Friend of the NILE
Metra Maintenance Crew
BY MARIA TIBBETTS
W
hen an event brings thousands of people—plus cattle, horses and other livestock—to a facility, a lot of work happens behind the scenes to make the experience positive.
That’s where the Metra maintenance crew comes in for the NILE. From emptying trash cans to fixing lights, hauling dirt, setting up panels, making sure the heat or air conditioning is working, the crew is on duty to make sure all the duties get done. “They are just amazing,” said McCall Linke, NILE equine and communications director. “It’s not just the work that they do, it’s their kindness toward us. They look out for us, which is nice. They always say hi to us, always wave. If we need something, they are the go-getters who just go do it. They are so accommodating, which we appreciate so much.” Kevin Richeson is an electrician/engineer with the Metra maintenance crew. He estimates they support more than 300 events throughout the year, but the NILE is one of the biggest. “It’s a lot of work for the maintenance guys, but it’s great for the community and brings people from all over,” he said. The staff is full-time, with two engineers and about 12 maintenance staff. The NILE office is on the fairgrounds, so the NILE staff works with the Metra staff year-round. “They tease us a little, take some of our candy and just make sure we’re doing okay,” Linke said. “They have a great staff—we like to make sure they’re safe and their needs are met,” Richeson said. “They’re just a great bunch of people to work for. The maintenance guys appreciate when their work gets recognized, so it was nice of the NILE to give us this award and dinner. It was much appreciated.”
44
50th
STOCK SHOW & RODEO
| A PUBLICATION OF
TRI-STATE LIVESTOCK NEWS