Iverson’s earns state recognition

Oconto Falls Piggly Wiggly honored for inclusive policies and hiring practices
By: 
Warren Bluhm
Editor-in-chief

The foyer was packed with well-wishers at Iverson’s Piggly Wiggly in Oconto Falls on Oct. 27, as representatives from the state Department of Vocational Rehabilitation honored owner Bryce Iverson for giving jobs to people with disabilities.

Iverson purchased the local Piggly Wiggly franchise in June 2021 from David, Tom and Steve Witt, whose father, Jerry, opened the business in April 1958. The Oconto County Health and Human Services Department works with business owners like Iverson to identify the workers they need and match employees with disabilities to those needs.

“They do a great job,” Iverson said of both the department and the workers it has found. “It’s been a good thing for everyone.”

Lynn Hardginksi, a business services consultant with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), said the state Department of Workforce Development recognizes businesses like Iverson’s every year during October, which is designated as National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month.

“Individuals with disabilities are a vital part of the equation in assembling a strong, diverse workforce,” said Hardginski. She spends part of the month visiting employers around the state “who exemplify inclusive policies and practices that welcome people with disabilities into their workforce.”

Meredith Dressel, deputy administrator of the DVR, presented Iverson with an Exemplary Employer Award for “outstanding efforts to connect talented workers with disabilities to employment” and creating a culture of support for all workers.

About 2,000 Wisconsin employers have committed in the last year to hire over 3,500 individuals, Dressel said.

“We know that individuals with disabilities want to work, to be connected with meaningful and gainful employment,” she said. “Your work exemplifies what DVR is all about, connecting people with disabilities to great employers. Iverson’s Piggly Wiggly has been very receptive to hiring our consumers and providing the necessary accommodations for them to be successful.”

Iverson said the award is a great honor.

“All of us at Iverson’s Piggly Wiggly appreciate being recognized here by the state of Wisconsin,” he said. “Everyone here does a fantastic job. Everyone has a role to play in this business, and we couldn’t do it without everyone here today.”

When Dressel asked if anyone else had a comment, employee Stanley O’Hare was the first to speak up.

“Bryce is like the best boss we have,” said O’Hare, who has worked at Iverson’s for about eight months.

Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce board member Ginny O’Harrow said she loves the store.

“I think it’s a really neat piece of our community to have Bryce here, and the Witts before him, helping this underserved population,” O’Harrow said.

District manager Mike Frederick congratulated Iverson on behalf of Piggly Wiggly Midwest.

“It’s a pleasure working with you as a franchise operator, and I know the great work that you do,” Frederick said. “It’s truly appreciated, and we’re certainly indebted to you and for our partnership. Thank you, and continued success.”