UCBLN celebrates 20 years, changes name for national initiative

Kayne Pyatt, Herald Reporter
Posted 10/30/18

20th annual UCBLN awards

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UCBLN celebrates 20 years, changes name for national initiative

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EVANSTON — Twenty years of success was celebrated by the Uinta County Business Leadership Network (UCBLN) at a luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at the Machine Shop. More than 300 people attended and enjoyed a hot meal catered by Denise’s Home Plate of Coleville, Utah. Music throughout the event was provided by Kevin Kallas of Buffalo Federal Savings Bank.

Uinta County Herald Sports Editor Mark Madia was the emcee for the event. After the pledge of allegiance to the U.S. flag led by Joseph Beachell and Lakota Whinery, Mayor Kent Williams welcomed all to the event. Next the Evanston High School Classics dance group gave an outstanding performance for the audience.

Madia then introduced U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, who came to congratulate the community on their unwavering resolve to help people with disabilities. He talked about his own work as an orthopedics doctor and how he is committed to helping those with disabilities.

Barrasso ended his speech by stating, “The spirit of Wyoming captured the attention of former presidents, among them Teddy Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan. They all came to Wyoming and loved the state and its people. Wyoming people are shaping the future for everyone. God bless you, God bless Wyoming and God bless the United States.” 

UCBLN Executive Director Wanda Rogers then asked the audience to stand and shake the hand of the person on their right and then the person on their left and thank them for all they do. She went on to tell the story of the creation of the UCBLN program. Tom Huddleston formerly of Vocational Rehabilitation Department here in Evanston was the original founder of the program and was given a special Because of You Award. Huddleston, who now lives in Arkansas, was unable to attend. 

Rogers went on to talk about how the program has grown and introduced Bethany Shidler, who coordinates the Mentor Match program which matches at risk youth with mentors.

All of the mentors and mentees were asked to stand at the front of the room to receive congratulations. Twenty-five local organizations and individuals and their mentees stood in a long line for pictures and applause. 

LaDonna Howard of LA Hairport, 2017 Mentor of the Year, presented the 2018 Mentor of the Year Award to the Uinta County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Doug Matthews and several deputies accepted the award.  

2018 Employer of the Year Award was presented by the 2017 winner Emily Huggins of Aspen Cinemas. The 2018 winner was Smith’s Food & Drug and managers and employees came forward to receive the award.

Next on the agenda was the awarding of a special Spirit of the BLN Award. Wanda Rogers and Lynn Kirkbride, USBLN Director of Affiliate Relations, both provided background information on the early beginnings of the Uinta County program and the woman who was the first director, Debbie Terech.

Kirkbride began by saying, “The UCBLN is one of the best BLN’s in the nation and this person who is receiving this award helped to make that happen.”

Rogers added, “As a team, Debbie Terech and I were able to accomplish great things.”

Rogers and Kirkbride both gave examples of how much Terech’s spirit still guides and inspires the organization. They each shared special memories of how Teresh inspired them personally.  Rogers recalled the first tiny little office they shared together at City Hall and how Terech’s professionalism and passion for the project brought it to the success it is today.

Terech tearfully accepted the award and thanked everyone in the audience for their dedication and continuing efforts to be inclusive in the workplace.

“Give them their wings,” she said, “and they will fly.”

The last award to be given was the 2018 Employee of the Year Award. William Limb, 2017 Employee of the Year presented the Award to Susan Frame who works at Smith’s Food & Drug.  He said Susan is a dedicated employee and a great example to all her coworkers.  She never complains, is cheerful and does a great job. Susan accepted the award with a very big smile.

Keynote Speaker for the 20th Celebration was Jill Houghton, president and CEO of USBLN.  Houghton oversees the strategic direction of the organization as well as provides guidance on global disability inclusion practices to more than 100 USBLN partners. She represents the organization when testifying before congressional committees, works with various government agencies and numerous other functions. 

Houghton began her short speech by thanking Sen. Barrasso and Mayor Williams for their dedication and support for the program.  

“In choosing a new name and logo we formed a committee of eight representatives from all service areas,” Houghton said. “We wanted a brand name that would increase understanding and awareness of what we offer, we want to be seen as the leading authority on disabilities, and to clearly define our message,” Houghton said. “We are the champions of a culture shift and we want people with disabilities to be proud. We work towards an inclusive economy where people with disabilities are empowered and businesses are empowered.”

Houghton ended her speech by announcing the new name, “The USBLN and the nationwide programs will now be called ‘Disability: IN.’ We are creating INclusive cultures — talk to your neighbor and spread the word.”

The celebration ended with enthusiastic applause. The Herald then asked Barrasso some questions related to people with disabilities.

When asked, “Why is Medicaid, which is significant for those with disabilities, constantly being cut?” Barrasso said, “Blame Obama and his health care program which took money away from people with disabilities and gave it to ablebodied people who can afford to buy health care insurance.”  

Another question had to do with Wyoming cuts to Medicaid to which the senator responded to ask Wyoming legislators about state-level cuts, as he is in Washington D.C.