Developmental Disabilities leaders highlight partnerships at Harrison Chamber meeting

Superintendent Gloria Llewellyn and Director of Communications Pamela McCort of the Belmont/Harrison/Noble Boards of Developmental Disabilities were the guest speakers at the Harrison County Regional Chamber of Commerce meeting Sept. 18.

Llewellyn, who holds a psychology degree from Penn State University and a master’s degree in education from Youngstown State University, began her career in 1997 as a direct support professional. She later worked for ResCare as a behavior specialist, residential director and operations manager.

McCort earned a bachelor’s degree from Wheeling Jesuit University and has spent 25 years in communications advancing understanding of people with disabilities. In 2005 she led a marketing campaign that rebranded Belco Crafts to Belco Works, aligning the organization’s identity with its mission to provide contract and document destruction services through the work of people with disabilities.

“Our mission statement speaks of encouraging, supporting and respecting people in their journey through life,” McCort said. “Harrison County has been good to us through their levies, and we want to live up to the confidence the county has in us. In other ways, we are happy that our employees find work in the county’s businesses. We truly help people navigate through community and life.”

Llewellyn highlighted the employment opportunities provided by the boards and emphasized that individuals with developmental disabilities are active members of the county.

“Through all of our situations we have a partnership in Harrison County,” she said. “Our people are members of this community, and they help fill some of the employment needs here. They are also taxpayers of this county. Another part of our responsibilities is to address accessibility regulations in Ohio. We partner with certified companies to tend to the needs of our residents in their homes.”

Chamber Executive Director Milo Baker closed the meeting by stressing the importance of collaboration between businesses and agencies.

“Part of my job as executive director is to help link business and agencies with each other,” Baker said. “We all should become familiar with each other so we create a stream of assistance. A perfect example of that is what just happened between the boards of developmental disabilities and Remodeling Solutions.”

Baker also reminded attendees to prepare for the Chamber’s annual business banquet, where the Business of the Year will be announced.

Representatives of 18 businesses and organizations attended the September meeting, including Knight-Miller Law, Harrison County Tourism, the Gable Museum, Remodeling Solutions, Fencing Unlimited, Harrison National Bank, Belmont College, Valley Hospice, the Puskarich Public Library, Harrison Hills City Schools, Harrison Community Hospital and Vibrant Living TCMC.