QC Flex celebrates rebranding, revamp with ribbon cutting at Rock Island facility

Apr. 18—A new name and a makeover have come to a Rock Island organization dedicated to employing uniquely abled individuals in the community.

Formerly known as Arc Industries, QC Flex at 310 37th Ave. in Rock Island is a division of The Arc of the Quad Cities Area, which provides services to people with disabilities. QC Flex provides services to local businesses by employing people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Wednesday afternoon the organization celebrated a major milestone in its journey by announcing the rebranding of Arc Industries to QC Flex.

"This has been a big journey for The Arc of the Quad Cities Area. We started this about seven years ago when we knew we wanted to be a better employer for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities," Executive Director Michael Glanz said. "We spent a lot of time doing that and a lot has happened on the inside of the building where we have set up a lot of different machinery."

The 65,000 sq. foot warehouse received a makeover as well to commemorate the name change. Employees at the QC Flex warehouse have a variety of opportunities. Becoming machine operators was recently added, allowing the employees to earn a higher wage, Glanz said. Employees in QC Flex's inclusive workforce perform a variety of jobs, from making boxes to shredding documents to packaging.

"We really can meet almost any business need to help all of you business leaders be more successful in the work that you do," he told the crowd. "Our goal is to take everything that's a headache for you, and try to make it our headache a little bit and figure out how to help you."

The purpose of the re-brand, Glanz said, was to refresh the community on what Arc provides and distinguish themselves as a business entity, not just a social services organization. In choosing the name, Flex was chosen to show the company is flexible in its work and who they employ. The biggest flex, though, is their quality services provided to area businesses.

Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms said the new name made perfect sense as the business continues to be flexible in what it can do and who it can help.

"I think the new name is really fitting because they flex with the abilities and business services that they have, and they've been doing that for years," he said. "They do such a great job working as a liaison for meeting those needs in both the community and individuals."

QC Flex has been its building since 1993 and employs about 20 people, Glanz said. With the new re-brand, he's hoping the growth continues both with more employment and business opportunities.

"I'm excited to employ people and show that an inclusive workforce is a quality workforce," he said.

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