Congratulations to Todd Rogers and Price Chopper of Johnstown
The Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Business Education Partnership (BEP) recognizes a business professional and business partner each year for their sustained interest and continuing participation in activities that strengthen and enhance public education in the HFM region.
The awards are the Chamber’s opportunity to recognize all the hardworking businesses, community partners and individuals who donate their valuable time and financial support to schools and students.
The awards are typically awarded at the Chamber’s July Business After Hours, however due to the current pandemic, the awardees will be honored at next year’s Business After Hours. This year Chris DeConno, Special Education Teacher and Work-Based Learning Coordinator at Johnstown High School, nominated both recipients.
Business Professional of the Year Award 2019-2020
This award recognizes a business professional who works directly with students, teachers, and schools in the HFM BOCES districts on an ongoing basis showing a level of commitment and that demonstrates support for school improvement and student achievement.
BEP Todd Rogers Business Professional: Todd Rogers, owner of Rogers Family Orchard, shows off his award as Business Professional of the Year.
Winner is Todd Rogers—Rogers Family Orchards
Todd Rogers, owner of Rogers Family Orchard, has supported the Johnstown High School Work-Based Learning program for the past 3 years. Todd works collaboratively with the coordinator and the job coach to provide meaningful work experiences for students, with the goal of increased independence. He fosters positive professional relationships with students, makes them feel welcomed, and his sense of humor engages them in social interactions. Todd’s work ethic models the hard work it takes to sustain a family business and learners acquire skills because of his efforts. This impact on a student’s learning experience supports the need for lifelong learning, generalizing employment skills, and meeting their highest potential. Todd Rogers is most deserving of the Business Professional of the Year Award because of the opportunities he provides students and the impact the opportunities have on their lives.
A student who worked for Todd shared their thoughts on the program: “My favorite thing about him [Todd] was he wanted us to work for 3 years.” Job Coach, Meghan Oare from Johnstown High School, also stated “Todd has been a pleasure to work with. He makes the atmosphere fun for students, while modeling hard work and ethics for them.”
Business Partner of the Year Award 2019-2020
This award recognizes a business or community group working directly with students, teachers, and schools in the HFM BOCES districts on an ongoing basis showing a level of commitment and that demonstrates support for school improvement and student achievement.
BEP Awards Price Chopper Business Partner: Price Chopper is honored as Business Partner of the Year. (L-R): Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce Co-Chair of Education Committee, Dr. Lorraine Hohenforst, Price Chopper employees Minnie Ferraro (bakery), Colleen Bills (front end), Leigh Ann Wood (front end), Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce Co-Chair of Education Committee, Rosalie Faber and Special Education Teacher and Work-Based Learning Coordinator at Johnstown High School, Chris DeConno.
Winner is Price Chopper of Johnstown, NY
Price Chopper, especially the Front End and Bakery Departments, are more than welcoming to students from Johnstown High School. Students were supported by Price Chopper during job site placements as part of their Work-Based Learning experiences. Participating students require a range of job coaching support and accommodations to be successful within the workplace. The partnership with Price Chopper allowed students to learn workplace expectations and routines, integrate into the community, and build meaningful professional relationships.
Price Chopper provided uniform shirts and name tags, on-the-job training, and challenged students to meet their highest potential. Many students showed continued interest in remaining at Price Chopper longer than the typical rotation.
The goal of the Work – Based Learning Program is to provide students with experiences to build skills for gainful employment; numerous students have expressed interest in applying for part-time or full-time positions in the future. We thank Price Chopper for their years of support and look forward to planning for the future!
A student who worked for Johnstown Price Chopper shared their thoughts on the program: “I have learned how to work with other people” and I learned how to talk to customers.”
Chris DeConno, Special Education Teacher and Work-based Learning Coordinator at Johnstown High School also said, “The partnership with Price Chopper allowed students to learn workplace expectations and routines, integrate into the community, and build meaningful professional relationships. Price Chopper provided uniform shirts and name tags, on-the-job training, and challenged students to meet their highest potential. Many students showed continued interest in remaining at Price Chopper longer than the typical rotation.”
Congratulations!