Jackie L. Cox, former Industrial Director at SCARC Industries, a division of Four Rivers Resource Services, Inc., was recently recognized and awarded a certificate and plaque for the immense positive impact he has had on SCARC, those it serves, and the Sullivan County community since he began with the agency in 1997.  The decision to present this special award was made at the regular SCARC Board of Directors meeting on March 13th, and the presentation was made by Alan Lueking, SCARC Board President, Mary Berkshire, current SCARC Industrial Director, Peggy Copeland, SCARC Services Director and Steve Sacksteder, Four Rivers Executive Director on March 22nd.  SCARC is comprised of the SCARC Industrial Division and the SCARC Services Division.

The text of the award certificate is as follows:
This Award is Presented to
Jackie L. Cox
by the SCARC Board and Employees
To recognize and honor his vision that SCARC Industries could be successful in the realm of government contracts: and his encouragement, knowledge and teamwork in leading SCARC to be the successful company that it is today.

Mr. Cox was first hired by the SCARC Industries Division of Four Rivers in 1997 to develop work opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other challenges in Sullivan County.  The objectives of this effort were to provide jobs for people with and without handicaps resulting in their economic self dependence and personal self esteem, model an example of enlightened employment practices for prospective employees with challenges and generate revenue to support the Mission of SCARC and Four Rivers.

At the time that Mr. Cox was first employed, the industrial aspect of SCARC had six full time employees.  Due in large part to his successful efforts to secure and implement several federal government contracts, employment at SCARC Industries has consistently exceeded fifty employees since 2002.  Between 2002 and 2005, SCARC has produced over 600,000 pairs of cold weather drawers long underwear for the U.S. Department of Defense, through the National Industries for the Severely Handicapped (NISH) JWOD program.  Similarly, SCARC Industries has also produced tank identification panels and other related products for the Department of Defense and web doors used on mail handling carts for the U. S. Postal Service.

Industrial revenue in 1997 at SCARC Industries was just under $105,000.   It has risen to over $1.8 million in 2005.  Though over $800,000 of the 2005 revenue amount was spent on manufacturing materials required by the products fabricated, well over $600,000 was paid to employees in wages and benefits during that period.  These employees have made the most of the work opportunities resultant of Mr. Cox’s work procurement efforts, and have proven to be a solid, productive work force that is contributing to the U.S. national security and governmental function, as well as providing a living for themselves.  Though there has only minor excess of income over expense resultant of this production,  any overage has been used to subsidize unfunded service costs of Four Rivers/SCARC programs.

Quotes:
Allen Lueking, SCARC Board of  Directors President-“Through his ingenuity and imagination for new products, diligence and foresight to see each task completed and meticulous planning and organization, Jackie Cox provided many new jobs for SCARC clients and employees.  These jobs have provided income and a feeling of self worth for these individuals, and have helped give them the increased independence they needed in their lives.”

Mary Berkshire, Current Four Rivers Division Director for SCARC Industries-“ Working with Jackie Cox has been great.  Whenever I needed an answer about something, I didn’t just get the answer, but I also got a lesson on how to reach the answer.  Hopefully, this will allow me to carry on Jackie’s vision.”

Steve Sacksteder, Four Rivers Executive Director-“Jackie Cox brought a background of military and engineering experience that, coupled with his immense determination and perseverance, was the perfect combination to achieve the credibility needed with NISH and US Government buyers to accomplish what he has at SCARC.”

Jackie Cox-“This job was the most difficult I have ever had in convincing the government we could do the job when we had so little experience and equipment.  We still got the job done, and because this job was so difficult, this plaque will always have a special meaning for me.”

Note:  Jackie Cox is currently a patient at Health South Rehabilitation Hospital of  Terre Haute recovering from pulmonary illness.