Missouri’s lieutenant governor is praising a Columbia sheltered workshop that’s served the area for 54 years.
Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe toured Central Missouri Subcontracting Enterprises (CMSE) on South Bearfield road on Friday. CMSE does assembly and sub-assembly, pricing and labeling, bagging and packing and other work. Mr. Kehoe tells 939 the Eagle that he’s impressed with the work ethic of CMSE’s approximately 100 employees.
“If you’re ever having a bad day, go to a sheltered workshop. It’s inspiring. The dedication that these folks have to their job, what it means to them, gives them a sense of purpose in life. They’re able to interact with their buddies and they’re providing a skill that’s valuable,” Kehoe says.
Mr. Kehoe notes CMSE subcontracts for several area employers, including 3M, Schneider Electric, American Outdoor, Watlow and Weaver Manufacturing. Lt. Governor Kehoe says the employees provide a valuable skill, noting some build replacement kits for stethoscopes each day.
“8 to 12,000 pieces of packages a day. There’s three components, two ear plugs and an o-ring in each package. And they make eight to 12,000 a day at this facility. It’s just amazing.” says Kehoe.
CMSE executive director Bruce Young says the unemployment rate for adults with disabilities has been 75 percent at times. Mr. Young tells 939 the Eagle that his employees take pride in their work, adding that Lt. Governor Kehoe’s visit underscores the importance of CMSE’s commitment to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities through employment opportunities.
