Mayor’s Committee for people with disabilities

Local employers Green River Log Cabins and Nemato Corp LP were recognized for their leadership in employing people with disabilities at the Mayor’s Committee’s 11th Annual Walk and Roll.

The event included a walk/roll down Spartanburg’s Main Street and a recognition program following. During the program, Green River Log Cabins was recognized for partnering with the localVocational Rehabilitation office to provide an apprentice program and employment opportunity. Nemato Corp LP was acknowledged for hiring six Vocational Rehabilitation clients within a six to eight-month period and providing in-house training opportunities at the local Vocational Rehabilitation training center.

Paul Watson, who is employed by Green River Log Cabins, was recognized for his tenacity in obtaining the training needed to earn his dream job at Green River. Watson began preparing for his job early by completing the carpentry program at R.D. Anderson Applied Technology Center while in high school at the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind. He went on to attain certification in building and construction through Greenville Technical College. As he studied, Watson worked volunteer and part-time jobs.

Watson, 26, further demonstrated his tenacity by completing the Skilled Workshop Apprentice Training program through the SC Department of Vocational Rehabilitation on the job site at Green River. Vocational Rehabilitation also provided training to Watson in developing a resume, interviewing, completing applications, and budgeting.

Keynote Speaker Tony Merriweather talked about the importance of including people who are disabled in the workplace. Merriweather works at the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind as an associate teacher. “I’m working at the school because the former principal reached out to me when a position came open,” said Merriweather. “She made the effort to include me and over the years, the staff has made the same effort. It’s a great place to work.” Merriweather recently celebrated 16 years at the school.

The mission of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities is to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in Spartanburg County in the areas of transportation, employment, housing, recreation, education, healthcare, and environment. Its membership of local leaders, individuals with disabilities, businesses, advocacy groups, and supporting organizations works to insure that Spartanburg’s residents with disabilities have the same opportunities for quality of life as others. The Mayor’s Committee has been active since 2005 with the support of then Mayor William Barnet and continues to be part of Mayor Junie White’s administration.