The Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities recognized Meijer in Alliance for their support of the Reach 4 More Employment Program. Pictured from left are Community Inclusion and Employment Manager Shirley Bowald, Administrative Assistant Sarah Hughes, Business Engagement Specialist Paul Anthony, Store Director Sarah Fisher, Employee Christian Smith, CCBDD Superintendent William Devon, Meijer HR Representative Delanie Pagnucco, and Assistant Store Director Lisa Snyder. (Submitted photo)

ALLIANCE — The Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD) recognized Meijer in Alliance for their ongoing support and positive hiring practices of those who are differently abled. The Board’s Reach 4 More program provides long-term follow-along services, business engagement and informational services to ensure continued success. Through collaboration and referrals with organizations such as Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and Blue Sky Employment Consulting, the Board can better assist clients with job placement and job coaching services.

Meijer Employee Christian Smith entered the workforce at the Canton Meijer. He transferred to Alliance two years ago to shorten his commute and has since earned a spot as a valued employee through hard work, a pleasant demeanor and excellent customer service.

Smith keeps the store looking good and ensures that every customer he meets has a good experience. He maintains the parking lot, sidewalks and entryway, picks up trash, puts the carts in proper order and helps customers by bagging their purchases and carrying them out.

He said he likes the work, especially the customer service part. He enjoys interacting with the customers and helping them as needed.

“I love it,” he said. “It keeps me busy and makes the day go fast. I’ll keep on working here until I get old,” he said.

While he loves his job, Smith admits keeping the carts in order is his least favorite task. “They get pretty icky in the winter and bad weather,” he said, “especially when they slide in the snow.”

But he works with a smile and maintains a positive attitude no matter what the job — or the bad weather — throw at him.

Store Director Sarah Fisher said Smith excels at customer service. “If he sees a customer in the parking lot who needs a hand, he offers to help them. He greets everyone. He provides the best customer service and represents the Meijer brand very well. We feel lucky to have him here,” Fisher said.

Delanie Pagnucco, HR representative, said Smith completed his second year of employment at the Alliance location on Oct. 18. He works 40 hours a week and she said they all miss him on his days off. “He always radiates positivity,” she said.

Smith’s always been interested in theater and performs with the Squeaky Wheel Theater Company in Columbiana. In early November, he was in the company’s production of Beetlejuice Jr., where he portrayed The Sandworm. He’s also acted in Alice in Wonderland and Mary Poppins.

Paul Anthony, CCBDD Business Employment Specialist, described Smith as an amazing young man. “We’ve talked to over a dozen people here and there is not one bad word about him. They all said he is so pleasant and easy to be around and such a positive presence in the store,” Anthony said.

Employers who are interested in learning about the Reach 4 More Employment Program should call the Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities at 330-424-7788.