Governor Dennis Daugaard presented the 2016 Governor’s Awards to South Dakota businesses and workers who have made significant contributions in 2016 to the employment of people with disabilities.

Nyberg’s Ace Hardware of Sioux Falls has been serving the Sioux Falls area since 1958 and was the recipient of the Outstanding Private Employer, in the Large Employer Category. Kevin Nyberg reflects on the benefits of having those with disabilities on staff:

We're fortunate to have four members on our team with a disability and it's just a pleasure to have them around.  They're happy to be integrated into our organization and feel that worth they provide us.  It's just a pleasure to have them on staff and it's rewarding for us to see them grow, feel their net worth and their happiness.

Since 1958, Nyberg’s has demonstrated their vision and commitment to utilize the talents and abilities of all people from their community. Nyberg’s is an employer that assists their employees to achieve physical, social and emotional balance, while providing the customer an excellent experience.

Daugaard has proclaimed October Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) in South Dakota.

A host of South Dakota agencies and organizations will engage in activities in October to promote awareness of disability employment issues and to help foster a disability-friendly culture in the workplace:

Oct. 5, Sioux Falls – 7:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.: “The Employment Journey:  Hiring Job Seekers with Disabilities from Start to Finish.” Location: Avera Prairie Center, Sr. Colman Room, 1000 E. 23rd St.  Employers will learn best practices in hiring job seekers with disabilities.  Meet business owners and managers along with employees with disabilities and learn how to follow the path to a successful outcome. For more information, please contact Vicki Nelson at 605-367-5330.

Oct. 7, Madison – 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.: “The Experiences of Mary Greseth.”  Location: Madison Central School District Gym, 800 9th St. NE. Free to the public.  Attendees will learn about the life of Mary Greseth who acquired a disability during her time in school and learned how to adjust and experience success in the working world. During the presentation, you will learn their stories and how connecting with resources can help individuals reach their true potential. For more information, please contact Shaun Erschens at 605-688-4280. 

Oct. 13, Yankton – 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: “Understanding and Managing the Dynamics of Disability, Diversity and Inclusion” presented by Steve Hanamura of Steve Hanamura Consulting, Inc. Early registration fee is $30; registered by Oct. 1.  Late registration fee is $40. Attendees will learn about the connection between disability, diversity and inclusion and the bottom line.  For more information, please contact Jennifer Trenhaile at 605-668-3050. 

Oct. 14, Vermillion – 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.: “#Inclusion Works: People with Disabilities in the Workforce” presented by Vicki Kerkvliet. Location: University of South Dakota Muenster University Center, 414 E. Clark St. To reserve a seat at this event please R.S.V.P to Michelle at SESDAC at 605-624-4419 ext. 100 or email: jennifer.odens@sesdac.org.

For more information on DEAM events, please visit http://dhs.sd.gov/drs/.

This statewide observation coincides with National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a national awareness campaign that takes place each October. The 2016 theme is “#InclusionWorks.”


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