Forty Under 40 Update

In March, we told you that our Director of Human Resources, Tony Arnold, was named to the Dayton Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 list, which recognizes the top young professionals in the region.

Last week, The Dayton Business Journal held an award banquet in honor of the Forty Under 40 honorees. Tony was joined at this award event by his wife, Jill, his parents, Steve and Joyce Arnold, Frank and Julie Gilardi, Phil and Trina Gilardi, and Devon and Sandy Beer.

Tony Arnold is congratulated by his wife Jill, mother Joyce and father Steve
Tony Arnold is congratulated by his wife Jill, mother Joyce and father Steve

Nearly 400 people attended the banquet. Honorees ranged in age from 14 (the youngest winner in the history of the competition) to late 30’s. All of the individuals honored have made a significant contribution to our region.

Tony was honored for his work at Freshway and in the Sidney/Shelby County community. Tony’s profile is available on the Dayton Business Journal website.

Jill and Tony Arnold at the Forty Under 40 Award Banquet
Jill and Tony Arnold at the Forty Under 40 Award Banquet

We asked Tony to share his thoughts about the event. He said, “The entire event surrounding the 40 under Forty presentation was top-notch. An outstanding venue, nearly 400 people in attendance, and plenty of support from Freshway were just some of the highlights. The recognition program was well organized, plenty of fun, and an overall great time.”

Freshway Associates Honored for Service

We honored several Freshway associates at our quarterly recognition event this week. Thousands of dollars in awards were distributed, including a 55″ HDTV.  We celebrate the following milestones every quarter at the luncheon: 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service.

Freshway associates honored for service this quarter:

  • Donna Redmon – 25 years
  • Glenna Murray – 20 years
  • Chris “Roy” Miller – 15 years
  • Terry Strope – 10 years
  • Maria Mendoza – 10 years
  • Chris Stangel – 10 years
  • Josh Elsner – 5 years
Donna Redmon receives 25 year service award
Donna Redmon (center) receives 25 year service award

Phil Gilardi took a moment during the meeting to single out Glenna Murray as an outstanding representative for Freshway. “Every time I host a customer tour, I make a point of stopping by her area,” he said. “She is always smiling and always positive, and she lives our company values every day.”

Glenna Murray receives 20 year service award
Glenna Murray (center) receives 20 year service award

We also held our quarterly incentive program drawing at the luncheon. All of our associates have the opportunity to qualify for this drawing by maintaining perfect attendance and a positive safety record. Production associate Chris Ike was awarded the 55″ HDTV in the drawing, and fifteen other associates received gift cards.

Chris Ike
Chris Ike (shown here in a red Freshway shirt) awarded 55″ HDTV in quarterly incentive drawing

Production associate Carlos Avarado and fabricator Mike Dibble were recognized for process improvements they implemented on our production lines. Thirty-four associates were recognized for perfect attendance, and each received a $50 gift card.

The quarterly recognition is held during our monthly associate appreciation luncheon. We hold this monthly luncheon to thank our associates for their hard work and dedication.

In addition to our monthly appreciation luncheons,  quarterly incentive program drawing and service awards, Freshway holds an annual company picnic and a health fair for our associates and their families. Freshway Logistics, our forward distribution and logistics company, also awards its drivers for achieving safe driving milestones with membership in the Million Mile Club. For more information about associate appreciation activities at Freshway, visit our website.