Nott Company has been contracting in-center work with ProAct in Shakopee and its predecessor, New Options of Scott County, for more than 25 years.

It all begins with a chat

After a friendly conversation with a New Options employee in the late 1990s, work soon started flowing into the center for its participants. ProAct’s individuals know this work as “gaskets,” and the tasks have been providing on-the-job skills for many.

From following directions to filling out a time card, almost two dozen participants light up and ask what gaskets they are working on for the day. Nearly as many people are engaged as when the work first began.

Company appreciates partnership

“The connections made over this time span leave us all with unforgotten memories,” said ProAct Senior Program Manager Ali Brown. “ProAct has been and continues to be a great choice for our company to do business with for over 25 years,” said Nott Company Operations Manager Scot Pauly.

“What makes them stand apart from their competition is the quality of their work and leadership, and fast turnaround for projects that we rely on them to meet our needs with clear communication,” he said. The manager also has found cost-savings and high-quality results through ProAct.

Learning production process

After presenting Nott Company with an award of appreciation, ProAct participants and staff took a tour of the company’s warehouse facility. The group saw the machines that cut the gaskets they work on. Participant Sam Bisek said, “Geez, those are big and pretty cool.”

The award recognized Nott Company for its steady support over the years. “The opportunities they have provided to our participants with disabilities has meant more than just a paycheck to them,” said Brown. “It has shown them that their work has not gone unnoticed, and there is pride in a job well done.”