The National Governors Association honored Fred P. Keller, CEO of Cascade Engineering of Grand Rapids, during its annual meeting July 18 in Seattle, Wash. Keller was one of seven individuals and one organization that received Awards for Distinguished Service to State Government from the organization.

Keller was nominated for the award by the Family Independence Agency and Governor Jennifer M. Granholm.

"Fred has helped dozens of families lift themselves up and out of the downward cycle of poverty while simultaneously educating his own work force about the cultural differences pervading American society," said Granholm. "Fred successfully combines capitalism, diversity, and the concept of self-assistance into a profitable business that has the potential of becoming a model for the rest of the corporate world."

Cascade Engineering has worked with the state Family Independence Agency to create a model "welfare-to-career" program. Kent County Family Independence Agency maintains an employee on-site at the business. Since 1997 it has served more than 600 employees. The company has 1,200 employees in 10 facilities.

Keller was previously honored as Goodwill International's Employer of the Year in 2002 and was the recipient of the Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership in 1998.

“Fred Keller exemplifies visionary business leadership,” said Family Independence Agency director Marianne Udow. “His company’s participation helped change the face of public assistance by focusing on permanency of labor attachment and career opportunities. This partnership is a model that lifts individuals out of poverty while, at the same time, improving business results. We hope to replicate Fred’s vision in communities throughout Michigan.”

Established in 1976, the National Governor’s Association Awards for Distinguished Service to State Government allow governors to bring national recognition to their states' most valuable civil servants and private citizens.

For more information on the National Governror’s Association visit its web site at http://www.nga.org