Our annual company meeting commenced this past week with all the team members coming to East Hartford for a two-day assembly. When more than half the workforce is on the road and spread out across the country, this is a great opportunity for the entire company to come together under one roof. While emails and phone calls keep the team connected throughout the year, there’s nothing like a face-to-face “Good morning” or a sit-down dinner together.
Between the coffee and team building, the leaders of the company discuss how the year has progressed, award those who reached a milestone in their career, and highlight outstanding accomplishments within each division and the company overall.
Every year, BioSafe Systems calls out a member of the team for excellence and originally this recognition was called the MVP Award. After the passing of founder and CEO, Rob Larose, the MVP was renamed The Rock Award because he was nicknamed “The Rock” on his high school swimming team for being steadfast in his efforts and a reliable anchor for the team.
We give The Rock Award to someone who exemplifies great skill, effort, impact, and progress and is a supportive teammate for the company. This year the award went to our Vice President of Sales, Jeff Kline, who has the same passion for BioSafe Systems as Rob Larose. Jeff keeps everyone focused on big long-term goals and the smaller steps that get us there; his dedication is unwavering.
The Michael Larose Road Warrior Award is bestowed to a traveling representative who’s been exemplary in representing BioSafe Systems with integrity when building relationships outside of headquarters in the field. It is awarded in memorial of Larose’s oldest son, Michael Larose, who was constantly traveling during the company’s early advent to network with growers, build business, and maintain relationships. This year’s recipient is Eric Smith, BioSafe Systems’ National Horticulture Manager and former President of Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association. He is a Florida native but he’s always in motion supporting the Horticulture Division sales team and offering grower support at tradeshows and association meetings, and industry events.
The Impact Awards are given to employees who contribute positive changes within company culture either through a successful project, or diligent dedication. This year the Impact Awards went to Robert Kaliski, Rich Notarangelo, Jesse Allen, Donna Bishel, Carlo Motta, Dr. Vijay Choppakatla, Ryan DePasquale, Dr. Jay Sughroue, and Zac Ricciardi. All of these recipients had important achievements that will help progress the company forward in a positive direction.
The BioSafe Systems company meeting concluded with a New England farm dinner by Field and Feast at the local Little Dipper Farm in Brooklyn, Connecticut. The woman-owned and operated farm makes considerable efforts for sustainability gave our team a full tour of the facility. They brought in fresh vegetables from the garden to prepare the meal and everyone sat at a long table in the barn for a family dinner full of laughter and good food.
