OfficeMax’s disability hiring program recognized

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — OfficeMax has been awarded the National Employment Team 2013 “Private Sector Business of the Year” by the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) for its commitment to employing people with disabilities, including veterans.

OfficeMax is one of two organizations — and the only private sector company — to receive this year's CSAVR distinction.

"OfficeMax is truly honored to be recognized for our commitment to employing associates with disabilities, including disabled veterans," said Ravi Saligram, president and CEO of OfficeMax. "We're proud of building a diverse and inclusive culture which allows us to improve the products, services and solutions that we provide to our customers."

OfficeMax's partnership with CSAVR began in 2009 to connect individuals with disabilities to retail and distribution positions nationwide within the company. Since then, OfficeMax has expanded its working relationship with CSAVR and its partner organizations across 17 states. The most recent hiring program, at OfficeMax's PowerMax distribution center in McCalla, Alabama, has employed more than 35 people with disabilities.

"We appreciate OfficeMax's dedication and proactive approach to hiring individuals with disabilities," said Kathleen West-Evans, director of Business Relations for the national employment team at CSAVR. "What's impressive about OfficeMax is their level of engagement. They aren't just posting a 'help wanted' sign. They have really taken the time to work with us to help us understand their organization and needs, and are proactive in matching the job opportunities with the talent."

CSAVR's members are the administrators of 80 state agencies that provide vocational rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities. For more than 90 years the State-Federal Vocational Rehabilitation program has been providing a wide range of services to people with disabilities. The program aims to help people with significant disabilities return to work and live better and more productive lives.