 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.
[to top of second column] |
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.
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] |
