In Friday’s edition of The News was printed reporter Julie Riddle’s story on the North Eastern Michigan Rehabilitation and Opportunity Center Inc., also known as NEMROC, celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Thursday was NEMROC Day in Alpena, thanks to a proclamation from Mayor Matt Waligora.

NEMROC is surely worth celebrating.

The nonprofit began in 1968 with one director and three individuals being served in the basement of Alpena’s First Presbyterian Church. Today, it makes about $10 million in revenue and employees 100-plus persons with disabilities who make several products that they sell to the community.

“The community had this vision 50 years ago,” NEMROC CEO CEO David Szdlowski said. “And it was community leaders that had this vision to provide a place for people with developmental disabilities to have accomplishments, visible accomplishments.”

The organization helps persons with disabilities find work where other companies might be hesitant to hire, and it produces high-quality products for the community to enjoy. It’s truly an Alpena treasure.

Happy belated NEMROC Day, Alpena.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)