Pictured: Jewell McNeal - Board President & Joy Q. Shuford                     

Foothills Industries Building Named

      In Honor of Joy Q. Shuford

Long-time CEO, Joy Shuford, retired on June 30, 2007 after thirty-five years of employment at Foothills Industries.  She came to work in October 1972, two weeks before the Program began operations, and led the program as it transitioned from a "sheltered workshop" to a Community Rehabilitation Program striving to become an affirmative enterprise. The program has been located at three sites in the county and she was instrumental in overseeing the construction of a new building on Lukin Street in 1978 with several additions over the following years. In 1986, she directed the construction of a new building at the same site to house McDowell Opportunities, a program for adults with developmental disabilities.

In 1988- 89, she supervised the construction of two new facilities one in Alexander County and one in Caldwell County to house similar programs. The final and most ambitious construction project was the recent 40,000 square foot plant located in McDowellCountys Industrial Park. Because of her efforts and philosophy that individuals with disabilities should work and learn in buildings that are modern, comfortable, and inviting, at its August 2, 2007 meeting, the Board of Directors honored Shuford with a lasting tribute by naming the new building the "JoyQ.ShufordBuilding".

                For further information contact:

Donnita Silver 828-625-4088 or dsilver@foothillsind.com