October 29, 2008

LANSING -- Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Don Koivisto, today honored several department employees for their outstanding commitment to teamwork, leadership, and excellence during MDA’s annual employee awards ceremony. Winners were nominated and selected by their fellow MDA colleagues.

“I’m continually impressed by the level of commitment by MDA personnel. MDA’s outstanding reputation is earned by its employees everyday, as these individuals go above and beyond the call of duty,” said Koivisto. “It’s truly a privilege to work with such a high-caliber group of state employees.”

The 2008 award winners are:

Team Excellence Award: MDA Sampling Team Planning Group

Jim Bowes of Dewitt, Byron Beerbower of Charlotte, Abby Eaton of East Lansing, Brad Deacon of Lansing, April Hunt of East Lansing, Dr. Peggy Roth of Bannister, Mark Stenske of Lansing, and Brian Verhoustraete of Dewitt.

The “Team Excellence Award” affirms the value MDA has in employees who work together to solve a problem, improve department services, and go beyond expectations to develop creative solutions.

Leadership Award: Gina Davis of Leslie

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 MDA 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: Jeanne Lipe of Bath

The “Everyday Hero Award” affirms the value MDA 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.

For more information, please visit the MDA Web site at www.michigan.gov/mda.