July 16, 2018

Jere invited me to arrive about noon to take a few pictures – especially the group photo. Cerwin was invited for lunch and to participate in any afternoon session that was of interest to him – since he in now an employee and picks up milk/blood/forage samples each week.

It was an all-day event – at Manheim BIC Warehouse – 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.

We arrived just before noon – to the part of the building where lunch would be served. There were some beautiful details to the tables that told me there were some women involved in the setup. 🙂

Jere directed us to seats in the front row. Steve Sievert was concluding his presentation from National DHIA.

Jere gave a Management Review before presenting certificates and awards.

Most of the audience – directors, managers, technicians, and drivers – came from Pennsylvania and Vermont. There were a few out-of-state speakers.

Each employee received a very nice gift – the folding lawn chair in which they were seated.

Jere presented many certificates and awards. I chose to post just a few that included people I know.

Jay Mylin gave my brother Steve a five-year Certificate of Recognition. Steve served on the board with DHIA for many years and was responsible for recommending Jere to be trained to take Jay’s replacement as CEO – twenty-four years ago – when Jay wanted to move toward retirement.

Steve was a dairy farmer and began working as a technician five years ago – while still managing the family dairy herd. A niece, her husband, and son bought our family farm last year, so Steve is now doing this as a full-time job. Jay began with DHIA forty-eight years ago and now works as Field Support Manager. (He was a milk tester for my dad in the early 70s.)

Darvin Stoner giving Sherry Groff a ten-year Certificate of Recognition.

Following the awards, everyone went outside for a group picture.

It is rather challenging to get a shot of more than 100 people.

We received a listing of current employees. I counted 127. A few were missing because of illness or conflicting appointments.

I was pleased to be invited to enjoy lunch – which was served by Sei Catering.

After the delicious lunch, Cerwin took me home (we live about four miles away), then went back later (4:00 pm) in the afternoon to enjoy Ryan and Friends (ventriloquist) and the ice cream social (5:00 pm) provided by Fox’s Meadows Creamery.