TVS will be using the name Cermount for its commercial contract manufacturing division. The name provides distinction from the People Services and US Government contracting parts of the organization, which go by Transylvania Vocational Services and TVS respectively. The new name and logo evolved from a several month branding process led by globally recognized branding firm, Tungsten Branding, which is also located in Brevard.
Once again, TVS/Cermount received the highest rating possible for adhering to quality standards offered by their accrediting organization. The SQF Level 3 Excellent rating ensures that proper standards are in place and followed as it relates to food safety and quality. View our certificate here SQF Level 3 Cert. 2017
CARF, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, conducted an audit of Transylvania Vocational Services and bestowed upon the organization a 3-year approval of the highest recommendation. CARF is an independent, nonprofit organization focused on advancing the quality of services used by non-profit agencies to meet client needs for the best possible outcomes. To view our certificate, click here
TVS was recognized for outstanding support and service by two distinct agencies withing the United States Department of Agriculture. Marking the 4th time in 12 years that the USDA has honored TVS with such accolades, Becky Alderman, COO, and Nancy Stricker, board member and retired CEO, attended the June 22 ceremoney in Washington, D.C. to accept the award. Read a full account of the event from the Transylvania Times here 07.27.17_TVS Receives Two USDA Contractor Of The Year Awards
SourceAmerica held its Grassroots Advocacy Conference June 12th to 15th to encourage individuals with disabilities to engage in political advocacy by sharing their experiences and concerns with legislators in Washington, D.C. TVS sent Lauren Bell, an exemplary second shift Production Worker, her supervisor, Amber Frederick, and CEO, Jamie Brandenburg. The trio spent Tuesday getting to know representatives from other nonprofits in the SourceAmerica network and preparing for meetings with elected officials scheduled for the following day.
Jamie felt the conference was helpful, “It highlighted the need for our agencies to advocate. There have been other voices out there that have been louder than ours in the past, and we have a more nuanced message, which requires a lot more effort.” Jamie witnessed the passion for advocacy begin to grow at Tuesday’s reception where all 50 self-advocates were given a platform to share their personal “celebration stories.”
Lauren delivered an enlightening account of her experience as a TVS employee. She described the significance of Amber’s willingness to customize training to Lauren’s learning styles. Amber’s approach placed the opportunity to excel within Lauren’s reach. Summarizing her enthusiasm for this opportunity, Lauren concluded her speech saying, “TVS showed me I can do anything I put my mind to, and it gave me the chance to do it.”
Amber echoed the importance of individualized training, “Specialized trainings are important,” she stated. “Just a few extra moments of your day can mean the world to some individuals.” Amber also attested to Lauren’s quality work performance, “Once she feels comfortable, she hits it out of the park!”
Jamie expressed pride in both employees, remarking, “They’re both dedicated employees and they are also very productive. They’re just a good representation of who we are and who our employees are: committed.”
The welcome was warm in the halls of Congress on Wednesday as Legislative Assistants and Correspondents from the offices of Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis and Representatives Richard Hudson and Mark Meadows discussed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the federal budget. Moreover, Representatives Hudson and Meadows each prioritized this opportunity to hear from their constituents by visiting with the group in-person!
The conference left Jamie, Amber, and Lauren feeling educated and empowered. Excited about strategies to continue fighting, Jamie is looking toward the future. Meanwhile, Amber expressed an appreciation for the present, “To see all the groups and organizers there for the same cause, showing the same care and concern was nice. Seeing different people affected, hearing their stories, and learning about the different organizations makes TVS a little more special.”
On Tuesday, May 16, 2017 North Carolina MARC members and self-advocates and their families attended North Carolina Day on the Hill, where they were welcomed to Washington, D.C. to meet elected officials and discuss policy concerns within the industry. Program Director Carla Hill and retired CEO Nancy Stricker represented TVS.
While the Capitol was reeling from budget negotiations, pressures from the close of the Trump Administration’s first hundred days, and the House’s passing of healthcare amendments, Carla and Nancy were impressed that Congressional representatives made time to lend an ear.
Nancy and Carla spoke with Chiefs of Staff for Congressman Mark Meadows, Senator Richard Burr, and Senator Thom Tillis. In total, seven members of Congress or Congressional Staff made themselves available to hear the testimonies and requests of North Carolina MARC organizations, self-advocates, and family members.
Advocates and families focused on their rights to self-determination and on the need to legislate more choice when it comes to opportunity for adults with disabilities and employment barriers. The organizations asked for increased support for employment services resources and aired frustrations with laws and regulations limiting access employment options.
Carla recalls being pleased with the reception advocates appeared to get. From her vantage point, it looked as though the elected officials and staff were attentive, some even taking notes. “This was really about families and self-advocates. They’re constituents, too,” she said.
