Contact:  Rebecca Brockman
                                                                                                Office: (501) 372-5100 ext 1190

                                                                                                rbrockman@goodwillAR.org 

www.GoodwillAR.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 12, 2012

Goodwill expands to southwest Little Rock
New location will be home to clearance center, job training,
operations, recycling and e-waste efforts

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (June 12, 2012) – Goodwill Industries of Arkansas today announced an expansion of its donation operations and job training program in Little Rock. Goodwill is expanding from the current 1110 W. 7^th St. downtown location into a 576,000-square-foot facility at 7400 Scott Hamilton Drive in southwest Little Rock.

“Known for providing job training, Goodwill is increasingly providing the actual jobs as well,” Governor Mike Beebe said. “This expansion will broaden the company’s efforts to help Arkansans, and will also help our economy.”

Goodwill created over 250 jobs in the past three years, and approximately 50 positions will be created to support the continued growth of the organization through this expansion. Additionally, 50 more positions will be created with new stores opening in 2012. Goodwill operates 28 locations across Arkansas.

“This year, Goodwill Industries celebrates its 85^th year in Arkansas, and this transformational expansion will ensure our ability to serve Arkansas for the next 85 years and beyond,” said President and CEO of Goodwill, Brian Itzkowitz. “We are growing and actively responding to the needs of Arkansans who need assistance overcoming barriers to gain independence.”

In the fiscal year ending June 30, Goodwill assisted over 5,000 people and placed 850 people in quality employment. This was accomplished through Goodwill’s 12 career service centers, which offer free job training and placement services.

“Goodwill’s mission is to help individuals reach their full potential through education, job training, career counseling and placement services,” stated Itzkowitz. “Our mission couldn’t be realized without the generosity and support of Arkansans. When you donate and shop at Goodwill, you can truly change a life.”

Formerly the home of Celestica, the location will now be named the Goodwill Resource Center. The new 576,000-square-foot building will feature a clearance center, classrooms and an expanded e-waste recycling center. Since 2009, Goodwill has recycled almost one million pounds of e-waste, preventing tons of toxic waste from plaguing the environment.

Interview opportunities:
Brian Itzkowitz, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas
Leisa Wamsley, Vice President of Donated Goods, Goodwill
Rebecca Brockman, Public Relations and Community Engagement Manager, Goodwill

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About Goodwill Industries of Arkansas:

Goodwill Industries of Arkansas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the mission of providing education, training, and employment services for people with disabilities and other special needs since 1927. Revenue generated through the sale of reusable donated goods at Goodwill retail stores is used to create jobs and fund these critical programs for Arkansans. Information may also be found at www.goodwillar.org.