Two Johnston County employers were recognized this month at the North Carolina Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (NCARF) annual conference.

Recipients attended an awards luncheon held at the Hawthorn Inn in Winston Salem.

Smithfield Manor was recognized as the Community Employer of the year for the Eastern Region. Environmental Services Manager Marshall Jones was nominated for the award by Johnston County Industries. Marshall hired nine persons with disabilities during the last year. Several of his employees also wrote a letter of recommendation. The employees said that Marshall was a wonderful boss and they knew that he was always there for them whenever they needed help. Marshal and his assistant Brenda Pendell accepted the award.

Ricky Creech of Clayton was awarded the community employee award for the Eastern Region. Ricky was nominated for the award by Johnston County Industries. Ricky has been employed at Wendy's of Clayton for 20 years. Daniel Stewart, manager of Wendy's, attended the luncheon with Ricky. Daniel stated that Ricky was a wonderful employee and Wendy's is honored to have him as a team member.

Johnston County Industries would like to thank the employers in Johnston County for providing jobs in the community for our customers with disabilities.