AVI Food systems of Saint Anselm College has been recognized for their commitment to inclusivity, disability assistance, and diversity hiring in New Hampshire’s 2023 Employee Leadership Awards.
Since 2009, multiple local organizations, including the New Hampshire Department of Vocational Rehabilitation have come together to administer these awards to businesses that provide competitive and integrated employment to those with disabilities. As the program gets more submissions every year, 2023 marked the largest turnout of nominations for companies that do an outstanding job in this realm.
When asked what qualities the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation looks for in this award, Business Relations Consultant Terri Tedeschi shared with the Crier that they seek workplace environments that “make people with disabilities a part of their culture – and treat people like people.”
She added how important this recognition is for proper representation of communities, as statistically, 1 in 4 people have a disability. According to Tedeschi, these awards help spread a message that “people with disabilities are just like anyone else,” and are an important addition to businesses, for “everyone deserves the right to work.”
AVI was nominated by a manager from New Employment Options, another organization dedicated to disability services, who also works as a coach for five members of AVI’s team who have disabilities. After a site visit and interview with the Leadership Committee, AVI became one of five NH businesses presented with this award at a reception and awards ceremony.
Other businesses recognized this year include CVS, Jake’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream in Nashua, the Taylor Community in Laconia, and WIN Waste Innovations.
Dawn Bellerose, AVI FoodSystems’ manager at Saint Anselm College, is credited with leading the team to receive this award, “Personally, I have always surrounded myself with diversity and I understand that everyone brings value to the workplace. We are fortunate that there are so many programs in N.H. for people with disabilities that I was able to work with. I have reached out to schools and other local groups in the community to see if there are any potential candidates.”
She added “After COVID, staffing has been difficult for everyone, especially those of us who work in hospitality. This makes it even more important to seek out people who really appreciate working, growing with a team and adding value to a company.”
Tom, a dishwasher and member of the food preparation staff at Davison Hall was featured alongside Dawn in a promotional video conducted by the Employment Leadership Awards Team. In this video he commented on his experience working for AVI, and how he was able to learn more about his interests in food preparation after being hired. He now is in charge of prepping bacon at Davison Hall – and sports an apron saying “Chef Bacon King” to prove it.
Tom shared with the Crier that after almost 9 years of working at Saint Anselm, his favorite part of the job is “working with all the great people and learning new things.”
To him, being recognized for his hard work at Davison proves that he is a good employee.
In addition to a reception and awards ceremony, and a promotional video, AVI Food Systems at Saint A’s had a feature in the NH Business Magazine following this award.
Manager Dawn Bellerose commented on this accomplishment, “We appreciate and celebrate our team members daily, but we REALLY celebrated when the article appeared in the “N.H. Magazine”.”
Dawn shared how “Our mission statement at AVI Foodsystems is focused on what we are going to do now and into the future – To be America’s food service leader by passionately focusing upon excellence in product, service, and relationships and by being the most innovative and exciting influence in the industry,” which according to Dawn, aligns with “Saint Anselm’s learning community that encourages the lifelong pursuit of truth and fosters intellectual, moral and spiritual growth.”
Dawn finds that in the greater culture of Saint Anselm, AVI’s hiring practices “have enriched the lives of our team members as well as the students and staff on campus.”
In fact, Tracey Frye, a Program Specialist at NH’s Vocational Rehabilitation Department and co-chair of the Employee Leadership Award team, is a graduate of the college.
She shared with the Crier that as an alumnae, it was an honor to present this award, adding that “It does not surprise me that this community has embraced, and is leading the State of New Hampshire in the employment of individuals with disabilities.”