He finds 'perfect job fit' in downtown Red Wing 'Geek' skills welcomed at established biz with new storefront  | | David Jablonske, left, has been a great fit at Red Wing Computer, and impressed Manager Chris Heath with his knowledge. |
Like a favorite pair of gloves, David Jablonske is a perfect fit at Red Wing Computer and IT Services, where he works in customer service and technical support.
A teacher at ProAct's Red Wing program recommended the computer store to Job Developer Kyle Adams, who assisted Jablonske in his search. The 25-year-old had moved back to Red Wing from Waseca, where he worked for nearly two years at another computer business.
Operations Manager Chris Heath was impressed by Jablonske's knowledge-base. "He does it all," said Heath.  "You have to do a little bit of everything when you're in a small company."
The manager said business demands drive employees to learn every day. And, as Jablonske helps customers, fixes and troubleshoots machines, he's also keeping up on new developments in technology.
"With technology you can't be complacent otherwise you work yourself out of a job and out of the business," said Heath. Jablonske is working toward Cisco certification. "It's a pretty good goal for him, something that would make him proud as well," Heath said.
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Short term services define fast growing Vocational Department in Eagan
Not long ago, ProAct's Vocational Department in Eagan had just three staff members. That number has grown to 11, as demand for services has increased.
What differentiates Voc from the rest of ProAct is the short term nature of its employment services, explains Vocational Coordinator Heather Deutschlaender.
More specifically, job placement, coaching, assessments and work adjustment training are central to this effort. And, a new program, Walgreens REDI (Retail Employees with Disabilities) is being assembled to serve the retailer's needs.
"People have been getting jobs left and right," she said, noting that ProAct has six staff members on the job hunt for others. Their efforts are split between traditional placements for Minnesota Vocational Rehab Services and the Customized Employment program. Deutschlaender expects to add more staff soon for this high growth area.
Contrary to some common assumptions, not all job placements are for entry level positions, she said. |
TDS Telecom wins 2013 ProAct Golf Classic  | |
A threesome with TDS Telecommunications led by Rob Armfield won the 2013 ProAct Golf Classic with a "best ball" score of 60, or 12 under par, at Hastings Country Club.
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It was an amazing year of golf for longtime ProAct supporter Rob Armfield, whose team, TDS Telecommunications, won the ProAct Golf classic.
Armfield, who has been playing golf for at least 40 years, was also a winner at the Tapemark Charity Pro-Am. "Everything has to go well to win. It's around the greens more than anything and we made some long putts," he said.
"It's such a great event. I've been supporting it for long time." Armfield has a brother in Washington State with disabilities who is assisted by a program that is similar to ProAct's.
Participants enjoyed dinner after a beautiful day with golf and special competitive events. The tournament wrapped up with a silent auction and prizes.
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