CARMEL – On Wednesday, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne announced the revival of the Employee Recognition Program by re-hanging the county’s Employee of the Year plaque in the main entrance of the county office building in Carmel. Byrne was joined by County Clerk Michael Bartolotti, Sheriff Kevin McConville, Personnel Officer and former County Executive Paul Eldridge, Putnam County CSEA Unit 8150 President Linda Amicucci, CSEA Executive Committee Board Members, and representatives from County Legislative Chairman Paul Jonke, to announce details of the program and the selection process.
“Our public employees are vital to the success of Putnam County as they work tirelessly to serve our residents,” said Byrne. “The Employee Recognition Program is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication, while at the same time, highlight the importance of the work they do and the many lives they touch. It’s high time we rehang this plaque and start this program up again.”
The program will culminate in the naming of an Employee of the Year, who will be chosen by a selection committee consisting of five union agreement covered employees. Nominees must be a full-time employee and employed with the county for at least two years. Honorees will join Byrne at an award ceremony where their name will be added to the plaque.
“I am proud to be a part of the revival of this initiative and on behalf of our members, I want to thank County Executive Byrne for bringing back the Employee Recognition Program,” said Amicucci. “Whenever we can shine a spotlight on the incredible work done day in and day out by county employees, we should take advantage. I know this will mean a lot to our members moving forward. We have so many awesome union workers that work hard every day for Putnam County.”
The last employee of the year was recognized in 2011 by Eldridge. Following that, the program was disbanded, and the plaque removed from public sight. It was found in storage by Bartolotti earlier this year.
