Covelli Enterprises recognized four Pittsburgh organizations for their important community work at the third annual Partners’ Recognition Luncheon March 12 at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Shadyside.
The Pittsburgh NAACP, the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, Onyx Women Media and the Wilkinsburg Employment Assistance Program were saluted for their collaborative efforts in the community and how they’re helping Covelli Enterprises recruit, train and promote a diverse and inclusive workforce for its Panera Bread cafes.
K. Chase Patterson, president of Corporate Diversity Associates, who coordinated the event, said Covelli has worked hard to build a diverse and inclusive workforce and that the organizations recognized at the luncheon have been integral to the company’s success with its workforce.
“The luncheon was Covelli Enterprises’ opportunity to gather its partners and organizations who have helped training and employment opportunities, as well as those whom the company has supported with contributions, to say ‘thank you’ for their work,” Patterson said. “We have built a strong coalition and helped strengthen a company. In the process, we’ve made our community better. Covelli Enterprises is a key employer for many and a strong philanthropic partner supporting numerous non-profit organizations and ventures which are integral to our community’s well-being.”
Accepting recognition for the organizations were: Gail Edwards, president and chief executive officer of the Urban League of Pittsburgh’s Charter School; Barry Powell, program officer for the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s Employment Division; Kathy Dugan, program officer for the Wilkinsburg Employment Assistance Program; Ola Jackson, chief executive officer of Onyx Women Media.
About Covelli Enterprises
Covelli Enterprises is the single largest franchisee of Panera Bread, LLC with bakery-cafes in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Florida, and Canada. The company prides itself on giving back to the communities it serves, donating $23 million to charity in 2014 alone. www.covelli.com
Below photographed with the honorees are: K. Chase Patterson, President & CEO, Corporate Diversity Associates, LLC And Vanessa Joseph, Hiring Assistant, Covelli Enterprises/Panera Bread
