2023 Governor's Awards

2023 Governor’s Awards Ceremony Will Highlight Disability Employment

PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Department of Human Services will host the annual Governor’s Awards Ceremony October 30. This event will recognize the achievements of businesses, individuals with disabilities, and other South Dakotans for their contributions toward ensuring those with disabilities have equal opportunities to employment.

The annual event will be held Monday, October 30, at the Capitol Rotunda inside the South Dakota State Capitol Building starting at 11 a.m. (CDT). The ceremony is open to the public.

Governor Noem will recognize the following 2023 award recipients:

  • Patty Kuglitsch, Sioux Falls – Outstanding Individual with a Disability;
  • Carissa Brandt, Pierre – Outstanding Employee with a Disability;
  • Yakkity Yak Coffee Shack, Sioux Falls – Outstanding Private Employer (Small Employer);
  • AMCON Distributing Company, Rapid City – Outstanding Private Employer (Large Employer);
  • City of Rapid City, Rapid City – Outstanding Public Employer;
  • Ashley Halvorson, Beresford – Outstanding Transition Services; and
  • Sandy Hook, Pierre – Distinguished Service.

The Governor’s Awards ceremony is sponsored by the South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS), the South Dakota Board of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired, and the Statewide Independent Living Council.

For more information or to request an accommodation to attend the ceremony, please contact DHS at Kristen.Kilmer@state.sd.us or 605-291-5256.

News Release obtained from: https://news.sd.gov/news?id=news_kb_article_view&sys_id=ed5ed0441b0e3510488d2020f54bcb8d