BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro Rotary Club bestowed the fourth annual “Norm Kuebler Four-Way Test Award” upon The Works Bakery Cafe at the club's weekly meeting on Jan. 14.
The award honors the late Norm Kuebler, who was a past president of the club, a local businessman, and a longtime community volunteer.
Kuebler was a strong proponent of Rotary International's code of ethics, called the “Four-Way Test,” which asks, “Of the things we think, say, or do: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?"
In this spirit, the Brattleboro Rotary Club each year recognizes a local business that best exemplifies these values.
“Since its opening on Main Street, The Works Bakery Café has demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility and our community,” said Rotarian Cindy Jerome, as she presented the award to Works President Richard French. “Its employees benefit from a living wage and access to health insurance as well as paid time off to reach out and volunteer in the community.”
Jerome said The Works also demonstrates its commitment to the community by sourcing many products from local farms and businesses, as well as working to address the issue of homelessness.
“This business has been an example of how to accept the challenge with compassion while seeking a longer-term solution,” Jerome said, “When homeless people were spending much of each cold day in this warm place of business, sometimes disturbing other customers, the owner initiated Friday evening community meetings, hosting discussions about how to address the issue, including the root causes of homelessness.”