February 23, 1981

• There was a fire that completely destroyed the main building of the workshop, causing between an estimated $100,000 to $150,000 in damage. A passerby noticed the fire and drove to the fire department, who were having their monthly meeting at the time. They loaded up to fight the fire, when they were starting to make progress fighting the fire, they ran out of water. They went to the fire hydrant to get more water which wasn't too far away, during this time the fire took over the whole building, making it beyond saving. They were able to contain the fire to just this building and not the smaller south building, or the large supply of lumber beside the building. The workshop manager at the time, Bob Pickerel, was able to get two filing cabinets full of paperwork before the fire took over the office part.
• Along with the building being destroyed that was just 1.5 years old, it also destroyed a fork life, pneumatic drill system with nail guns and staple guns as well as an air compressor, tables, and chairs. Also, the breakroom furnishings.
• The workshop recovered quickly after the fire, a month later, all employees were back to work and the workshop was operating at near 100% in most areas.

June 5th, 2007

2017

• Altec awarded Opportunity Workshop with the Supplier Consistency Award for continuing to provide supplies on time and being reliable.  Altec has been a customer of Opportunity Workshop for 30 years! 

June 5th, 2007