 Koelling has been instrumental in Illinois' implementation of
the Country of Origin Labeling program, known as COOL, a federal
initiative that requires retailers to provide information to
customers regarding the source of certain foods.
"Dennis has taken on extra duties these past few years to
assist with the implementation of this program," said
Agriculture Director Bob Flider. "He volunteered to learn the
program, prepare training materials and train other department
employees to perform COOL inspections, spending some of his own,
personal time to complete these tasks."
The USDA recognizes Koelling's outstanding work as well. When
recently performing upgrades to the program, the USDA asked him
to serve as a consultant.
Koelling, a Bartelso resident, has worked for the state for
23 years. He was selected from among 10 Employee of the Month
award winners. The other finalists were Daniel Connelly, David
Gleason, William Houghton, Terri Howard, David Humphreys, Lori
Kirby, Dr. Lori Miser, Douglas Owens and Julie Reifschneider.
Mike Rahe, an employee of the Bureau of Land and Water
Resources, was presented the Assistant Director's Fellowship
Award. Rahe, of Pittsfield, manages many of the department's
soil conservation programs and was recognized for his "positive
influence." As one co-worker wrote, "Mike's great attitude,
ability to get along well with others and excellent work ethic
all have a very positive effect on his colleagues and friends in
the department."
Terry Savko, a Springfield resident, won the Ag Ambassador
Award. According to co-workers, Savko, who administers the
department's farmland preservation program, "has gained a
reputation for being a very effective problem-solver. Her
outgoing personality, professionalism, dedication and ability to
multi-task are keys to her success, which reflects positively on
the department."
The Ron King Award for Efficiency was presented to Kim Smith
of Ashland. "Kim has streamlined the accounting process within
the Bureau of Marketing, Promotion and Grants," Flider said.
"Due to her efforts, the bureau now has a clear understanding of
current and past expenditures and is better able to allocate its
resources and plan for future projects."
The Commitment to Quality Award went to employees of the
Galesburg Animal Disease Lab, who had to quickly learn new tests
and new procedures this past year so the lab could expand its
service offerings and meet the testing demands of the
agriculture industry.
Prior to the awards ceremony, the department's social
committee was presented an American flag in appreciation of care
packages sent to the Illinois Army National Guard Bilateral
Embedded Staff Team A10 during its deployment in Afghanistan.
Col. Michael Zerbonia, Warrant Officer Candidate Thomas
Watson and Lt. Col. Ted Tracy made the presentation. The flag
was flown over FOB Ghazni, Afghanistan, on April 8, 2013, the
month before the team's return to the United States after an
eight-month tour of duty. Tracy, the department's internal
auditor, said the packages were a welcomed item, especially
during the Christmas season when soldiers were separated from
their families.
[to top of second column] |
Twenty-nine employees were honored during the ceremony for 10, 20,
25, 30 and 35 years of service. A complete list follows (with name
and hometown):
35 years
-
Cheryl Bluhm,
Riverton
-
Marla Ingram,
Springfield
-
Martha McLaskey, West Frankfort
30 years
-
Tammy Grieme,
Springfield
-
Valerie Strayer, Springfield
25 years
-
Lorraine Allen,
Canton
-
Ronald Buchenau, Lena
-
Lori Churchill,
Riverton
-
Deanna Clark, Athens
-
John Rebholz, Pontiac
-
Dawn Ribble, Chatham
-
Kim Smith, Ashland
-
Cathy Spencer,
Pleasant Plains
-
Marilyn Steward,
Springfield
-
Belinda Warner,
Springfield
-
Kevin Wiegmann,
Oregon
-
Dorothy Williams,
Springfield
-
Matthew Williams,
Pawnee
-
Gary Zelasko, Edwardsville
20 years
-
Carmen Addis,
Lockport
-
Susan Baatz,
Springfield
-
Greg Spalding, Streator
10 years
-
Jason Bergren,
Monmouth
-
Thomas Cleland,
Rockton
-
Dennis Hertz,
Knoxville
-
Elliot Lagacy,
Mahomet
-
Joseph McClintock,
Glen Carbon
-
John Rednour Jr., Du
Quoin
-
Carrie Tisckos, Springfield
[Text from
Illinois Department of
Agriculture
file received from the
Illinois Office of Communication and Information]
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