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April 6, 2022Hill & Markes Receives 2022 Autism Action Award
Hill & Markes, a family-owned wholesale distributor, is honored to announce they will be receiving the 2022 Autism Action Award as presented by the State Assembly of New York for their on-going support of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“Hill & Markes is honored to receive the Autism Action Award. With the support of partners like NY State Individuals with Disabilities (NYSID), the NY Black Chamber of Commerce, Centro Civico (& Ibero American Action League), Lexington ARC, Liberty ARC and the Center for Disability Services, Hill & Markes has made great strides in reaching out to, attracting, and retaining a diverse group of individuals to our company. Lexington ARC has conducted training for our managers that showed best practices in recruitment and inclusion of individuals with disabilities. NYSID (in conjunction with Liberty ARC, Second Chance Opportunities, and Lexington ARC) have provided qualified individuals with disabilities to our workforce. Diversifying our workplace has allowed for new perspectives, new energy, a higher level of collaboration, and expanded opportunities for shared business with NYSID. Our goal is to have 25% of our employees and 25% of our business partnerships come from minority communities, the disabilities communities, and the military veteran community by 2025 – with partnerships built already, we are well on our way.” Hill & Markes has partnered with the New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID) to power their warehousing and employee those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This partnership began in July of 2021 and only continues to grow,” said Hill & Markes CEO, Jason Packer.
“I’m very pleased to present this year’s Autism Action Award to Hill & Markes in recognition of the company’s forward-thinking partnership with New York State Industries for the Disabled that provides good-paying jobs for people with disabilities,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, Chair of the New York State Assembly Sub-Committee on Autism Spectrum Disorders. “Unfortunately, only 23% of people with disabilities are employed, a staggeringly low number that we must address to help build a more inclusive, integrated community where people with disabilities have all the opportunities they deserve. I’m thankful for the positive example they have set to inspire new opportunities for the disability community across the state.”
The award will be presented by State Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara at 10:00am during his annual Autism Action Day at the State Capitol on Wednesday, April 6th. The event will occur in the Well of the Legislative Office Building at the New York State Capitol in Albany, New York.
Giving back to the community is important to the Hill & Markes mission and remains a core pillar of the company.
