2016 Q4 Newsmakers

| 2016 Q4 |

NewsMakers: Send us your press release, promotion, professional recognition, new hire or board of directors change to newsmakers@lawrencebusinessmagazine.com for our upcoming issue.

Cottonwood

Cottonwood Inc.’s JobLink Award Goes to Th e Oread & Th e Eldridge Hotels
“Accolades for Equal Opportunity Employment”

Cottonwood Inc. has awarded its annual JobLink Outstanding Community Employer Award to The Oread and The Eldridge Hotels. >

For the last 10 years, The Olivia Collection, which is the hotels’ holding company, has employed Cottonwood Inc.’s clients. Three individuals currently serve various roles at the hotels. >

“These three staff members make sure the little details of cleanliness and comfort are tended to. It’s great to have our staff visit and interact with them. I just wanted to make their life more meaningful. It’s just something I’m very passionate about,” said Nancy Longhurst, General Manager of The Oread and Eldridge. >

There are 144 local businesses and organizations that partner with Cottonwood to provide employment to individuals with disabilities. Cottonwood Inc. is the city’s largest organization serving individuals with disabilities. The hotel properties were honored with the award in late September. >

“I think the most important qualities JobLink looks for its host partners are great communication, people who will really provide natural support – a place where our job seeker will be surrounded by people who are wanting them to be successful,” said Keri Rodriquez, Business account Manager of Cottonwood’s JobLink.

Henry Wertin

Henry Wertin, 2017 President of the Lawrence Board of Realtors

Henry Wertin, 2017 President of the Lawrence Board of Realtors. For the past 6 years, Henry has worked diligently to make Lawrence a better place to live, work, and play. Henry’s real estate accomplishments include being named Lawrence Board of Realtor’s Realtor of the Year (2016), graduating from the KAR Right Track Leadership Academy (2015), and serving as a Director (2014,2015) and Secretary (2016) for the Lawrence Board of Realtors. He also stays busy as a member of several organizations including the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors and McGrew Master’s Program. In his spare time, you can find Henry singing to raise money for local charities with his band, Thunderkat, or spending time with his wife Tasha, and their 7 children. Henry is a great example of what it means to be a Realtor and a volunteer in our community!