A proclamation ceremony recognized Starkey as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company for its support of the military community. Photo courtesy of Starkey
Starkey, a hearing technology company, was recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company for its efforts to support the military community at a proclamation event this week in Eden Prairie.
The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon designation honors organizations that go above and beyond in supporting service members, veterans and their families through outreach, resources and meaningful action. Starkey was recognized for its commitment to helping those who have served successfully reintegrate into civilian life, thrive in their careers and feel valued within the community.
“At Starkey, we are proud to not only support our greater veteran and active-military community, but to offer additional accommodations and services to our employee veterans, service members and their families,” said Brandon Sawalich, Starkey’s president and CEO.
Those present at the ceremony included: Front row, from left: Chad Sumpton, a Starkey veteran; Chris Howes, a Starkey veteran; Col. Tadd Vanyo, military guest; Stefanie Hurt and Taylor Kristoffe-Jones of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon; Jenni Hargraves, executive director of Starkey Cares; Lt. Col. Dustin Snare, battalion commander and managing director of government services at Starkey; Michael Scholl, chief business development officer and executive vice president of corporate relations at Starkey; Jeanna Fortney, director of CareerForce for DEED; Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring); Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case; and Brig. Gen. Joseph Sharkey. Back row, from left: Stephen Kolcinski of DEED; Sadie Sandstrom, a Starkey veteran; Taunja Moe Forbes of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon; Maj. St. Sauver, military guest; Rachele Orsini, manager of government sales at Starkey; and Kyle Acker, vice president of sales at Starkey.
“It’s an honor to be recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company for our efforts to make Starkey a workplace where men and women who have served or continue to serve our country can thrive and get the additional support they need to be successful,” Sawalich said.
Through Starkey Cares, employees give back in ways that range from placing flags at Fort Snelling and writing cards for hospitalized veterans to participating in a variety of community service projects.
A color guard from the Minnesota National Guard was part of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon proclamation ceremony at Starkey.
The proclamation ceremony celebrated Starkey’s commitment to building awareness and taking action to recognize and support service members and their families. It was attended by local government officials, distinguished members of the military community and hundreds of Starkey employees, along with members of the company’s leadership team.
Starkey, the only American-owned hearing technology company, was founded in Eden Prairie in 1967 by Bill Austin.