ProAct, Inc.



ProAct 3195 Neil Armstrong Blvd.  Eagan, MN  55121

PROACT Post 
Enhancing Lives ... Exploring Opportunities  ... News from ProAct, Inc.  
April 2011
In This Issue
Hudson open house
Independently employed
New clothing, Fast Track to Success

Meet ProAct's

New Contact  

Sales Manager Greg Pechman
New Sales Manager Greg Pechman brings his wealth of experience to ProAct's Eagan production area.  Reach him by email or at 651-289-3157 
  Hot Sellers:
Slide Jewelry
Slide jewlry made by ProAct in Red Wing
Made by people with disabilities, the slides with polished charms are in high demand and are available in Red Wing, Cannon Falls and Bay City, Wis.  Learn more
Jewelry prep Red Wing

Stitching Capabilities Expanded   
New sewing equipment Red Wing
The Red Wing facility added a powerful new needle feed sewing machine capable of 5,000 stitches per minute.

Hudson Open House 10 a.m., April 20
ProAct Life Opportunities

The Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce is planning an open house and ribbon cutting at ProAct's Life Opportunities facility in that same city on April 20 at 10 a.m.  The address is 1202 Beaudry Boulevard. Visitors are welcome!  

 

United Way logo
Programs funded in part by the United Way
Charities Review Council certified

CARF
Staples Financial's $300 Triples for ProAct
Minnesota Twins logo

When a Minnesota Twins batter hits a triple, crowds often jump to their feet.  Thanks to Staples Financial, ProAct can also celebrate, as the firm donates $300 to the nonprofit for every Twins triple hit this season.

 

"The people they serve are the people we're near and dear to," said Kris Staples, president of the West St. Paul firm.  Staples has been a regular contributor to the ProAct Golf Classic and a strong supporter of ProAct's mission.  The promotion is being advertised on AM-1500. 

Staples Financial logo 

Staples Financial, Proud Partner of the Minnesota Twins

Staples said the Twins hit 42 triples in 2010, the second highest in Major League Baseball.  Kris's father and the firm's founding partner, Art, was a minor league baseball player for the Chicago Cubs and his uncle works for the Twins ballclub.   

ProAct cheers the Twins!
ProAct's Twins fans in Eagan form their own cheering section for Minnesota's major league team.
Years later: employed, independent and happy
Rachel Metz
She's quick to smile and on pace with the product.  Rachel Metz at T.J. Maxx in Eagan has kept a steady pace and has worked independently for five years, after initial support from ProAct.

She processes clothing and housewares for the busy discount chain.  Metz knows the product marking system well, and can easily match items to the store's layout.  "We bounce her around a lot," said merchandise coordinator Roxy Prince.  "She knows all the different jobs in our back room."

Crunch times come when trucks deliver product, as staff members try to get it unloaded in an hour or less.  Metz stays motivated, and physically fit by walking to work and Rachel Metzworking out with her mother. 

The processor at the Eagan retailer continues to impress ProAct staff members, who see her occasionally while working with other participants.  "She has been one of our longest running independent placements, and is one of the strongest processors there," said Vocational Specialist Leann Prins.

 
Save August 15 for the ProAct Golf Classic
ProAct Golf Classic Aug. 15

The beautiful Hastings County Club is again the settingProAct Golf Classic golfer for the annual ProAct Golf Classic.  Save August 15 for tournament play and tell your friends and coworkers!

 

A larger raffle, gourmet dinner and 18-holes on a fine course will all benefit ProAct.  $150 per golfer.  Contact Cathy McCoy by email or at 651-289-3170. 

New clothes stimulate 'Fast Track to Success'  
   Lisa Ryan knows
ProAct clients receive new clothing
Participants Deb Ferenz, left, Julie Green and Jay Hessel sport new work clothes given by Corner Closet in Lake City.  
that dress casual clothing is invaluable to people looking for jobs.  That's why the owner of the Corner Closet clothing store in Lake City recently donated about 60 new clothing items to ProAct consumers in Eagan.

For two years, Ryan has connected with ProAct Coordinator Charlotte Eastin, who teaches classes on job searches, interviews and other topics.  The nonprofit's "Fast Track to Success" program shares what employers want, how to dress for success, secure a job and then stay employed.

"I get a better feeling out of giving to someone who really needs it," said Ryan.  The new clothing often includes slow selling items and frees up room for other merchandise coming in.  "Some of it is really expensive stuff, $50 jackets and other items," said Eastin, who is a Corner Closet customer.
Customized work crews, employees available

If there's a job that needs doing, ProAct can help. We fitProAct work crew the person to the position with training, supervision and support, while offering flexibility.  Contact us today.

  • Red Wing, Cannon Falls and the surrounding area, Jim Bohmbach at 651-388-7108