Freshway representatives Tony Arnold, Director of Human Resources, and Janet Eastman, Director of Marketing, shared with the students what it is like to work at Freshway Foods. The students had the opportunity to try on safety and protective gear that is worn by Freshway associates at our Sidney, Ohio, processing and distribution facility.
Students celebrate with fresh apples and logo footballs from Freshway Foods
“The Sidney City Schools have been very active in preparing students to eventually enter the workforce,” says Tony Arnold. “They teach the skills that students will need to get good jobs in the Shelby County area,” he adds. “Freshway Foods and other companies in the area will benefit as these children reach adulthood, as they will be prepared to work hard and make a contribution to the local economy.”
“The students were really engaged and asked lots of questions about Freshway,” says Janet Eastman. “They also had a great time trying on the gear.”
POWER is an initiative of the Shelby County United Way. The acronym stands for Passionate Optimistic Women Encouraging Results. The goal of the organization is to engage women as philanthropists through advocacy, mentoring, and leadership to help improve the lives of children and their families.
Workforce Partnership of Shelby County brings local schools and industry together to align workforce and education systems to respond to the skills needs of business and industry in Shelby County.
Elizabeth Horton, Renee Leber and Matt Hedrick enjoy a round of miniature golfOumar Gueye & Idrissa Ba enjoy the delicious food on offerHope Gates visits the petting zooChef Doug Bond and Grillmaster Rob Douglas keep the buffet table stockedTarra Haidara shares a hug with Minnie and Micky MouseLucas and Tony Arnold brave the zip lineJune & Humayu Sindhi enjoy the beautiful weatherMark Nuss and Devon Beer share a laughGlenna Murray and Maria & Norberto Sanchez take a break from the activitiesVicki and Scott Peltier enjoy the picnic with their grandchildren
TheTeam Freshway Picnic was held recently at VanDemark Farms in Sidney. The picnic, which is held annually for Freshway associates and their families, offered a day filled with fun, food and fellowship.
“Every person matters at Freshway,” said Tony Arnold, Director of Human Resources about the event. “This event allows us to recognize and show our appreciation to our most important asset – our associates – and their families,” he added.
Many Freshway associates brought their families to enjoy the many activities offered at VanDemark Farms, including miniature golf, zip line, giant swing, corn maze and petting zoo. There was plenty of food on hand, including Freshway salads.
We asked a few of our associates to tell us what they enjoyed about the Team Freshway Picnic, and here is what they said:
Vicki Peltier and her husband Scott attended with their three grandchildren. “I love seeing Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The excitement I see out of my grandkids when they get to see them is a memory I will always cherish,” she said.
Mark Nuss noted that this was his first Team Freshway Picnic. “I think one of the greatest benefits of the company picnic is being able to meet the associates in a non-production environment. They aren’t being asked to perform job tasks, they are only asked to enjoy themselves,” he said. “We get the opportunity to meet family members that normally we only hear about. It gives us a more complete scope of the real reason everyone is really working…to support those we all love and care about.” He added, “Sometimes under production pressures we forget these things, but the people are what makes or breaks a company. Being removed from the workplace allows us all to be human and see each other in a different light. I love the idea; if it captures but a small portion of gratitude for all they do, the goal has been accomplished.”
Renee Leber enjoyed spending time with coworkers outside of the work environment. “One of my favorite aspects of the company picnic is getting to interact with my coworkers in an outside-of-work, stress-free environment,” she said. “My little brother loved playing mini-golf with me and some of the other associates,” she added.
“It was great being able to spend time with people outside of work and getting to meet their families,” agreed new associate Elizabeth Horton. “My favorite activity was the giant swing,” she added. “Can’t wait for the next one!”
The opportunity to spend time together outside of work was a common theme among the people we spoke to. Jim Gooding said, “It was nice to be able to interact with other associates in a more social atmosphere.”
Tim Redmon also enjoyed the fellowship with his coworkers. “It is good to see that we can have a bond outside of work, and not just during working hours,” he said.
Abdoulaye Gaye enjoyed sharing a meal with fellow associates. “It was nice to be together and hang out,” he said.
Larry Schultz enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with new associates and others that work different shifts. “For example, I don’t always get to talk to the third shift workers,” he explained. “It was nice to sit down and talk to them and meet their families,” he added.
The facilities at VanDemark Farms were perfect for families, as there was something for everyone. “There is plenty to do,” said Barb Feree. “My grandkids love the face painting, and the food was good,” she added. “It is a nice overall event, as you can wander around the farm and do whatever activities you enjoy.”
Mark Denney took advantage of the opportunity for a little friendly family competition. “We played a family challenge game on the miniature golf course,” he said. “I enjoyed playing against my wife and son, and of course winning the game!”
The Team Freshway Picnic is just one of the many associate appreciation events we hold each year. We hold regular associate appreciation events, including:
Monthly associate recognition luncheons
Recognition programs that reward length of service, safe working practices and perfect attendance
Company sponsored events, including our annual Health Fair
Complimentary fresh produce
We offer competitive pay and excellent benefits, including group insurance at competitive rates (medical, dental, vision and life), a 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match, paid holidays and vacation, and an education assistance program.
Every Person Matters at Freshway!
If you are working in a job where you don’t feel valued and appreciated, we encourage you to check out Freshway Foods and all that we have to offer our associates. When you join the Freshway team, you are joining a growing, dynamic team, and joining a company where every associate is appreciated and valued. To learn more about employment at Freshway Foods, check out our website.
If you would like to join the Freshway team, you can apply in person Monday through Friday from 8:00 a, to 5:00 pm at our offices at 601 N. Stolle Ave. in Sidney, Ohio. You can also apply online at www.freshwayfoods.com/employment. We are currently recruiting for a variety of positions, including machine operators, Class A CDL drivers, diesel technicians and forklift operators.
