prime example of this commitment to the community.”
Started 86 years ago, when 18-year-old Fran Mahar opened his first grocery store in Olean, the mission of service has followed the organization through to the present day, Nancy Miller, director of vocational rehabilitation said."
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