Albany>> Blasch Precision Ceramics, Inc., an Albany-based ceramic technology manufacturer, announces that Vice President of Operations and Systems Les Lak was among those honored by the

White House today as a “Champion of Change” Promoting Citizenship in the Workplace.

The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature individuals doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities.

To learn more about the White House Champions of Change, visit www.whitehouse.gov/champions.

Mr. Lak was chosen for his work in conjunction with the Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County to offer immigrant employees at Blasch a way to improve their English language skills while on the job. Not only do the employees taking part in these classes gain confidence, pride, and better communication skills, but six current employees of Blasch have also been able to achieve United States Citizenship due, in part, to their hard work in these classes.

“I have gotten to know many of these people in our plant; they tell me about their families,
their home countries, how well their kids are doing, their hopes and dreams. I highly respect
them and enjoy hearing their success stories,” Lak said. “This award is their story
and it is the same beautiful story played out over decades by millions seeking a better life
who have helped make America great.”

For more information, visit Blasch at www.BlaschCeramics.com.