"Our hospitality businesses could not succeed without quality workers," says Sandy Jones, who serves on the Montana Tavern Association public relations committee.
Jones will head up the group's campaign to solicit nominations for, and select a winner of, the 2007 Worker of the Year Award.
The award was presented for the first time at the 2006 MTA convention.
Dennis Kelleher of Borrie's in Great Falls was on hand to accept a specially created plaque, adorned with a bartender's jigger and stir spoon, along with a $100 bill. He was fully featured in the post-convention edition of the Times.
Kelleher was selected based on an essay submitted by his employer, Debbie Thomas. Bruce Stewart of Havre Aerie No. 166 received an honorable mention certificate and $50 bill.
The
Montana Tavern Times sponsors the honor, known as the Gary Langley Memorial Worker of the Year award. Langley was a popular long-time editor of the monthly trade publication.
Jones said she wanted to get the ball rolling early this year in order for more employers to adequately consider and submit nominations.
She asked that nominations consist of a short essay of no more than 250 words outlining why the nominee is an exemplary example of a dedicated and valuable worker, how many years of service have been rendered, what are the employee's outside interests and who are his or her family members. Examples of achievement, or courage and perseverance in the face of adversity, should be included, Jones said.
Jones was emphatic in stating that an employer submitting a nomination must be prepared to assure they will have that employee on hand at the final convention banquet to personally accept the award if chosen. The 2007 MTA convention will take place in Kalispell Sept. 10-13 with the banquet conducted the night of Sept. 12.
Jones said all nominations need to be in her hands by August, which will allow a panel to review them and select a winner, and will also allow an employer to adequately plan and schedule for the employee's presence at the banquet. The winner's employer will be notified by August 20. Nominations should be sent to Jones in care of the Best Bet, 3620 Brooks, Missoula, MT 59801.
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, April, 2007, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.