MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) There was a recognition ceremony at the Highland Conference Center on Wednesday October 16, 2024, to highlight disabled employees and the employers who hire them.  Three businesses were nominated for the Outstanding Employer of the Disabled Award for 2024.  The three businesses were the Corn Palace, Walgreens of Mitchell and the Edgewood Healthcare facility.  The winner was Edgewood Healthcare Center.  Their award was accepted by Edgewood Marketing Director Kathy Shroyer.

The Disabled Employee of the Year was Shaun Nagel, who is employed by Boyd’s Gun Stock.  Approximately 15% of the employees at Boyd’s Gun Stock have a disability of some kind.

The event highlighted the employability of the disabled and what an asset these people are to an organization.  The recognition featured a special speaker, Parker Hanson who is currently a financial advisor in Minnesota.  Mr. Hanson was born without a left hand.  That did not prevent him from excelling in athletics culminating in playing for the Sioux Falls Canaries beginning in 2021.  Mr. Hanson’s message boiled down to life will throw you curves and fast balls, sometimes knocking you down, but if you persevere and define progress as moving forward bit by bit, you will score and be successful in the game of life.

Congratulations to Edgewood Healthcare and to Shaun Nagel of Boyd’s Gun Stock on their recognition during National Disability Employment Month.