The Downtown Ambassadors recently received the Employer of the Year award from InterAct, an organization that provides vocational services to people facing employment barriers.

The award recognizes employers who provide equal employment opportunities to people with differing abilities.

"We appreciate your constant willingness to employ individuals with disabilities," said Claudia Wink-Basing, executivev director of InterAct Michigan, Inc. "The community respects the personal efforts you have made to contribute to the success and improved quality of life of the individuals whose lives you have touched."

InterAct's Action Employment Services (AES) is an evidence-based program that helps people age 18 and older who have mental illness and other disabilities identify and acquire jobs of their choice in the community through rapid job search and placement services.

Downtown Ambassador operations manager Melvin Eledge and operations supervisor Rebecca Krenz presented with the Employer of the Year award.
Downtown Ambassador operations manager Melvin Eledge and operations supervisor Rebecca Krenz presented with the Employer of the Year award.

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.'s specially-trained Ambassadors are on the job 7 days a week for an average of 16 1/2 hours per day. The Ambassadors - a dedicated team of dynamic and responsive professionals that keep Downtown clean, beautiful and friendly - is a signature program of Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI), the organization responsible for city building and place-management in the urban core of the City of Grand Rapids, MI.

"We are continually proud of the recognition the Downtown Ambassador team receives," said DGRI President/CEO Tim Kelly. "The Ambassadors' efforts enhance the community and help raise the profile of Downtown Grand Rapids as an increasingly diverse, inclusive and welcoming place."