A special award was presented to the entire staff of Ouachita Hardwood Flooring at the annual awards ceremony and Christmas party on Friday.
The event was hosted by owner and general manager Shay Dugal, partner Wil Maxwell, production manager Josh Smith, production manager assistant Matthew Davis, supervisor Ricardo Rodriguez, safety consultant Rickey Geigger of GSC Safety Training and Consulting, and human resources director Martha Chavez. It included a catered lunch by Woods Place and presentation of door prizes and bonus checks.
By Tim Kessler
Saline River Chronicle Contributor
The highlight of the ceremony was Ouachita Hardwood’s acceptance into Arkansas Department of Labor’s SHARP OSHA Consultation Program. Geigger noted the company has gone four years without lost production time. Only 30 companies in the state have qualified for the honor, and Ouachita Hardwood is only one of five wood-related firms.
“I am so proud of our company and everyone that works here. This is an amazing and deserving achievement. As a team, we have changed the overall culture here. The well-being and safety of our employees and their families mean a lot to us. They are the backbone of this company. I am excited about the things we will accomplish in the future. Special thanks to Rickey Geigger with GSC and Arkansas Department of Labor consultants for all the help and guidance,” Dugal said.
SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT BELOW
Smith opened the event by thanking the employees and saying, “It’s a group effort, a team effort.” Later in the event, he said, “We started our journey to become certified two years ago. We would have never achieved this without the help of all employees, our management and maintenance. It must be a no-nonsense policy on safety.”
Maxwell noted he spends most of his time at the sister company of Maxwell Hardwood of Monticello. From there, Ouachita Hardwood is sent across the nation from New York to California. “Each day, write down five things you’re thankful for,” he said, as he got employees to list some of the things for which they were thankful.
Dugal said he was thankful to Maxwell for a lasting partnership of over 20 years. “There is a very clear vision of the path for us to go,” he said. “This is a place for more opportunities, for promotion, a place where you know the leadership cares for you and your family.”
Anniversary awards were presented, along with November Employee of the Month Jose Rivera. Attendance awards were given. James Miller was named Employee of the Year. Most Improved Award went to Brian Chancellor. The Diamond Award, decided by Dugal, went to Marco Garcia.
