Allegiant Service Center in Lisbon received one of two Change Awards from the County Board of Developmental Disabilities. From left to right are Paul Anthony, Allegiant Service Center Owners Chad Cole and Brandi Cole, and Shirley Bowald. (Photo submitted)
Highlighting the evening’s activities was keynote speaker Kitrael Chin, President and Creative Director for Hearts for Music, Inc. The non-profit organization based in Ohio provides opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in musical opportunities, regardless of their musical experience or disability. He uses IPADs to allow individuals to make music, even if they have never played an instrument.
This year’s dinner is the first year for the Board Transformation Award, which is presented to employers who excel in their efforts to provide work that adds quality and richness to the lives of their employees. This year the bustling Beaver in Calcutta and the Allegiant Service Center in Lisbon are the hosts.
Director of Recruitment and Public Relations Shirley Bowald explained that the Change Award is based on Mahatma Ghandi’s oft-quoted words, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Bowald said: “We spend many hours where we work. “When we created this award, we thought about what is important at work. I think we all want kind and caring colleagues. We chose these two businesses because we always hear praise and good things about them.”
Busy Beaver in Calcutta was one of two local businesses to receive a 2026 Change Award through the County Council of Developmental Disabilities. Pictured, from left, front row: Shirley Bowald, Beaver Assistant Manager Brent Kountz, Busy Beaver Inventory Control Manager Cyndi Radeschi; back row, Paul Anthony, Busy Beaver CEO Scott Allen, and Busy Beaver Inventory Control Lead Mike Wayner. (Photo submitted)
To determine next year’s Change Awards recipients, the Board will receive input from the public, families employed by the Board, and from service providers. A public comment period will open in January.
Paul Anthony, Business Relations Specialist, thanked the many businesses that help and support the Board throughout the year. He acknowledged Alicia Johnson, director of the Salem Chamber of Commerce, for her unwavering support and assistance throughout the year. Additionally, he thanked East Liverpool Mayor Bobby Smith for his advocacy in reaching out to the Board to learn more about the process and offer assistance.
Assistant Superintendent Josh Martin said the CCBDD is investing about $12 million in various job aids, including vocational education, transportation, job training and workplace assessments. This investment benefits 75 Columbians
County who may be well employed or on their way to employment. These job numbers represent a 240 percent increase over the past five years. Additionally, Ohio is an Employment First state, and CCBDD’s efforts have resulted in them meeting all of the goals of this executive order.
Businesses interested in learning more about employment services offered by the County Council of Developmental Disabilities are encouraged to call 330-424-7788.
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