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http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?Id=0,47259
Communication Services for the Deaf is laying off 54 of its employees. CSD’s Chief Executive Officer Ben Soukup and several other managers will continue to work without pay as they try to trim $250,000 from the non-profit's monthly budget.
The organization has grown tremendously since it began nearly 30 years ago. The corporation has more than 3,100 employees nation wide, and nearly 400 at its headquarters in Sioux Falls. But CEO Ben Soukup says it's time for a change.
“We're going through restructuring and reorganization in order to provide services in the best possible way,” Soukup, who is deaf, communicated through a sign-language translator.
Despite the organization's $80 million in earnings last year, Soukup says the company is now looking at ways to become more efficient. And the first step is to temporarily suspend more than fifty employees.
“Some people were worried is this a permanent thing, and we tried to make as much assurance as we could,” Soukup said.
One of the biggest reasons for the layoffs is technology. New communication devices, like video relay systems, will allow for more efficient operation around the company.
“The industry, as far as relay service is concerned, is rapidly changing and it has been over the years,” Soukup said.
Soukup says he understands the layoffs will be difficult, but feels they're necessary to make sure the company continues to offer a quality service.
“It's for the best interest not only of CSD but the deaf community we're here to serve,” he said.
Soukup wouldn't elaborate on the specifics of the changes the company is exploring, but did say they hope to put as many people back to work as possible. He also says CSD's relay services will not be affected by the layoffs.
Communication Services for the Deaf is laying off 54 of its employees. CSD’s Chief Executive Officer Ben Soukup and several other managers will continue to work without pay as they try to trim $250,000 from the non-profit's monthly budget.
The organization has grown tremendously since it began nearly 30 years ago. The corporation has more than 3,100 employees nation wide, and nearly 400 at its headquarters in Sioux Falls. But CEO Ben Soukup says it's time for a change.
“We're going through restructuring and reorganization in order to provide services in the best possible way,” Soukup, who is deaf, communicated through a sign-language translator.
Despite the organization's $80 million in earnings last year, Soukup says the company is now looking at ways to become more efficient. And the first step is to temporarily suspend more than fifty employees.
“Some people were worried is this a permanent thing, and we tried to make as much assurance as we could,” Soukup said.
One of the biggest reasons for the layoffs is technology. New communication devices, like video relay systems, will allow for more efficient operation around the company.
“The industry, as far as relay service is concerned, is rapidly changing and it has been over the years,” Soukup said.
Soukup says he understands the layoffs will be difficult, but feels they're necessary to make sure the company continues to offer a quality service.
“It's for the best interest not only of CSD but the deaf community we're here to serve,” he said.
Soukup wouldn't elaborate on the specifics of the changes the company is exploring, but did say they hope to put as many people back to work as possible. He also says CSD's relay services will not be affected by the layoffs.
