October 14 , 2011

LANSING - Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) Director Keith Creagh today honored several department employees for their continued excellence and commitment to teamwork, leadership, and distinction during the department's annual employee awards ceremony.  Winners were both nominated and selected by their fellow MDARD colleagues.

"Each day MDARD's employees step up to the plate to make sure their fellow Michiganders are receiving top-notch customer service in every facet of the food and agriculture industry," said Creagh.  "I truly value the level of commitment from our staff who take great personal pride in providing both the public and our stakeholders the timely and professional assistance they need."

The 2011 award winners are:

Team Excellence Award: Nicole Daniel of Lansing; Scott Davidson of Leslie; Bonnie Loney of Bellevue

MDARD's Customer Call Center is the first point of contact for MDARD's constituents.  Each of them provide friendly service to all callers, either by answering their questions directly or putting the caller in touch with the appropriate staff member who can assist.  The live interaction and assistance they provide is appreciated greatly by our customers and is a great improvement to the complicated and cumbersome automated telephone system of the past. Their constant "can do" attitude coupled with their courteous, timely and professionalism has greatly aided both the public and our stakeholders get the information they are seeking.

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: John Hill of Traverse City

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: Ahmed Jama of Dearborn

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: Joe MacPhee of Marquette

The "Front Line Ambassador Award" is given to an employee who is regularly put in complex 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.

For more information, please visit the MDARD website at www.michigan.gov/mda.

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