Each month, WIKA USA recognizes employees who exemplify one of the company’s seven core values. The peer-nominated award is presented to employees who go above and beyond in their roles, all while upholding WIKA’s commitment to integrity, customer satisfaction, partnership, safety, continuous improvement, social responsibility, and excellence.
Established when WIKA was founded in 1946, core values are the standards by which WIKA measures itself and its employees. Thanks to employees’ commitment to these corporate values, WIKA has become a worldwide leader in industrial measurement technology. The company would not be where it is today without this dedication from within.
Employees who do more than expected are vital to WIKA’s overall mission of helping customers succeed through superior instrumentation solutions. This is why WIKA USA began the monthly Core Value Award program two decades ago – to acknowledge employees for their hard work and dedication.
Corporate Core Values are Keys to Company Success
A peer-nominated program, Core Value Awards give employees a special way to thank their colleagues for doing extraordinary work. Recipients are recognized for making a positive impact on WIKA’s continued success. Each nominee is chosen for exemplifying one of seven core values:
- Integrity: Promoting ethical business practices
- Customer Satisfaction: Creating positive customer experiences
- Partnership: Encouraging collaboration in the workplace
- Safety: Maintaining a safe work environment
- Continuous Improvement: Improving WIKA policies and processes
- Social Responsibility: Improving the community and the world at large
- Excellence: Exceeding expectations in work that directly impacts company success
Each month a committee composed of senior managers chooses the winners, who receive a plaque, monetary award, and a designated parking spot at the main WIKA USA campus in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
August 2019 Corporate Core Value Award Winners
The following six employees were selected for exemplifying one of WIKA USA’s corporate core values:
Photo above: Kemberly Dean, nominator; winners Oscar Mendez, Alfredo Sanchez, and Shalini Gonnabathula; and Paul Lemmons, General Manager, ETL Division
Kemberly Dean, quality assurance manager for WIKA USA’s Electrical Temperature Level (ETL) Division in Houston, nominated three of her coworkers for special recognition in August.
Oscar Mendez, Manufacturing, ETL Division | Recognized for Excellence
Oscar’s technical mastery was evident during a recent internal audit. Kemberly writes, “He was very knowledgeable about the machining process and his responsibility regarding traceability, as well as answering the auditor’s questions in a professional manner. There was no doubt he knew his job and was comfortable explaining it during the audit. Oscar’s knowledge of the QMS (Quality Management System) and the audit process is a clear reflection of his desire to not only do his job, but to do it well.”
Alfredo Sanchez, Manufacturing, ETL Division | Recognized for Partnership
Similarly, Alfredo deserves kudos for his professionalism during the division’s recent internal audit. “He was gracious and knowledgeable when answering the auditor’s questions and explaining the MI (mineral insulated) handling process in detail,” Kemberly writes. “In addition, he assisted during the audit of the wire and armor department. Alfredo was professional, competent, and, most importantly, willing.”
Shalini Gonnabathula, Planning, ETL Division | Recognized for Partnership
Shalini is definitely an asset after the migration to Microsoft Dynamics AX, the division’s new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Kemberly writes, “Shalini should be recognized for her efforts to help, mentor, lead, and inform her coworkers during the AX training. She is determined to do everything in her power to ensure the transition is a smooth one, from making sure the right people are in the training to working with those same individuals one on one.”
Jennifer Whitehead, award winner, with her coworker and nominator, Delores Harvey
Jennifer Whitehead, Sales, Flow Division | Recognized for Continuous Improvement
It wasn’t an easy choice as to which category Jennifer deserved to win an award, but the nominator finally settled on Continuous Improvement. Delores Harvey writes, “Jennifer is dedicated to continually improving the workflow, even if it is outside her responsibilities. Her focus is always on the end result of customer satisfaction. She genuinely takes pride in her work and always strives to complete every task correctly the first time. She is extremely detail oriented and has a real knack for problem solving. Jennifer works to ensure all orders are entered correctly and that we address any special requirements from the customer. This diligent work ensures that payments are received according to terms. When problems arise, she is always ready to assist and come up with a possible solution. She strives for the best in everything, from performing a minor task to doing extensive research without hesitation. With her direct personality Jennifer is ready, willing, and able to continually promote the improvement of the Flow Division’s workflow process.”
Kelly Kennedy and coworkers
Kelly Kennedy, Planning, Pressure Gauge Division | Recognized for Customer Satisfaction
Tajma Doglod is a big fan of Kelly and her overall awesomeness. She writes, “I could have nominated Kelly so many times by now. It is long overdue. She constantly does a great job with everything that she is asked. Recently, we had a big project order, and the customer needed those gauges yesterday! I emailed Kelly once, and she kept following up and pushing those orders daily until they were completed. It is so nice to work with somebody you can depend on. Great job, Kelly!!!”
My “Tommy” Tran (left) with his coworker and nominator, Darcy Lewis
My “Tommy” Tran, Shipping, Diaphragm Seals Division | Recognize for Excellence
Nominator Darcy Lewis commends Tommy’s collegiality, steadfastness, and wonderful attitude. She writes, “He is always smiling, never getting mad or upset about anything. Anytime I need his help, he is right there. Never have I heard him say ‘that is not my job’. He is willing to help anyone, no matter what. Most of all, he is very positive all day long, no matter what kind of day he may be having.”