As I write this letter, snow is swirling in the air, sugar-coating the holiday tree that graces the front lawn of Michigan's historic state Capitol Building. What a peaceful scene.

It is that same sense of peace that I wish for each and every one of you this holiday season and in the coming New Year. Your continued dedication and commitment to living our Vision and Values and doing great things within your workplaces is deeply appreciated. And it should come as no surprise that I'm not the only one who is thankful for all that you do.

Throughout the year, our departments receive dozens of letters from Michigan citizens, grateful for the assistance and kindnesses that you, State of Michigan employees, have demonstrated while doing your jobs. As this year draws to a close, I want to share with you excerpts from just a few of these letters:

From Tina A.
"I would like to bring to your attention an outstanding employee named Jerry B. . . . Needless to say, by the time I got connected to Jerry, I had tried for several hours to submit my form for unemployment. So you know that my emotions were at the highest peak possible. . . . Our whole department was let go for lack of work and, after 22 years with a company, you can just imagine the state I'm in. . . . So when Jerry took the time to answer my questions and to help me fill out the form, I knew I needed to tell his management what a GREAT job he did. I just can't tell you what that meant. . . . Please make sure you recognize Jerry for all that he is worth."

Thank you, Gerald Beadle, Unemployment Insurance Agency, DLEG, for your commitment to Excellence.

From Marcia S.
". . . I lost my wallet on a drive from Indiana to Michigan. I was devastated I had lost all of my identification, credit cards, check book - everything. I contacted your office on the off chance that I lost my wallet at one of the rest stops in Michigan. I was transferred to Scott Wheeler in the maintenance department and left a message on his voice mail. To my surprise, Mr. Wheeler called me back within an hour and was very sympathetic to my problem and offered to call the rest stops I had visited. I was not exactly sure which ones they were. . . . He proceeded to call each one to see if they had found a lost wallet. He then called me back to let me know nothing was found. Although nothing was found, it was a pleasure to speak with someone so professional. I cannot tell you how refreshing it was to receive such prompt, friendly service from someone who was actually concerned about my situation. . . . You should be proud to have Mr. Wheeler at MDOT! Thank you again Mr. Wheeler."

Thank you, Scott Wheeler, MDOT, Maintenance, for your commitment to Integrity.

From Monique R.
"I want to thank MSHDA for helping me purchase my first home . . . From the very beginning, when I started out on the Section 8 Program and joined the Family Self Sufficiency Program to the Home Voucher Program. . . . I would like to especially thank Sandy Pearson and Lisa Lehman for putting their whole heart into helping me with my home purchase. They went above and beyond to help me in any way they could to see me purchase my first home. They treated me with respect and dignity. I can't thank them enough for all their efforts and kindness. They even went so far in not treating me like a number to go to my closing with me. That meant a lot to me. I will never forget them."

Thank you, Sandy Pearson and Lisa Lehman, MSHDA, for your commitment to Inclusion.

From Charles D.
"On behalf of Access Business Group (ABG) and its parent Alticore Inc., I would like to commend the staff from the Air Quality Division - Permits Section for superb service over the past several months. ABG had the need to file two separate permit modifications to accommodate new business coming into our manufacturing facilities in Ada. The first permit issued in January was processed in approximately one month. The second permit issued in April was processed in two months. In both instances, the permit engineers worked effectively with the staff from our Environmental, Health & Safety Department to reach agreements on information requirements and permit conditions. . . . We look forward to continued great service from the staff in the Air Quality Division . . . and wish to again say, 'Thank You.'"

Thank you, staff of the DEQ, Air Quality Division, Permits Section, for your commitment to Teamwork.

I know I repeat myself when I say I sincerely appreciate your contributions to making Michigan a great place to live and raise a family - but I do. I truly couldn't run this state without you and your tireless efforts to serve the public who puts its trust in us.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, may the joys of your holiday celebrations lighten your hearts just as the holiday lights on our trees, menorahs, and kinaras light up these winter-darkened days. May the peace of the season embrace you and your families throughout the year.

Warmest wishes for the holiday season.