More than 700 business leaders attended as West Michigan Works! recognized nine area frontline workers with the 2024 Essential Service Awards. Honorees were recognized at The Economic Club of Grand Rapids meeting on February 24. The Essential Service Awards recognize non-managerial frontline workers who go above and beyond their daily responsibilities and display integrity, passion and commitment.
2024 Bev Drake Essential Service Award honorees are Lisa DeHaan, department assistant, Wedgwood Christian Services; Jason Galentine, bartender, Candlestone Golf & Resorts; Maria Garza, internal maintenance, Gun Lake Casino; Chad Kooyer, police officer, Gerald R. Ford International Airport; Taylor Moreland, certified nursing assistant, Laurels of Carson City; Chad Schaefer, team lead, Tyson Foods; Kendra Swihart, lead preschool teacher, Big Steps Little Feet; Cindy VanDyken, clinical nutrition services technician, Corewell Health; and Kathy Wildeboer, bus aid, Dean Transportation.
“Frontline workers have always been the backbone of our communities, but with today’s ongoing inflation, labor shortages, and uncertainty, their contributions are as critical as ever,” said Mark Bergsma, workforce development board member, West Michigan Works!. ” Honoring their dedication and passion is crucial as they continue to provide essential services that sustain our communities.”
Each honoree’s impact goes beyond their job description, making a difference in their workplace and community.
“We have Kathy’s support when it comes to these students,” said Joey Brown, transportation director, Dean Transportation. “Working with special needs students takes a special person and that’s exactly what Kathy is, a very special person.”
“I feel honored, but I feel like I am just doing my job,” said Wildeboer, the Dean Transportation bus aide. “I just love these kids and want what’s best for them.”
Essential Service Awards categories include administrative/office worker, cleaning/housekeeping/groundskeeping, childcare, food service, government, health care/elder care, hospitality, nonprofit, retail, skilled labor and transportation.
For Maria Garza, her role in internal maintenance at Gun Lake Casino is about more than just keeping the property clean, it’s about creating a welcoming and safe space for everyone.
“Maria is bilingual and often serves as a translator for the property. If there is a language barrier for some of our guests, whether it’s a medical emergency or just in general a language barrier, Maria steps up to the plate,” said Josh Holtman, director of operations, Gun Lake Casino.
Garza, known for her dedication and love for her workplace, was taken by surprise when she received the award.
“I wasn’t expecting this award. I always do my job and I love my job,” said Garza, the Gun Lake Casino maintenance team member. “If I could work here until I’m 100, I would stay here and work until I was 100.”
Similarly, Jason Galentine’s commitment to customer service at Candlestone Golf & Resorts has left a lasting impression on colleagues and guests alike.
“I’ve known Jason for 13 years, he is a great bartender because he’s more than that, he is one of the finest individuals you’ll ever meet in your life,” said Dawn Norton, banquet and catering director, Candlestone Golf & Resorts.
His willingness to go above and beyond was exemplified when he stepped away from his shift to assist a guest in need.
“There was someone who had a flat tire and couldn’t get a hold of anyone for help. Jason went outside in six inches of slush and changed the tire and wouldn’t take a penny for it,” recalled Norton.
For Galentine, receiving this award reaffirmed the importance of his work.
“You try to be accountable for all of your actions, and when your actions are going above and beyond and you don’t really get much recognition, it’s hard to stay in that frame of mind,” said Galentine, a bartender at Candlestone Golf & Resorts. “I’m very grateful for this award. It refuels me and makes me want to do even better.”
To qualify for a Bev Drake Essential Service Award, individuals must have at least two years of employment with their current company, hold a non-managerial position, and demonstrate pride in their work, a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and effective time management. Winners are chosen by a committee of the West Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board and are celebrated at their place of work as well.
