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Daily Herald honors employees for excellence

Eight employees of Paddock Publications Inc., parent of the Daily Herald and other publications, were honored Monday for excellence in their professions and their commitment to the community during 2014.

The honorees were announced during a ceremony in December at the company's headquarters in Arlington Heights and were feted during a luncheon Monday at the Birch River Grill in Arlington Heights.

"The Daily Herald has a wonderful staff," said Douglas K. Ray, chairman, publisher, president and CEO of Paddock Publications, which also publishes the Daily Herald Business Ledger, Reflejos and other publications. "Throughout the organization are people doing great things for customers and the community, and I believe the primary reason for our success rests in their work. A newspaper is different from most businesses because the product is only as good as those who produce it, and every day at the Daily Herald the staff is dedicated to excellence. The individuals we recognize through the annual Awards of Excellence represent all the staff and are the best of the best. We are proud of them and all they do to help make the Daily Herald a better place, and the community at large."

The Awards of Excellence, which began in 1972, honor those who demonstrate a commitment to the company, to the community and to their colleagues and readers. Supervisors nominated employees and senior managers selected the winners.

While only certain employees are selected as winners, many others also deserve recognition, said Scott Stone, Paddock's executive vice president and chief operating officer.

"I look forward to reading through the nominations because you learn a lot about these key employees and the contributions - and sometimes sacrifices - they make to Paddock Publications," Stone said. "I congratulate all of the nominees and winners for 2014. You inspire us and make us proud of the work we do each day."

Along with awards in each department, one of the major awards acknowledges contributions to the community. The Robert Y. Paddock Sr. Community Service Award honors those who volunteer, sharing in the spirit and values of the Paddock company. It was named after the late Executive Vice President and Vice Chairman Robert Y. Paddock Sr., who was heavily involved in community organizations and initiatives.

This year's winner is sales consultant Debbie Nelson of Arlington Heights. Nelson, who works on community guides with several area chambers of commerce, is serving her second term on the Arlington Heights Memorial Library board. She is the library board vice president and chairs the Strategic Planning and Policy Committee. She also donated grant writing services for the Midwest Council for Children with Disabilities that led to the Arlington Heights-based nonprofit earning an annual award of $5,000 from Wheeling Township for nearly 10 years.

When Northwest Community Hospital Foundation asked Nelson to deliver the President's Circle Dinner speech to raise funds for a new neonatal intensive care unit as part of an expansion a few years ago, she jumped at the opportunity to share her family's story and lent her son, Wyatt, as the poster boy for the successful campaign.

"There are many laudable ways to serve others and many worthy recipients. Debbie Nelson, as this year's recipient of the Robert Y. Paddock Sr. Community Service Award, does so through using her expertise, professionalism and commitment in areas where life leads her," said Robert Y. Paddock Jr., vice chairman and executive vice president.

"Her son Wyatt's birth with Down syndrome prompted her tireless work for the Midwest Council for Children with Disabilities," he said. "Being an English major, her love of books and information led her to 10 years of service and being an officer on the board of one of the leading libraries in the country. While raising her own children, she has been active with PTA and the Character Counts school programs, collaborating with children to found the Random Acts of Kindness Club in Arlington. Like Bob, Sr., she believes that service is a part of life."

In honor of Nelson, Paddock Publications made a contribution to the Midwest Council for Children with Disabilities.

Other winners each received a monetary gift and a plaque. They are:

• Administrative Excellence Award: Receptionist David Abraham of Bensenville was honored for his "marvelous job" for everyone in the company as well as for customers and visitors, said Robert Y. Paddock Jr. Abraham is the voice and face of the company, answers the phone and provides customer service in a friendly, professional and efficient way, Paddock said. "He also has a wonderful way with people."

• Margie Paddock Flanders Advertising Excellence Award: Sales consultant Chris Craven of Homewood. Craven heads sales for the Business Ledger magazine. Stone noted Craven also has sold advertising to the hospitality industry and helped to organize two expos featuring local businesses.

• Circulation Excellence Award: Branch Manager Mike Egert of Glen Ellyn. His outstanding service often puts his name "at the top of the leader board," said Jim Galetano, senior vice president of circulation. "This year, he remained on top of his game despite an increase in his responsibilities."

• Editorial Excellence Award: Reporter Marie Wilson of Lisle. Wilson started as a reporting intern and became a full-time reporter about four years ago, now covering Naperville. Wilson has displayed talent and initiative since joining the company, said Senior Vice President and Editor John Lampinen. "She is great at everything. When we track productivity of everyone, she's on top."

• Stuart R. Paddock Jr. Manager Excellence Award: Gerry Alger of Palatine, manager of content and production for Paddock's Town Square Publications. Since 1985, Alger has worked her way up through the editorial department and the Niche Publications department and has always taken on more responsibilities, Stone said. Alger is upbeat and energetic and most recently took on Town Square Publications, which produces chamber of commerce publications and community guides nationwide. "She is inspiring. I am in awe of her," Stone said.

• Process Excellence Award: Receiving clerk Mark Woollard of Elgin. Since 2010, Woollard has hit the ground running, said Stefanie Anderson, senior vice president and director of production. Woollard has developed and implemented new ideas, tackles tough business problems, inspires quality work in others and is customer-service driven, she said.

"He absolutely exhibits teamwork qualities and continuous improvement is displayed in everything he does," she said.

• Excellence Award for Part-Time Employees: Senior writer Jamie Sotonoff of Arlington Heights. Since 1997, Sotonoff has written features and news covering nearly every topic in the Daily Herald communities. She cowrites a column with Film Critic Dann Gire called From the Suburbs to Show Business, which helps sets the Daily Herald apart from competitors, Lampinen said. "She works hard and has a fabulous attitude," Lampinen said.

David Abraham
Chris Craven
Mike Egert
Marie Wilson
Gerry Alger
Mark Woollard
Jamie Sotonoff
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