PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- Women from Fort Pierre and Onida are two of the people or employers in South Dakota being recognized for their contributions toward ensuring individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities for employment.
Eric Weiss (why-sss) is the Director of the Division of Rehabilitation Services for the state Department of Human Services. He says they started giving out these “Governor’s Awards” 51 years ago.
Weiss says four individuals and three businesses will be honored during the Governor’s Awards ceremony in the Rotunda of the Capitol Building in Pierre.
Governor Kristi Noem honored the following award recipients for 2024:
- Cherie Hill, Onida – Outstanding Transition Services;
- Arlene Poncelet, Fort Pierre – Distinguished Service;
- Justin Minnaert, Madison – Outstanding Individual with a Disability;
- Michael Svatos, Mitchell – Outstanding Employee with a Disability;
- Dakota Fluid Power, Rapid City – Outstanding Private Employer (Small Employer);
- Compass One Healthcare, Rapid City – Outstanding Private Employer (Large Employer); and
- Prairie Lakes Wellness Center, Watertown – Outstanding Public Employer.\
The recognitions are sponsored by the South Dakota Department of Human Services, the South Dakota Board of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Statewide Independent Living Council.