(SAVANNAH, GA) Goodwill of the Coastal Empire has launched the Goodwill Ambassador program. Each month, the program will recognize a different local business that is employing people with disabilities or barriers and encouraging individual development through the power of work.
The first Goodwill Ambassador award was presented to Terry Nickell, owner of Western Sizzlin’ restaurant in Jesup. Nickell has hired eight individuals through his partnership with Goodwill of the Coastal Empire over the past year.
Barbara Curry, Employment Specialist with Goodwill of the Coastal Empire, has worked with Western Sizzlin’ in order to help meet their hiring needs. Curry presented Nickell with The Goodwill Ambassador award. “We wanted to thank Mr. Nickell for giving people second, third, and fourth chances, Curry said. “He has truly made a difference in people’s lives. The individuals hired were able to work towards self-sufficiency through the power of work.”
Western Sizzlin’ employs 54 people and Nickell has owned the restaurant for 17 years. He and his wife Kim have 2 daughters (Haley and Ashley) and live in Hinesville.
Nickell was a manager in retail for years, but started managing in Hinesville at Western Sizzlin’ for his father-in-law (Mr. Wilton Foster). Nickell became the owner of the Western Sizzlin’ in Jesup in 1998. The Western Sizzlin’ Jesup location has grown exponentially and attracts customers from all over including Waycross, Baxley, Hinesville, Brunswick, and Alma.
Business owners and managers who would like more information about Goodwill partnerships that serve their businesses while improving the community can contact Jennifer Tucker, senior director of workforce development. Tucker can be reached at JTucker@goodwillsavannah.org or 912-354-6611 ext 10228.
About Goodwill of the Coastal Empire, Inc.
Goodwill of the Coastal Empire Inc., is a highly diversified 501© (3) social enterprise that funds job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items. Goodwill of the Coastal Empire, Inc. operates 16 stores and five Career Centers in 33 Georgia and South Carolina counties. Goodwill funds its mission and creates jobs by contracting with businesses and government to provide a wide range of commercial services including custodial, grounds keeping, staffing services, packaging and assembly and fabrication. In 2014, Goodwill provided job training and career development services to 5,000 people and placed 600 into competitive employment. For more information on Goodwill of the Coastal Empire, please visit www.goodwillsavannah.org. Find us on Facebook at Savannah Goodwill or follow us on Twitter at @SavGoodwill.
CONTACT
Tammie Blaha
Chief People Officer
Goodwill of the Coastal Empire
Tblaha@goodwillsavannah.org
912.345.6611 ext 10238
