Honored for a job well done

Independence and Blue Springs Industries, Inc (IBS) is Eastern Jackson County’s largest employer of individuals with disabilities and offers diverse employment options for over 250 individuals in the Kansas City Metro area. The company operates two sheltered workshops, manages several federal contracts through the AbilityOne program and operates Secure Document Solutions (document destruction services).

During 2008, IBS received both regional and national recognition from the AbilityOne program. This program under the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act, created in 1971, provides employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities in the manufacture and delivery of products and services to the federal government. Through meaningful employment, the AbilityOne Program is a cost-effective way to help these people, enabling them to reduce their dependence on government support.

On June 25, IBS Industries was recognized in a ceremony in Washington, D.C., for the “AbilityOne Non-Commodity Small Business of the Year” award for their United States Department of Agriculture contract. The award was presented by the USDA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization by Director James House.

“This is quite an accolade for a local company and I was proud to be the recipient for IBS,” said Stan Shurmantine, CEO, IBS/Secure Document Solutions. “The award recognizes our on going efforts to provide excellent services to our customers while employing people with disabilities.”

Also Shurmantine, a longtime friend of Congressman Ike Skelton, attended a ceremony on June 11 in Washington, D.C., when the congressman received the prestigious Jacob K. Javits Legislative Award in recognition of outstanding support to individuals with disabilities. This honor has only been awarded to six individuals since its creation in 1998.

The criteria for this award includes, significantly contributing to the betterment of the AbilityOne program and furthering the goal of employment of people with severe disabilities.

“He exemplifies this award on a continual basis,” said Shurmantine. “Congressman Skelton has long been a proponent of favorable changes in legislation to include people with disabilities and is a strong supporter of this segment of the population.”

Ron Eiman, chairman emeritus, received the STAR award from NISH (Formerly National Industries for the Severely Handicapped) South Central Regional Office of the AbilityOne program in this past March. He was recognized for his dedication and advocacy he has provided to IBS Industries over the past 40 years by serving individuals with disabilities in the Eastern Jackson County area.

“Ron’s drive and determination have helped IBS grow from serving 15 individuals in one location in Independence to serving over 250 individuals in 10 locations throughout the Kansas City metro area,” said Shurmantine. “In Independence, many consider Ron Eiman the face of IBS Industries.”

Stan Shurmantine, IBS Chief Executive Officer was honored by NISH with the “AbilityOne Whip Award” for his participation in the NISH Grassroots Advocacy Program in April 2008.  NISH is a national nonprofit agency whose mission is to create employment opportunities for people with severe disabilities by securing federal contracts through the AbilityOne Program. Shurmantine demonstrated exemplary leadership in creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

“IBS Industries is making things happen by continuing its mission of employment of individuals with disabilities,” said Shurmantine.