Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman and the Howard County Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency recognized five businesses at this year’s Hire Power Awards at a recent ceremony at Tino’s Italian Bistro, in Columbia.

The awards highlight businesses within the county that promote programs and practices to help develop the local workforce through innovative job support, inclusive hiring  strategies and community outreach efforts.

This year’s winners of the Hire Power Awards are the following:

  • Edward G. Rahll & Sons (Jessup). Edward G. Rahll & Sons produces supplier-providing job opportunities to those workers who are re-entering the workforce. Flexible schedules allow their workers to use public transportation and attend critical support services meetings.
  • Hungry Harvest (Jessup). Hungry Harvest sources, recovers and delivers produce with a mission to reduce food waste and fight hunger. Its business model includes making a one-to-two pound food donation for every box of produce delivered to paying customers. It also provides employment opportunities to ex-offenders and those experiencing homelessness, and works with the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center.
  • Neighbor Network (Dayton). Neighbor Network empowers families and individuals to better their situations, educates the community on how people become homeless, eliminates stereotypes associated with poverty and educates businesses on how to help support those with barriers to achieve self-sufficiency. For the past seven years, it has partnered with the Multi-Service Center (MSC) to assist families obtain stability.
  • Subway (Assateague Drive, Jessup). Subway employs individuals who have experienced an interruption in their employment work history. Employees are offered the opportunity to thrive and grow within the company. Flexible work schedules allow workers to attend critical service meetings, tend to family needs and accommodate public and carpool transportation schedules.
  • Tino’s Italian Bistro (Columbia). Through its Foundation Nights, Tino’s donates 10% of its proceeds to nonprofit organizations, including Bridges to Housing Stability, Wounded Warriors, The Arc of Howard County, Neighbor Ride, Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center and Zaching for Cancer. Tino’s also supports local Girl Scout troops and clients of The Arc of Howard County in helping to prepare and serve meals.

To support the work of the Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency, email [email protected] or call Phyllis Madachy at 410-313-6400.