EP!C’s “Our World Our Dreams” Annual Awards Reception

By Jim Kautz
 
What a great night we had on Thursday, July 10th! More than 200 people gathered in a delightfully decorated EP!C cafeteria to honor those individuals, EP!C staff, companies and members of the community who made a significant impact on our organization in 2013. The evening began with refreshments and a great selection of taste-tempting hors d’oeurves provided by Catering Peoria of Coyote Creek Golf Club in Bartonville. Meg Marshall of WMBD Channel 31 in Peoria was our MC for the evening and did a wonderful job of introducing the speakers and award presenters. Joe O’Neill, CEO of G&D Integrated, was our keynote speaker. Joe spoke on the topic of “Change, Why Do We Change and Why Should We Change”. We also took time with a moment of silence to honor the memory of friends of EP!C who passed away last year. Some very deserving people and companies were honored with awards this year. Among those who received awards were:

• Lina Goelzer – Volunteer of the Year
• Debbie Hannon – Roger Harken Award
• Dr. Jacqueline Henderson of Bradley University – Ambassador Award
• Hediger & Meyers – Inspiration Award
• Build-A-Bear Workshop – Employer of the Year
• Dell, Inc. – President’s Award
• Interline Brands – Business Partner of the Year

Star Achiever Awards – Presented to EP!C program participants who have excelled in meeting the goals and dreams that they have set for themselves. Among those receiving awards were:

• John N.
• Marcus H.
• Mary G.
• Brian C.
• Columbia M.
• Emily D.

EP!C also honors a staff member every month, recognizing them for playing a significant role in advancing the mission of the organization. From those who have been chosen as “Employee of the Month”, an “Employee of the Year” is selected and honored at the annual awards reception. The staff member selected to receive the “Employee of the Year” award for 2013 is:

• Shelly Mansfield

Finally, our outgoing EP!C Board Chairperson, Pat Kawczynski was recognized and thanked for her contribution to the mission of EP!C.

Congratulations to all our award winners! We wish them all the best as they continue to promote and support EP!C in all that they do for us.