Clewiston, Fla. – U.S. Sugar honored its employees for their hard work and dedication during its 2016 Annual Rewards & Recognition Program held Jan. 10 at Dunwody Lodge. President and CEO Bob Buker and the senior leadership team delivered awards to employees who demonstrated extraordinary excellence and thanked for them for their contributions. Here are the 2016 winners:
Citizen of the Year – In addition to receiving monetary awards, the winners received donations to their favorite charity in recognition of their outstanding service to the community.
1st place – Colin Ricketts, a Quality Assurance Technician for sugarcane operations, who is also an ordained minister providing spiritual support in Glades, Hendry and Palm Beach counties. He has been with U.S. Sugar for 47 years. His benefiting charity is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
2nd place – Jerry Thicklin, a 2 1/2-year employee who works as an Equipment Specialist for sugarcane operations. He mentors young men ages 9 to 17 in the Harlem community, helping them gain confidence and interpersonal skills needed to become successful adults. He also coaches sports. His benefiting charity is the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Beach County.
3rd place – Jose Medina, a journeyman who has been with the company for 14 years. He volunteers for several causes, including Locks of Love, for which he grows his hair out all year and donates it to make wigs for cancer patients, and the American Cancer Society. His benefiting charity is Locks of Love.
President’s Award
Roy Clark, an Equipment Specialist for sugarcane operations and 38-year U.S. Sugar employee. Over the years, he has learned to operate every piece of equipment used in farming operations and is considered a top trainer for new employees.
Victor Garcia and Oriol Emmanuel, Processing Team Leaders for Southern Garden Citrus. Garcia has been with the company for 24 years; Emmanuel has been for 1 1/2 years. Both served as captains for SWEAT (Summer Wellness Event Activity Teams) to encourage health and fitness.
Safety Champion of the Year
1st place – Leosbet Gonzalez Borrego
2nd place – Christopher McGee, Raymond Sandoval, Dwayne Martin, Danny Bryant and Kevin Koebert
3rd place – Sean Miller, William Eyman, Juan “Miguel” Bruno, Joshua Moore and Jose Aragus
Innovator of the Year
1st place – Lee Davis, Ezequiel Esparza and Alphonso Lyman
2nd place – Brett Sawyer
3rd place – Robert Thompson
Team Member of the Year
1st place – Aucencio Aldape
2nd place – Christy Hernandez
3rd place – Willio Francois
Leader of the Year
1st place – Barrington Bedward
2nd place – Dave Goodwin
3rd place – Fitzroy Douglas
