State agency honors McCook business partner for creating inclusive workplace

Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Steve and Rachelle Kotschwar’s Pristine Clean has received statewide recognition.
Courtesy photo

LINCOLN, Neb. — A McCook business was one of five to earn statewide recognition for partnering with a state agency in creating inclusive workplaces and advocacy for disability employment.

Nebraska VR partners Steve and Rachelle Kotschwar, owners and operators of Pristine Clean Commercial Cleaning received the Disability Employment and Inclusion New Business Partner Recognition Award.

The Kotschwars grew their business from cleaning a couple of churches for extra spending money to employing 40 people to clean more than 50 facilities. They started their McCook- based business in 2015 and have expanded it to serve surrounding communities. In September of 2020, they began partnering with Nebraska VR to meet their staffing needs and provide work-based learning experiences for students.

The 2021 Disability Employment and Inclusion Awards highlight the successful partnership between Nebraska VR and the businesses and communities they serve. Nebraska VR offers individualized services to help people with disabilities find employment consistent with their interests, priorities, strengths, talents, and choices while working with businesses to find and retain quality employees.

“Recognizing individuals and employers who have embraced inclusion to build successful Nebraska workplaces is particularly important,” said Nebraska Department of Education Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt.

“The willingness to give back to your community is a model for others particularly through the challenges of the last two years. Your leadership and support help to assure all Nebraskans have access to learning, earning, and living.” Commissioner Blomstedt also recognized Nebraska VR staff members who provide employment services to clients and businesses.

“We are pleased to recognize an entrepreneur and these business partners during October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month. All the awardees exemplify this year’s theme ‘America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion’,” noted Nebraska VR Director Lindy Foley. “Their dedication and persistence are a model for others. This event underscores the importance of our work together to provide full access to employment and community during our state’s and nation’s recovery from the challenges of the pandemic. The recognition they are receiving is well deserved.”

The Nebraska State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) selected the recipients from nominees submitted by Nebraska VR business account managers and employment specialists.

Other award winners are:

Disability Employment and Inclusion Entrepreneur Award: Paul Filsinger – First Impressions Photography – Shelton, Neb.

Disability Employment and Inclusion Small Business Recognition Award: Cornhusker Auto Center – Norfolk, Neb.

Disability Employment and Inclusion Large Business Recognition Award: The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel – Lincoln, Neb.

Disability Employment and Inclusion Large Business Recognition Award: Lincoln Williamsburg Hy-Vee – Lincoln, Neb.

Nebraska VR is an office of the Nebraska Department of Education.

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