Neil Samahon

President/CEO, Opportunity Enterprises, Inc.

Neil Samahon is the President/CEO of Indiana-based Opportunity Enterprises (OE), which has been helping to maximize the self-sufficiency and enrich the quality of life for individuals with disabilities since 1967. OE offers opportunities in the areas of education, residential, respite and vocational, as well as partners with companies to train and assist in growing workforces by creating inclusive work environments. Additionally, OE operates a variety of Social Enterprises, one of which is a NAID and e-Stewards certified document and electronics destruction service. In his role for three years, Neil previously spent 25 years in the recycled materials industry where he was the CEO of Metro Recycling. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (INARF), serving on the Governmental Affairs Committee; Indiana Association of People Supporting Employment First (IN-APSE), serving on the Public Policy Committee; and National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), as Chair of the Leadership Council in Indiana.

All Sessions by Neil Samahon

Day 5 – April 19 April 19, 2023

2:15 pm - 3:30 pm

Creating a Resilient Workforce

Track: Business Management 🛈Topics may include day-to-day activities and processes of the facility; business planning and finance; competitive and diversification strategies; growth, profits and productivity; legal issues; human resources and talent/workforce development; marketing and sales; leadership development; commodities hedging; securing and extending credit; buying and selling recyclable materials; insurance and customer service; Logistics, and transportation.

Learn how to create a resilient workforce by expanding the pool of potential employees through apprenticeships, internships, and fellowships. Also learn how to use a simple litmus test to determine if an interested applicant is right for your operations, and hear strategies about how to engage and employees with different abilities, while lowering absenteeism and turnover rates. Taision Kwamilele, a former fellow of ISRI’s Sustainability Pathways Program hired by Schnitzer Steel, will share information about the company’s high school apprenticeship program and other unique approaches to identifying and retaining employees. Dan Sahd of Metal Recycling will talk about a skills test, as well as how investing in staff personal and leadership development helps build a future for your business. Neil Samahon of Opportunity Enterprises will talk about the benefits of employing individuals with different abilities.