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.