Frontline employees across West Michigan to be recognized

EducationRetailAgricultureHealthFood & DrinkManufacturingNonprofitConstructionHospitality

Sep 19

West Michigan Works! is accepting nominations for its 2024 Bev Drake Essential Service Awards. The awards recognize individuals who go above-and-beyond in a service industry position. The Essential Service Awards will be presented to the winners at their places of employment. Honorees will also be recognized at the Economic Club of Grand Rapids meeting and will receive a gift card.

"As the cost of living continues to rise, it's more important than ever to recognize the invaluable contributions of frontline employees. These individuals are the foundation of every organization, performing the essential tasks that keep operations running smoothly each day,” said Mark Bergsma, workforce development board member and chair of the Bev Drake Essential Service Awards subcommittee. “Whether interacting directly with customers or working behind the scenes, frontline workers’ efforts shape the success of businesses across West Michigan and have a crucial role in ensuring our local economy thrives.”

To be eligible for an award, nominees must hold a non-managerial position; have been with their current employer for two or more years; display pride, a positive attitude and strong work ethic; and work in Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon or Ottawa County.

The awards are presented in 10 categories: Administrative, Office and Nonprofit; Cleaning, Housekeeping, Groundskeeping, and Maintenance; Childcare; Food Service; Government; Health Care and Elder Care; Hospitality; Retail; Skilled Labor; and Transportation.

Beatrice Salgado, a preschool teacher at the Early Learning Center in Grand Rapids, was honored in the childcare category in 2023. Site director Jennifer Barlage recalls Salgado going above and beyond to support a refugee student and her family.

"The little girl had quite a bit of trauma and separation anxiety. She was struggling with moving to another country, starting a school and speaking a new language," said Barlage. "Beatrice just took that whole family under her arms. She helped the child feel safe and welcome at school, connected the family with her friends so they could secure stable housing, helped the mom look into potential schooling and got the staff together so that we could help give them a Christmas."

“I want to be that special person who children can form relationships with and feel safe around,” said Salgado. "Winning an Essential Service Award means that my work doesn't go unnoticed and makes me feel proud of what I do.”

Nominations can be submitted online through Monday, September 30, at https://www.westmiworks.org/about-us/essential-service-awards/.