[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 30, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CONGRATULATING TAC INDUSTRIES

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                         HON. MICHAEL R. TURNER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 30, 2024

  Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate TAC (The Abilities 
Connection) Industries, a nonprofit organization located in my 
Congressional district, that provides job opportunities to people with 
disabilities through its participation in the AbilityOne Program. 
AbilityOne is a federal program that provides employment opportunities 
to approximately 40,000 people who are blind or have significant 
disabilities, including more than 2,500 veterans.
  TAC Industries recently received the 2024 Innovation Award at Source 
America's annual X-Force conference in Orlando, Florida. This award 
honors a nonprofit that developed ``innovative work methods, products 
or services.'' TAC Industries partnered with Clark State College in 
Springfield, Ohio, which is also in my district, to create the Fresh 
Abilities restaurant, a farm-to-table quick service restaurant on the 
campus, which functions simultaneously as an employment center and a 
training program for workers with disabilities.
  Through their partnership, TAC developed a curriculum that included 
over 100 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on skill building. 
They utilized the college's classroom facilities for their employees' 
food safety training. In the restaurant, the employees were then 
trained in how to prepare meals, how to make sales, and develop 
customer service skills.
  Employees at Fresh Abilities gained the unique experience of working 
in a safe, inclusive environment while getting the training and support 
they need to do their jobs to the best of their abilities. Clark State 
students, faculty and employees gained access to healthy food, and the 
college's administration was able to divert funds previously spent on 
food service to other student-focused areas.
  For individuals with disabilities, the opportunity to pursue a 
fulfilling, meaningful career of one's own choosing with a path for 
advancement is important to their quality of life. I appreciate the 
work TAC Industries undertakes to provide these employment and 
vocational opportunities, and congratulate them on receiving this 
prestigious award.

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