the Q 4 2 017
Giving Back to Local Communities A IMING TO FEED THE HUNGRY A ND HELP THE LESS FORTUN ATE Smart City Networks set off on a nationwide Week of Service initiative to give back to the communities surrounding all 39 of its partner facilities. During this Week of Service, Smart City team members from around the nation volunteered to assist local charity organizations. Each organization was thoughtfully selected by the local Smart City team to provide the greatest impact possible to those in need.
PICTURED: GM Meeting in San Diego Refurbishing Neighborhood House Association Senior Center
“Our team members across the country are always finding ways to give back,” said Mark Haley, President of Smart City Networks. “After immense positive feedback from our management team following our participation in the Salvation Army’s Christmas Assistance Program during our 2016 general managers meeting in San Antonio, we wanted to share the experience of giving throughout our entire organization.”
In early November, teams in Orlando, Tampa and Miami Beach joined cleanup crews on a mission to Keep Florida Beautiful with their local affiliates, while Smart City teams in Los Angeles, Anaheim and Long Beach assisted We Give Thanks with preparing a Thanksgiving Day feast for the homeless and less fortunate in Southern California. Other charitable organizations chosen across the country included Ronald McDonald House; Volunteers of America; Random Acts of Flowers; Salvation Army; Blue Star Mothers of America; Dallas Life Homeless Shelter and the Neighborhood House Association Senior Center. Smart City’s team volunteer activities included revitalizing the La Costa Urban Wetlands Park in Orlando; serving a community meal to the hungry in Las Vegas; preparing donated flowers to make bouquets for people in need in Indianapolis; serving hot food to the homeless in Denver; baking cookies for Ronald McDonald House families in Columbus, Ohio; helping take donations and serving meals to underprivileged people at the Duke Energy Convention Center's Fall Feast Coat Drive in Cincinnati, and in Reno, preparing care packages for overseas military troops. The initiative was capped off during this year’s general managers meeting in San Diego where all managers helped refurbish a senior center. While the majority of this work was completed during the Week of Service, November 13-18, teams started their projects in October and continued their charitable efforts through December. *More Pictures Pages 12-13
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CONTENTS
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
02 P R E S I D E N T ’ S CORNER
Quarterly overview from Smart City’s president, Mark Haley.
It has been an extremely busy year for our teams across the country at Smart City. In addition to numerous contract renewals and significant network upgrades, we managed the technology services for a record number of events this year. Every month, we consistently had clients challenge our local teams with greater demands for bandwidth and services over what they had utilized the previous year, as well as more complex solutions for their constantly growing wireless needs. And as you can see in the boosts section of this quarter’s Pinnacle, our teams continued to receive kudos from many of those events planners that not only do we deliver reliable technology, but our people don’t forget the customer service piece to the equation.
06 C E N T E R U P D A T E S What's new in our buildings? Special updates from the field.
14 W E CARE & GIVE BACK Highlighting the community service efforts of our Smart City teams across the country.
16 E M P L O Y E E O F THE MONTH
Recognizing this quarter’s outstanding employees.
18 T E A M U P D A T E S Team member milestones and new arrival announcements.
20 A N N I V E R S A R Y LIST
Anniversaries of team members throughout the company.
Smart City venues are truly "Where Technology Meets Hospitality!" But in addition to keeping their eye on the ball from a business standpoint, our people also have a passion for service. That passion became more evident to me last year at our General Manager’s meeting in San Antonio, where our entire management team participated in the local Salvation Army’s annual toy handout. It’s a program that our local San Antonio team has supported for many years, and our other GM’s from across the country experienced the camaraderie and joy in being of service to those less fortunate. But being the group of overachievers that they are, our management team’s feedback from the event in San Antonio was, “That was great, but how can we do more?!” And that was the genesis of this year’s Week of Service across the country. We were able to harness the energy from the San Antonio experience and roll it out to each Smart City team in more than 30 communities across our portfolio. Each team identified a local cause that they could support around the Thanksgiving Holiday. Jim Snook (NW Regional Director) took the bull by the horns and chaired a volunteer group of managers to nurture the program, and the result is seen in our cover story this month, as well as the pictures that follow throughout this issue. I could not be more proud of all of our Smart City team members in making each of their communities a little bit better. Our Business Principle #10 is “We Care and Give Back.” Best Wishes to everyone in the new year!
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C O MPA N Y
ANNOUNCEMENT
Smart Cit y Net works Honored at Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Smart City Networks was honored at the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business Excellence Awards as a Trendsetter in the Las Vegas business community. The honor recognizes Smart City for its innovative event technology, industry leadership, and foresight in the business community in Las Vegas and nationwide. “We are excited to be honored by our local business community as a Trendsetter,” said Mark Haley, President of Smart City Networks. “I am proud of the work our team has done to position Smart City as an industry leader in providing cutting edge, innovative technology to convention centers across the country and the ongoing positive impact our efforts continue to have on a national scale.” With over 200 employees nationwide, Smart City has solidified its role as an industry leader in not only telecommunications and event technology, but also in leading key initiatives within the meeting and convention industry. Most recently, Smart City led the charge with the International Association of Venue Managers to establish Common Sense Rules for WiFi usage in convention centers and other public venues. Smart City took a proactive stance on what wireless network management actions should be permitted and recommended strategies for promoting the enhanced security for networks and devices utilizing WiFi in industry venues. “Being actively involved with industry issues on a national scale is an important initiative for Smart City,” Haley said. “As an industry leader, it is crucial for us to lead efforts in presenting resolutions to industry issues and eventually, establishing new standards that improve the entire convention and meeting industry.”
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Megan Comfort (Vice President, SBA/Small Business Manager, Nevada State Bank), Mark Haley (President, Smart City Networks), Kristen McMillan (President and CEO, Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce)
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BOOSTS A M E R I C A' S C E N T E R C O M P L E X
“Daryl Olson (General Manager) has been fantastic to work with in the past and this year was no exception! He and his team were excellent, as usual.” Mark Meadows, National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC)
COLORADO CONVENTION CENTER
“To our partners and supporters at Smart City, each year that we return to Project Homeless Connect rekindles inspiration by demonstrating all that is possible when our community shows up together to assist those in need. This year presented us with one of the greatest challenges we've faced--over 1300 individuals with varied needs, stories, hopes, and strength arrived to seek assistance. Our community responded with over 100 service providers and nearly 900 volunteers from the community. And thanks to your generous support and contribution of wi-fi services and support, we could provide more items & services than ever before to the people who need them most! We are so grateful for your support of our community!” Chris Conner, Interim Executive Director, Denver's Road Home
INDIANA CONVENTION CENTER
“Ben Behnkendorf (General Manager) and Desmond Baskerville (Data Operations Professional), just want to say thank you for helping our conference go well with internet and wireless. I appreciate Ben’s quick response to my last minute requests. Overall things went very well. I will look forward to working with Smart City (and hopefully all you folks) next time we come to Indianapolis.” Rick Daniell, Event Services Manager, North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference
HENRY B. GONZALEZ CONVENTION CENTER
“I wanted to thank Smart City Networks for stellar Internet/technical service received at our con-ference in San Antonio (October 22-25, 2017). I and a few others were there on-site from October 16 through the 25th. Specifically, I want to compliment your Operations Manager and Guillermo Huerta (Customer Sales & Service Manager). I’ve been with ICMA for 30 years, and have been to quite a few conferences. Your Ops Manager and Mr. Huerta were incredible to work with. Unlike a lot of people I’ve worked with, they both do what they say they’re going to do. Your Ops Manager made promises…and delivered. Every time he told me he was going to do something, and that it would work – it did. We had only one problem, which after an hour or so of him helping us to troubleshoot, turned out to be one of our routers. As soon as we subtracted it, it was like magic. I don’t know how many times I called him with a question or concern because of something we hadn’t planned for. He handled it all with skill and grace, and got us what we needed. He did whatever was necessary to make sure our internet was strong (wired and wireless). I got zero complaints from staff. Again a first. The folks who run ICMA TV and our Virtual Conference reported they had no bandwidth issues. His professionalism, good nature, and work ethic made my job easy and fun. When we did our initial site visit, Mr. Huerta told me that you’d upgraded your Wi-Fi coverage. We paid a little extra to get the next tier of wireless service. As Wi-Fi is usually one of the two major complaints we get from attendees, we weren’t sure what to expect – though I was encouraged after seeing so many access points in so many areas. Turns out he was correct. The few complaints (5 or 6?) we got were not really complaints. They had more to do with the fact that some people’s devices didn’t handle the splash page well when they first attempted to connect. Other than that, even my boss, who is a stickler, said the app she built for the event worked well because the internet service was solid. That’s a first for us. Making as much money as you can is important, but Mr. Huerta and your Ops Manager did what it took to help make our event a success. They worked with us so that we didn’t have to 'pay through the nose’ to get great service. I will recommend Smart City Networks (and by extension, Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center) to everyone I know who is part of a conference planning team. My only problem now is that I’m not confident we’ll have the same experience at other venues.” Nat Morgan, ICMA
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GM INSIGHT CBRS — What is it?
CHRIS WHARRY — GENERAL MANAGER, GEORGE R. BROWN CONVENTION CENTER
In 2015, the FCC established the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) which allows shared usage of the 3.5 GHz band. The CBRS band was a product of a national broadband plan to find an additional 500 MHz of spectrum for commercial use. Currently, 3.5 GHz is used by the U.S. Navy for radar, mainly in coastal areas. Being that the band was not frequently used, the FCC worked with the Navy on a plan to permit and share the spectrum. Sharing spectrum is a relatively new concept but has been well received by the industry. This allocation was created as another means to provide high-quality broadband internet and cellular offload. The CBRS will be regulated by three access tiers – Incumbent Access, Priority Access and General Authorized Access. A cloud-based Spectrum Access System or SAS will be implemented as a way to protect higher-tier users from lower-tier users as well as optimizing the usage of available spectrum. The SAS will maintain a database of all CBRS radios and their locations to protect from interference and coordinate power and channel settings. The process is a bit complex, but these systems are in place to ensure the multiple tiers play fairly together. The Incumbent Access tier, which includes the military, will be given priority over all other tiers. What is significant about the CBRS is the ability for groups to purchase potentially low-cost licenses for protected spectrum. As wireless networks become more and more congested, there is a greater need to operate critical networks securely and without risk of interference. Airports, hospitals, industrial plants and large public venues are just some of the places that could benefit from the protected spectrum. Enterprises and service providers could also utilize the 3.5 GHz band for IoT connectivity and potentially a replacement for WiFi services. Cellular providers are interested in CBRS for future 5G deployment. So when will we see CBRS in action? The FCC has recently granted licenses to vendors to conduct trials. Meanwhile, active demonstrations are currently in progress. The FCC is still fine-tuning the rules of CBRS, and the auction process still needs to be set. The expectation is that we will see 3.5 GHz incorporated in devices as soon as 2018. It will be interesting to see how the industry will fully utilize this new spectrum and the exciting products that are sure to come from it.
BOOSTS TA MPA CON V ENTION CENTER
“Mitchell Hughes (General Manager), Madison Grimes (CSSR), and Caleb Carro (Technician) were SUPER Professional and also personable, they bent backward in providing assistance and I welcomed the daily check making sure all was well and that our meeting was up and running. Requested Internet drops and Wi-Fi was installed and readily available prior to arrival.” KEITH MITCHELL, AVS IT
ATL A NTIC CIT Y CON V ENTION CENTER
“Ryan McCart (General Manager), please share with your team that you're all fantastic. I speak at many conferences and many venues and rarely is the support team for internet so friendly, responsive and helpful. Thank you so very much for a great experience!” Leigh York, Owner/Talent, Leigh Speaks
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CE N T E R U PDAT E S LAS VEGAS - CORPORATE: UNLV JOB FA IR
On October 25th, Julia Slocombe (VP West Operations), Christy Hogan (Customer Support Manager) and Pedro Arias (Customer Sales & Service Supervisor) represented Smart City Networks at the UNLV Career Services Fall Job Fair. The event was held for UNLV students and alumni to connect with potential employers and network for future internship and job opportunities. Julia, Christy, and Pedro spoke to dozens of eager students about the numerous opportunities we have for passionate, tech savvy career seekers across the United States, including our Management Development Program. This position is a paid comprehensive six-month development program designed to prepare graduating seniors for a rewarding career in technology and hospitality with job placement PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Christy Hogan (Customer Support Manager) and opportunities at one of our partner facilities upon Pedro Arias (Customer Support Supervisor) successful completion. The event was a big success with spreading information about Smart City and our positive corporate culture as well as finding the next potential candidates to impact the Smart City team!
BOOSTS ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER
“I love working with Smart City!! 2nd year working with Kenneth Kitchell (CSSR) for the Orange County Auto show, and just like last year he was a rock star. Very helpful and knowledgeable in offering solutions to our technical needs. Very much appreciated.” Iris Alba, Honda, Orange County Auto Show
FORT WORTH CONVENTION CENTER
“Janae Tinsley (General Manager) worked with us very clearly and diligently. She also addressed issues of cost up front and handled every situation professionally. I would be very happy to work with her in the future.” Ellen Cassady, American Angus Association National Angus Convention & Trade Show
WA LT ER E . WA SHIN G T O N C O N V EN T I O N CEN T ER
“Jim Erickson (General Manager), I wanted to say a BIG ‘thank you’ to your team–James Zarharchuck (Data Operations Professional) and Marlon Brown (Technician) in particular–for their assistance resolving our network down issue this week. Their willingness to help us troubleshoot is very much appreciated, and their quick response, once the problem was identified, was wonderful. James’ knowledge and grace under pressure were both of great value as we worked to find the problem. Marlon was (as usual) so great at getting a solution together quickly. Just wanted to let you know that I appreciate the support, and value the team spirit that your staff bring to their work.” Rebecca Ryan, Network Operations Manager, Events DC
L AS V EGAS — CORPOR ATE “Bea Rivera (CSSR II), I cannot help but notice that you’ve responded to many of my emails pretty freaking early for somebody based in Vegas, and for whatever it may be worth, I am impressed and perhaps even a little inspired.” Scott Matthews, StewartMDM, MBA's Annual Convention and Expo
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CE N T E R U PDAT E S LOS ANGELES:
L ACC GENER ATES RECORD-BRE A K ING $781 MILLION IN ECONOMIC IMPAC T FOR CIT Y
LISA PLUMMER SAVAS — TSNN
If the Los Angeles Convention Center’s recent fiscal report is any indication, the Downtown L.A. facility most certainly is not a loss-leader, but rather an integral economic impact generator for the City of Los Angeles. The LACC recently reported generating a record-breaking $781 million of economic impact for the City in fiscal year 2016/2017, with $478 million attributed to convention attendee direct spending. An additional $26.4 million was generated in tax revenues to the City, with $18.2 million in hotel transient-occupancy tax contributions to the City’s general fund – an increase of more than $90 million in total economic impact during the previous fiscal year. “As a centerpiece of Downtown L.A., the Los Angeles Convention Center has proven to be an integral economic impact driver for the City,” said Doane Liu, executive director of the Los Angeles Department of Convention and Tourism Development. He continued, “LACC events support L.A.’s economy through the direct and indirect spending by event and convention attendees on travel, lodging, meals, transportation and entertainment, saving local taxpayer dollars and contributing funds for essential city services.” The facility also set a record in the number of events it hosted, including a rise in citywide conventions that resulted in an increased occupancy rate of 74 percent (according to industry standard, a convention center is considered fully occupied at 70 percent). During fiscal year 2016/2017, the LACC hosted 2.2 million visitors across 215 events, including consumer shows, industry trade shows and 32 large-scale citywide conventions such as the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American Association of Neurological Surgeons and College of Chest Physicians, which filled an estimated 526,000 hotel room nights while sustaining 12,700 local jobs.
MIAMI BEACH: A R T B A S E L 2017
At the nexus of North America and Latin America, Art Basel in Miami Beach presents artworks from across the globe. Over 250 of the world’s leading galleries participate drawing over 70,000 visitors each year, offering an exciting and inspiring week for artists, collectors, curators, critics and art enthusiasts. Smart City services for Art Basel: • Wireless Buyout Service for 5,000 User with 300 unique login credentials for Exhibitors on a full 1 gig circuit. • 15 Wireless Hotspots locations on the Exhibit floor for attendees seating areas. • Custom network which includes creating a Mobile IDF on wheels for Internet access, Wireless, VoIP Phones and Analog phones outside the facility for Art Basel VIP Tents & Box Office. • 60 Mbps internet connection for Show management hardwire connections and Staff wireless.
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Gerald D'Angelo (Technician), Andrew Brown (General Manager) and Yanderis Lodos (Event Coordinator)
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CE N T E R U PDAT E S LAS VEGAS - CORPORATE: END OF Y E A R HOLIDAY PA RT Y
The Smart City Corporate Office in Las Vegas celebrated the annual Holiday Party at the Spanish Trails Country Club. It was an exciting, fun-packed event with a “Dress from Your Favorite Era” theme for all employees and their loved ones to enjoy. The evening started with refreshments and a dinner catered by the country club. Throughout the night everyone enjoyed busting moves on the dancefloor with a live DJ, a goofing around in a prop-filled photo booth, and winning exciting raffle prizes. This event is a wonderful, yearly tradition that brings everyone together to celebrate a long year of hard work.
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Nycole Smith (CSSR II), Miriam Cowell (AES), and LaBrea Marshall (AES)
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Angel Moreno (NOC System Admin) and wife
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Dion Doucet (Marketing Associate) and Angel Chaidez (AES)
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PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Scott Zickefoose (NOC Systems Admin) and Lisa Paul (Staff Accountant II)
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Jacki Miller (VP Finance & Administration) and Terry Funk (Sr. Director Business Development)
CE N T E R U PDAT E S
PICTURED RIGHT TO LEFT: Maria Gomez (Payroll Specialist) and daughter
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Rani Bush (Quality Assurance Manager) and Melinda Hernandez (CSSR III)
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Debra Green (Accounting Clerk) and Christy Hogan (Customer Support Manager) PICTURED: Marina Joyner (Administrative Assistant II)
PICTURED: David Langford (VP Technology) and wife PICTURED: Adriann Kamakahukilani (Billing/AR Specialist)
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CE N T E R U PDAT E S LAS VEGAS - CORPORATE:
RENOVATIONS AT HE A DQUA RTERS
Smart City Networks, the nation’s leading provider of telecommunications services for the convention and meeting industry, is expanding operations at their Las Vegas headquarters to accommodate the company’s growing team and services. “We’re so proud of Smart City’s growth nationally and the corresponding expansion of our team and facilities here in Las Vegas,” said Mark Haley, President of Smart City Networks. “Our Las Vegas team plays a critical role in providing the support services our facility partners count on to ensure their event and meeting planners have successful conventions and tradeshows.” Smart City, which currently oversees the telecommunications infrastructures at more than 39 convention centers and venues across the country, has had a four year run of record contract renewals and wins. This growth required the expansion of support operations after installing new systems to upgrade the company’s monitoring capabilities for the data and voice networks at Smart City convention venues nationwide. The installation required the hiring of additional engineering staff at the company’s Network Operations Center (NOC) in Las Vegas, who monitor and analyze the networks, and provide technical support, 24/7. This, along with several other key hires the company has made in Las Vegas throughout 2017, created a need for Smart City to reimagine, and renovate its corporate offices in Southwest Las Vegas. The project, which took place over the summer, resulted in an expanded NOC, new conference space, additional offices for staff, and a larger training facility for the team. “We’re looking forward to continued growth in Las Vegas and we’re committed to being a vibrant participant in the Las Vegas business community,” Haley said.
ORLANDO:
TE A M CELEBR ATES NINE EMPLOY EE MILESTONES We would like to congratulate nine team members Frank Loyke (Senior Event Coordinator), Whitey Rodriguez (Operations Manager), Mike Hampton (Operations Supervisor), Ted Moore (Technician), Ernie Swilley (Technician), Ron Roberts (Technician), Robert Romero (Technician), Larry Mann (Technician), and John Boraca (CSSR) for fifteen years with Smart City. These nine employees have been with the Orlando Smart City team from the beginning and have certainly become an asset to this company. We appreciate the selfless service you've given for so many years. Without the loyalty and hard work of experts like you who helped us get things started, we could never have achieved our present stature. Congratulations! We look forward to many more years to come.
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WE CARE AND GIVE BACK Smart City Networks Donates Big For Holiday Giving Initiative Tis’ the season of giving and once again Smart City Networks chose philanthropic organizations from around the country for its holiday giving initiative: “We Care and Give Back”. With the help of employees from select partner facilities, local non-profits were selected for the company’s annual donations. This year, a generous gift was presented to six individual charities:
PICTURED LEFT: Dan Dobson (General Manager)
• • • • • •
Aloha Harvest in Honolulu, Hawaii Kentucky Employees Charitable Campaign in Louisville, Kentucky Bill Wilson Center in Santa Clara, California Downtown Women’s Center in Los Angeles, California Assistance League in Las Vegas, Nevada National YoungArts Foundation in Miami, Florida
Throughout the year our team members also volunteer their time to various community organizations in the cities in which Smart City operates. This is the 10th consecutive year that contributions have been made toward the company holiday giving initiative.
PICTURED LEFT & RIGHT: David Bachler (General Manager) and Larissa Franzen (CSSR)
PICTURED FAR RIGHT: Emiliano Fernandez (General Manager)
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Matt Chavez (Operations Manager), Henry De La Rosa (General Manager), Robbie Bridges (Customer Sales & Service Manager), and Steve Khadoory (Data Operations Professional)
N E W A R R I VA L S
Smart City President, Mark Haley, welcomed his first grandchild, Marshall Wheeler, into the world. Marshall weighed in at 9 pounds 1 ounce and measured 22 inches long. Congratulations Mark!
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WE CARE AND GIVE BACK WEEK OF SERVICE PHOTOS
PICTURED: LA & Anaheim teams prepped food with We Give Thanks
PICTURED: Columbus team baked cookies at the Ronald McDonald House
PICTURED: Cincinnati team assisted with the Fall Feast Coat Drive
PICTURED: Dallas team fed the homeless at Dallas Life
PICTURED: Denver team serving food with Volunteers of America
PICTURED: St. Louis team cleaned up at the local Foodbank
PICTURED: Charlotte team cleaned up at the Ronald McDonald House PICTURED: Houston NRG & GRB teams sorted donated goods at the local Foodbank
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WE CARE
AND GIVE BACK
PICTURED: Indianapolis team prepping bouquets at Random Acts of Flowers
PICTURED: Kentucky team volunteered with Jr. Achievement
PICTURED: Minneapolis team packed food for Feed My Starving Children
PICTURED: Phoenix team volunteered with St. Joseph the Worker
PICTURED: Miami Beach team cleaned up the Deering Estate with Keep Miami Beautiful
PICTURED: Seattle team volunteered with Ronald McDonald House
PICTURED: Reno team prepared care packages for the troops with the Blue Star Mothers of America
PICTURED: Tampa team cleaned up the Downtown Parks with Keep Tampa Beautiful
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THE MONTH
EMPLOYEE OF
WITOLD MYSLINSKI
September
Technician II - Smart City San Diego Witold is the technician everyone wants to work with. Everyday Witold, or “Witek”, as he prefers, brings his "A" game. He shows up several minutes before the start of his shift, prepared and ready to get on it out of the gate. When a support call comes in, Witek is often the first to respond, committed through the process to a successful outcome. His calm demeanor in moments of tension reassures others that its going to be OK. In a relatively short time he has pushed himself to learn all areas of the center equipment, systems and infrastructure. From switches to APs , from phones systems to security, Witek has made it his mission to learn it all. Not only does he learn it all, he turns around and teaches others what he has learned. From creating tech labs with spare equipment for others to train on, to leading group classes on how to program phones, Witek gives back for the betterment of all. He recently passed the Network + exam and now has his sights on completing the CCNA certification.
ALBERT JANAK
Master Electrician - Smart City Houston GRB
October
As GRB started taking in people to shelter from Hurricane Harvey, they needed utilities and communications. Local Smart City staff was unable to make it into work due to most roads being impassable. Albert knew that someone had to be there to support the Red Cross and first responders. So as Albert’s home began to take on water from a nearby creek, he jumped in his car and headed to work. Albert was the only Smart City employee onsite for nearly 2 days until relief was able to make it in. Knowing that water was actively flowing through his home and many of his belongings destroyed, he continued to keep his head up and maintained a positive attitude. “It’s just stuff” he said. Albert knew the need for him at work was greater than anything going on at home. For putting others before his own needs during a time of crisis and risking his life to get to work, I cannot think of anyone more deserving of employee of the month.
M AT THE W TOLEDO
November
Technician I - Smart City Orlando
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Matthew exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated Smart City team member. From the day he took on his role here at the center, Matthew has engaged everyone he comes into contact with, not only with a smile but a positive energy that is both approachable and uplifting. He proactively seeks to learn multiple aspects of our business by seeking help and passing on what he has learned freely. This spirit fosters excellent teams as it provides a fine example for all, "Teams Work." Under some of the most challenging circumstances and scheduling needs he signs his work with excellence consistently and checks with the team to ensure that his version of done right is the same as those requesting the assistance. A great example of "Do right by all our customers" and “Getting things done right the first time.”
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TEAM MEMBER MILESTONES
15 Y E A R S Smart City's VP Central Operations, Tim Wortman, celebrated his fifteenyear anniversary in October. We want to thank Tim for all of his hard work with Smart City for the past 15 years!
10 Y E A RS Smart City Corporate's Staff Accountant, Lisa Paul, celebrated her tenyear anniversary in October. We want to thank Lisa for all of her hard work with Smart City for the past 10 years!
5 YEARS Smart City Charlotte's CSSR, Darryl Galmon, celebrated his five-year anniversary in December. We want to thank Darryl for all of his hard work with Smart City for the past 5 years!
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ANNIVERSARIES
EMPLOYEE OCTOBER 2017 Albert Janak Kevin Patch Chris Wharry Tim Wortman Matthew Casaus Melinda Hernandez Chris Pendleton Lisa Paul Robert Garner Mohammed Nouwass Brian Fairbanks
22 years 19 years 16 years 15 years 12 years 11 years 11 years 1 0 years 9 years 5 years 3 years
Joshua Poston Michael Bowser Jason Gavin Kolton Gable Mtthew Toledo David Alley Dan Castleberry Lia Saifman
2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 1 year 1 year 1 year 1 year 1 year 1 year
19 years 16 years 13 years 11 years 9 years 7 years 7 years 6 years 6 years
Melissa Luckey Lais Vang Robert Bonville Roberto Ramos-Burgos Matthew Yauch Orianna Mendoza Jimenez Amy Stone David Bachler Alvaro Zapata
3 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 1 year 1 year 1 year 1 year
23 years 11 years 8 years 5 years 3 years
Billy Bischof Duane Law Jacki Miller Marina Joyner
2 years 1 year 1 year 1 year
Pedro Arias Mario Sanchez
James Zarharchuck
NOVEMBER 2017 Joe Melacon Jr. Dennis O'Gara Jim Snook Marlon Brown Todd Zuccato Maria Gomez Jessica Torres-Cruz Matthew Chavez Carolyn McDonald
DECEMBER 2017 Henry De La Rosa Yanderis Lodos Ben Behnkendorf Darryl Galmon Aaron Kahn
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