Laurel officials show appreciation of city workers with cookout

By Eloria Newell James, community@laurelleadercall.com

June 20, 2009 10:39 am

— The City of Laurel showed it’s appreciation of those working to serve the citizens of Laurel, conducting its first Employee Appreciation Cookout Friday.
Officials from all offices in the city, the police and fire departments, along with elected officials and their staffs gathered at K.C. Bottom Park to take part in the activity.
Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack said all city employees were invited to participate in the fellowship.
“We have some hard working employees here in the City of Laurel,” Mack said. “This is just a small way for us to say we appreciate the work that they do.”
Wanda Benson with the city’s Public Relations Department coordinated the event.
“We are just showing employees appreciation for what they have done,” Benson said. “We just want to tell them that they are appreciated for the service they provide.”
Benson said all 365 city employees along with summer workers and others were invited to share in the food and fellowship.
Jimmie Smith with Government Consultants was on hand to witness the event.
Smith said his company donated the meats for the event.
Benson said the event “did not cost the city of Laurel anything. Everything was donated.”
“We are thankful for all the local businesses that donated toward this effort,” Benson said. “Along with Government Consultants, we received donations from McAllister’s, Catfish One, the Smokehouse, United Water and Flowers’ Bread Store.”
Everyone was served a variety of meats — which ranged from ribs, sliced and pulled pork, and sausage — to potato salad, cole slaw and baked beans.
Organizers said the event was designed to increase morale while promoting camaraderie.
Eddie Windham, an employee of United Water, said the event was “great. It’s a good way to mix and mingle with other employees.”
Police Chief Walter “Bear” Martin agreed.
“It’s a wonderful event and I think it’s something that needs to be done more often,” the police chief said. “It’s a great way to build morale and it also gives all the city employees a chance to get together and fellowship.”
Ward Five Councilman Manuel Jones said coming to K.C. Bottom Park was a wonderful idea for the event.
“This is a wonderful location and a great city park,” Jones said. “This event is a good thing for the City of Laurel and we want to encourage our employees to continue to do the great work that they are currently doing.”
Benson said Friday’s event was designed to help “build employees’ morale while showing appreciation.”
“The employees do a wonderful job and they need to be rewarded for the work they do,” Benson said. “In these tough economic times, it’s important to do what you can to let your employees know that they are appreciated.”

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