Linda’s methodical, disciplined and focused approach to the administrative side of the business made her a great match for J-W Power Company. Due to her expansive knowledge on numerous systems, Linda was involved with ongoing operational and administrative improvements over the course of her time with the Company. Additionally, Linda delegated work to her team in an effort to improve their effectiveness and provide growth opportunities, challenging them to learn new techniques to improve performance.
Throughout her dedicated career with J-W Power Company, Linda embodied “work hard — do good,” a saying she learned from her dad! Linda’s district manager shared that “she was a real asset to the district during the ERP implementation,” and “she is always willing to help others learn and develop their potential.” After more than 48 years of full-time employment with the Company, Linda retired in April 2024.

When Cindi started working at the Company, there were no computers, and all processes were done manually. Much has changed since Cindi first joined the Company and her role throughout the years has been instrumental in the implementation of such processes that have improved productivity. Cindi comments, “One thing has stayed constant — the Company’s leadership and commitment to their employees and their customers.” When asked what excites her about her work, Cindi shared, “Passion for what I do, the opportunity to make a difference, the people that I work with, and training people throughout the Company in my areas of expertise.”

The vice president of manufacturing shared that “she has led and worked with a dedicated group of people for many years always looking to guide the group to the best decisions now, versus how the now decision will impact us down the road.” When reflecting on Cindi’s contribution, he said “it had been outstanding!” He added on a personal level “thank you for your dedication and loyalty to your job and for your make it happen attitude.” After more than 43 years with the Company, Cindi retired in April 2024.

“My cousin Jenny and other community members purchase food in bulk and every other week a team of community volunteers come together and pack bags like a well-oiled machine”, said Mick. “This program works on donation only or grants and raising the money can be difficult at times.”

Using new grocery bags provided by a local grocery store, non-perishable food items are packed by a team of volunteers and sent home with students each Friday afternoon. It is a confidential and discreet program, coordinated from lists provided from teachers and the school nurse. Bags are then put into student lockers.
Blessings in a Backpack is a nationwide program that began with just two schools in 2005 and now serves over 88,900 students in over 1,000 program locations spread throughout the United States. The Harrison Hills City School-Blessing in a Backpack program, established 10 years ago and is now independent from the national program in that all the funds raised, serve and stay within the community. The school is located not too far from the J-W Power Company, Cadiz office. It is a 3-story building that serves 1,401 students – Kindergarten through 12th grade. Each Friday afternoon, approximately 225 kids are sent home with bags of food and closer to 300 before the holiday winter break.
Neil Miller, Sr. District Administrator, Sewickley, PA and Justin Knight, District Superintendent, Cadiz, OH showed their support by helping pack food bags at the presentation. When asked what Mick would tell others about volunteering, he replied, “There is always a need. A need in every large and small community of some kind. Help however you can, even if all you can do is raise awareness.” Thank you Mick for nominating this organization and caring enough to give back. You saw a need and with the charitable cash contribution from J-W Power Company, we hope it helped make an impact in your local community.
If you are interested in learning more about this organization, visit www.blessingsinabackpack.org/how-it-works/our-programs/.