(Photo above: (L-R) Wilson Clark, Production Supervisor for DrinkTanks and Preston Kohler)
Abilitree awards growler company with exceptional honor at annual fundraising event.
DrinkTanks, a growler and accessory company located in Bend, has just been recognized for its successful partnership with Abilitre, and has been named New Growth Employer of the Year. The honor comes after a beneficial partnership and series of successful job placements with Abilitree’s clients – adults with disabilities looking for work. Out of over 35 employees, DrinkTanks currently has four employees of which have come from Abilitree.
The New Growth Employer of the Year is selected by a panel at Abilitree and is defined as an organization that has really made it a part of their culture, mission and priority to include individuals with disabilities in their business and to be inclusive to all potential employees. There were a large number of businesses who qualified for the honorable mention, but DrinkTanks stood out from the rest due to its growth and continued support of Abilitree.
“We knew early on that DrinkTanks was the front-runner candidate for the New Growth Employer of the Year,” said April O’Meara, marketing and development director at Abilitree. “DrinkTanks has gone above and beyond as a partner, and they have knocked it out of the park with their continued support and dedication to supporting our clients with disabilities. Their significant and continued growth is exciting to watch – knowing that their employees will grow right along with them.”
At Abilitree’s Celebrating Community Partnerships annual fundraiser event on October 6, Preston Kohler, a client of Abilitree’s and employee of DrinkTanks, presented the award to the company. Nearly 300 community members attended the event.
“Being a local company who started right here in Bend from the ground up – it is our priority to be active in our community and give back. Employing individuals who are happy to come to work, and work their hardest – that is what this is all about,” said Nicholas Hill, Founder of DrinkTanks. “Employees like Preston have helped us continue our success. We strive to add diversity to the workplace, finding employees with all types with all abilities, who are excited to get the job done.”
For more information about Abilitree’s services and DrinkTanks involvement, please watch this inspiring video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9pCwEP4me8.
Based in the craft beer and outdoor recreation mecca of Bend, DrinkTanks was born as a father-and-son team. The concept came about in 2010 by Dr. Tim Hill of the Cascade Culinary Institute, and his son, Nicholas Hill. With their collective food and beverage knowledge and passion for the outdoors, they set out to create the perfect portable growler and personal keg. DrinkTanks Growlers are comprised of 22 custom premium parts; hand built one at a time in Bend, Oregon.
www.DrinkTanks.com.
Abilitree believes in everyone’s right to live a full and independent life. First established in 1981, Abilitree’s mission is to empower people to grow their independence, expectations, and inclusion in community life. To help individuals and their families reach their goals, Abilitree provides support with job placement, skills training, peer support, advocacy, and information and referral. We support over 700 individuals in Central Oregon, who experience a wide range of disabilities, including but not limited to stroke and cancer survivors, and individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.
