UMCH receives Business / Industry Award
The United Methodist Children’s Home has received the 2010 Business / Industry Award from the Greater Egypt Regional Planning & Development Commission. The Business / Industry Award was established in order to recognize outstanding contribution to the region’s progress in economic development. The Development Commission is comprised of Commissioners from Jefferson, Franklin, Williamson, Jackson & Perry Counties.
“It is quite an honor to receive this prestigious recognition. It is our desire to continue to expand our services throughout southern Illinois to help children and families in need and improve our communities. We are no longer just a “Children’s Home”, rather a multi-faceted social service agency with 11 programs and 114 employees. Last year our organization worked with over 800 individuals and we anticipate that number to increase in the upcoming year.” – Kay Zibby, Vice President of Operations. UMCH operates satellite offices in Mt. Vernon, Centralia, and Norris City.
In an email to UMCH staff, Gary Lemmon, UMCH President / CEO, added, "The truth is that this award and plaque belongs to all of the staff who serve here at UMCH. Your hard work, dedication and unified effort to serve those in need has been recognized not only by state and professional credentialing groups (DCFS & COA), Christian accrediting groups (EAGLE), but now also by this industry/business organization. Previous winners of this award include: Continental Tire North America, National Railway Equipment, Walgreens Company, Maytag Herrin Laundry Products, Anheuser-Busch, Inc., Primex Technologies in Marion, and Knight Hawk Coal Company. UMCH is in the company of some “heavyweight” industries and you all should be very proud."
The award was presented on December 14th at the Commission’s 49th Annual Dinner at the Holiday Inn in Mt. Vernon, IL.
Gary Lemmon, UMCH President / CEO (left) accepted the award on behalf of the organization from GERPDC Executive Director Cary Minnis.