For five years, Planet Access Company, the social purpose enterprise founded by Horny Toad and the Chicago-based Search Development Center, has succeeded in providing meaningful paid work opportunities to adults with developmental disabilities.
This summer, Planet Access Company took its commitment a step further by offering their adult clients a unique outdoor adventure in a legendary destination: the Appalachian Trail.
“It felt like the most worthwhile thing I have ever done in my life. I was deeply touched by the experience,” said Katherine Edelen of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, a hosting partner in the program. “I will never forget them. I'm looking forward to hiking with the Search folks again next year.”
Known as “Search for Adventure,” the new program uses profits made from Planet Access Company to provide outdoor recreation opportunities to Search members.
Upcoming trips include the Grand Canyon, the Florida Panhandle, Aspen, and a return to the Appalachian Trail, among others.
“As our partnership with Planet Access Company continues to grow, evolve and thrive, it becomes more and more clear that its not just a good thing to do, its the right thing to do,” said Gordon Seabury, Horny Toad president. “The outdoors should be and can be enjoyed by everyone.”
Planet Access Company is a social purpose enterprise offering a broad range of third-party logistics services including automated inventory management and order fulfillment services to mid-size entrepreneurs. It plays a key role in the operations of Horny Toad and other client companies, while providing paid work opportunities to Search Developmental Center program members.
Planet Access has received national recognition, most recently by the NYU Sterns School of Business, for its innovative approach and success as a social enterprise a for-profit company that creates social good.
During Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, Planet Access Company will be holding special informational meetings for companies interested in learning more about its services. Meetings will be held at noon and 5 pm in the Horny Toad lounge (Booth 2853) on days Two, Three and Four of the show.
