Applause filled the room as the 2014 LIFE Matters Award recipients were announced. The crowd rose to their feet as Market Basket associates were called to the stage.
Each year American Training recognizes companies and individuals in the community who make a difference in the lives of those they touch by putting people first, at their LIFE Matters Awards Gala.
The annual event celebrates the organization’s Partners, or companies and organizations who work with American Training and LARE Institute. While all guests of the Gala are treated to an evening of the organization’s signature WOW! Magic, the night lends a focus to the award winners.
The 2014 recipients, Market Basket associates as the LIFE Matters Award recipients, Injured Workers Pharmacy as Company of the Year, and Chase & Lunt as Vendor of the Year were celebrated October 24 at DiBurro’s Function Facility in Haverhill.
“Each of our award winners embodies a people first philosophy that has translated not only into financial success but into amazing opportunities for those most vulnerable in our communities,” said American Training President & CEO Tom Connors. “Their support of our programs throughout the year further enhances just how much Life really does matter.”
Chase & Lunt and Injured Workers Pharmacy, IWP, were recognized for their outstanding customer service.
“They are always there for us and are a delight to work with,” said Carina Pappalardo, American Training’s Chief Culture and HR Officer of Chase & Lunt. “They provide a superior level of quality service and make us feel like we are their only customer.”
Cheryl Watson, Career Placement Specialist and Supervisor for American Training’s LARE Institute, said of IWP, “actions speak louder than words,” adding that the company regularly hires students from LARE and recently donated much needed items to enhance hands-on learning in the classroom.
“In many ways they share our corporate values and practices, they deeply understand and share our dedication to making life matter.”
The final award went to Market Basket associates. The company’s associates were chosen to receive the prestigious LIFE Matters Award for fostering a family atmosphere, offering top-notch customer service, and working together to provide affordable products to allow their customers to feed and care for their families.
“We are always looking out for our customers,” said Joe Schmidt, Market Basket’s Supervisor of Operations. “People looking out for others, allowing people to reach their full potential. This is something that lies in the core values of both Market Basket and American Training.”
Over the last year, the nation learned just how committed these associates were to each other, their company, their boss, and their customers. The strength in their bond draws from their value for people over anything and everything, something American Training holds in high regard.
Schmidt accepted the prestigious LIFE Matters Award, along with several associates, including American Training Guests, or adults with disabilities.
“On behalf of Arthur T. Demoulas, his wife Maureen, his mother Irene Demoulas, and all of us at Market Basket, it is an honor to receive the American Training LIFE Matters Award,” said Schmidt. “We are humbled by the recognition.”
The celebration continued through the evening featuring a magician, hula hooper, and juggler in Piccadilly Circus; a photo booth; a cupcake Tower of Yumdon; a candy bar in the land of Candelot; a 50/50 raffle and silent auction; a delicious meal; and proclamations delivered by State Rep. Marcos Devers.
“The WOW! Magic created here this evening is made possible by the deeply held Values that drive the success of each of our award winners.” Connors said.
“I hope old friends of American Training were able to enjoy the WOW! evening they have come to expect from us,” said Kimberley Judd, the event organizer and Director of Allied Health for the American Training’s LARE Institute. “And that new friends of American Training were able to see first-hand, the passion that the Colleagues of American Training put into what we do every day.”
To find out more about American Training, go to americantraininginc.com.