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Radio Program Features Lake Area Workshop
Employee Ann Kramer (left) and Executive Director Natalie Couch recently joined Host Kevin “KB” Burns for an hour-long interview on KRMS News/Talk 1150 AM.
Hosted by Kevin "KB" Burns, the station’s Ozarks Today program features area business and community leaders talking about their work. On April 18, guests included LAI Executive Director Natalie Couch and employee Ann Kramer, both wearing their workshop T-shirts and clearly ready to talk about their shop and its Gifted Gardens retail center.
During the hour-long interview, it quickly became obvious why Kramer serves as the workshop’s Advocacy Team Leader. She explained how the opportunity for working with friends, earning a paycheck and the dignity of employment are major issues for her and fellow workers.
Couch discussed challenges faced by Missouri workshops, from federal regulations to the difficulty of finding customers, especially in rural areas. She recalled when a major manufacturing client moved from the area three years ago, ending what had been a positive business relationship.
“That was a big hit,” she recalled. “We approached a care center that was using our shredding services to see if we could help by bringing employees to their facility to work. Now, over two years later, it has proven to be an amazing partnership for both organizations.” LAI employees now help with everything from painting to janitorial work and serving the center’s residents.
Burns obviously came prepared to the interview, showing knowledge of workshop issues and sensitivity for its many human aspects. He noted his experience as a Gifted Gardens customer.
KMRS Radio maintains an online archive of their programs at https://www.krmsradio.com/show-archive-podcast/#. The LAI interview is on this show: “Apr-18-25-The Ozarks Today 5pm” and starts at approximately the 9 minute, 30 second mark.