Ward is MTA Worker of the Year
By Paul F. Vang
Montana Tavern Times
Barbara Ward, manager of the Stockman's Bar and Casino of Lewistown, is this year's MTA Worker of the Year.
Paul Tash, editor and publisher of the Montana Tavern Times, which sponsors the award, presented the honor at the Montana Tavern Association's convention banquet. The MTA Public Relations Committee selected the winner.
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Barbara Ward honored
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Paul Geis, owner of the Stockman's, nominated Ward. He told how Ward, his sister-in-law and already an employee at the time, stepped in to keep his business operating in 2007 when he suffered a disastrous fall, resulting in a spine fracture that put him out of commission for an extended time.
In his nomination, Geis wrote, “A lesser person might have taken advantage of the situation. Barbara not only stepped in – she stepped up.”
As far as Geis is concerned, Ward saved the business, as otherwise he might have had to sell the business “at a fire-sale price.”
In a phone interview after the convention, Ward discussed her experience, laughing when she tells how her employment began at the business.
“He called me and asked me to come in and cover for a shift manager who wasn't able to come in. He gave me a quick tour, saying, 'This is this, this is that, etc., Good luck, I've got to run.' Then he left and I took over.”
Ward recalls Geis' fall and serious injury all too well.
“He was shopping at a big sporting goods store and he had a seizure and fell, sustaining a spinal fracture.”
While he went through treatment and rehabilitation, Ward took over as full-time manager and even helped with Geis' ownership duties. Under her leadership the business not only survived but thrived.
In his nomination letter, Geis said Ward “is more than an exceptional worker. Barbara is a spectacular human being.”
He concluded, “My opinion is that, among the thousands of great people in this industry, Barbara represents the Crème de la Crème of them all.”
Ward said she was shocked when she heard that she had been selected for the prestigious award. “Paul told me on Monday (Sept. 12) that we had to be in Red Lodge on Wednesday to receive this award.”
She is married to Jim Ward, an oiler for a construction company. They have identical twin daughters, who are 18, and an 8-year old son. She recently became a grandmother, as well.
She loves cooking and says that, at work, she'll have the Food Network on some of the casino's TV sets. She'll rush home after work to try new recipes, adding, “I love to try new things.” She also likes to play pool and enjoys camping with her family.
Ward says she enjoys her work and that Geis is a great boss.
“He treats us well. He treats us to Christmas parties and he gives us bonuses. We feel appreciated.”
Ward notes that while Paul is on the mend from his injuries, he is still limited in the work he can do. “He can't be on his feet for long, so I'm still covering for him. He lets me know things are happening, but otherwise I run it.”
Barbara is humble about receiving the award. She reflects, “It's something you never think you're going to get – or deserve.” She concludes, “I love what I do. I don't want to work anywhere else.”