LANSING — Commitment to teamwork, leadership, outstanding customer service and dedication to excellence are just a few characteristics describing the winners of the 2017 Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development annual employee awards. Winners are both nominated and selected by their fellow MDARD colleagues.
“MDARD employees strive to ensure the safety of the food supply, protect consumers on a number of levels, provide exceptional service to our constituents who are helping grow Michigan’s food and agriculture industry. Additionally, these dedicated employees also provide leadership both at the local, state and national level on key issues impacting the state,” said Clover Adams. “These awards offer an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to staff for their innovation, dedication, and excellence.”
The 2017 award winners are:
Rookie of the Year: Anna Bellamy of Trenton
This is the inaugural year for the “Rookie of the Year” award recognizing a new employee (on the job less than 3 years) whose service has set a benchmark for all others to attain. It is designed to provide recognition to those staff who are seen as up and coming leaders.
Leadership Award: Michael Philip of East Lansing
The “Leadership Award” is designed to provide recognition to those staff who are seen as exceptional leaders by their peers, supervisors, or customers. The award recognizes an MDARD employee that rises to a challenge to lead, inspires others to follow and to act, and seeks opportunities to innovate and improve areas within the department.
Everyday Hero Award: Nicole Cairns of Royal Oak
The “Everyday Hero Award” affirms the value MDARD has in employees who may not be in the spotlight, yet steadily and faithfully get things done every day. It is given to an employee who consistently demonstrates dependability, diligence, initiative, and teamwork.
Front Line Ambassador Award: Jodi Gruner of Byron Center
The “Front Line Ambassador Award” is given to an employee who is regularly put in precarious and difficult situations, all the while demonstrating a positive attitude, identifying creative options for resolution, and following through with the constituent. The award is not given for a singular achievement or activity, but rather reflects a continuing commitment to the mission and values of MDARD.
— Michigan Department of Agriculture
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