Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, August 20, 1995 TAG: 9508180018
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: F1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Roberta H. ``Bobbie'' Brogan
Supervisor of health services for the Head Start program at Total Action Against Poverty, Roanoke
As I reflect back over the previous years of work, I realize what I love best about my job is the positive energy that I receive when I am at work. It is [from] the work itself that I do to help others that I receive the greatest reward. I see that all 700 Head Start children receive health and dental care that otherwise they may not be able to receive.
I am able to enjoy my job and perform at the best of my abilities because I have the support of my director and my staff. The health component at TAP Head Start functions as a team. We all work together for the benefit of the child.
Nan Basham
Roanoker is a door greeter at Sam's Club
They are the best company in the world to work for. They care about their people. They care about their members. They go out of their way to help anyone that they can. It makes me feel so good to see the members coming in to do their shopping.
Jeannie Hale
Roanoker is an account executive with Networking Solutions, a telemarketing company selling business services for Bell Atlantic Corp.
Everyone there I consider to be a personal friend. We share a common bond - we want each other and the company to succeed. We help each other out constantly.
Everyone has his or her own brand of humor, all different, but all good, and we make use of it every day in between the tension of sales and sometimes disappointment in losing one.
Management is quick to praise us, and if there is something negative to address, it is said in a very tactful and constructive way.
Clarence Bowman
Roanoker works at Friendship Pharmacy. His boss is Dan Anderson.
I have a terrific boss. Listed are some of the reasons I like him.
Every day, he greets me with a smile and hello.
He never complains when I make a mistake; he explains how it should be done.
He never rushes me to get a job done or gives me a time limit to get things done.
If he asks me to do something extra, he asks me if it is going to inconvenience me.
Sometimes when we have extra work at the end of the day, I stay until we are finished, and he always thanks me for the help.
I work with wonderful co-workers, always helpful and joking.
Steve Dillard
Vinton resident has worked 61/2 years in Roanoke for Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
I am in transportation, the other employees are a pretty good bunch to work with, we have a good time and get the job done, management is real good to us, our equipment is great, and safety is No.1.
There are 38 drivers in Roanoke, and knowing you are one of these makes me feel like an elite few in Roanoke.
Carmel M. Crouch
Salemite is a janitor-helper and maid at Roanoke County's Arnold R. Burton Technology Center in Salem.
The two principals and my supervisor are very good to work around. They are very considerate people.
They are so appreciative of all you do. The teachers are friendly and nice, also.
Donald W. Linzey
Professor of biology at Wytheville Community College lives in Blacksburg and said he enjoys going to work each day despite the 100-mile commute.
Teaching is gratifying to me because I can have an influence in the lives of a great many students. I have the opportunity not only of teaching them specific subject matter but also counseling them and helping them decide on their future careers.
One of the unique aspects that I like about teaching is the fact that I get to ``start over'' several times each year. With most jobs, a person goes to work and does the same basic tasks day after day, year after year. Teaching is different. At the beginning of each semester, I start anew - different students, different course.
Lillian Petty
77-year-old is an office assistant in the commissioner of revenue's office in Clifton Forge
I look forward to coming to work because of the work, but most of all, because of my co-workers. We do all work together to get the work done. I have been here six years, and we never have any contention. I do love my job and co-workers and hate to miss a day.
Freda Barton
Roanoker is receptionist at Packaging Corporation of America
We are a small office, but we are like family. We offer to help each other whenever we can and do what we can to get the job completed on a timely basis. In the evening when we start to leave, it sounds like the Walton family saying goodbye.
I lost my husband in August 1994 from cancer, and my daughter has caused me some concerns over the past two years. If it had not been for a job I enjoy so much and people here in the office being so supportive, I more than likely would have had a nervous breakdown. Trust me, I have had jobs that caused me to be ill at just the thought of going to work. Because of the respect and consideration I am shown, I make every effort to be at work regardless of how sick I feel physically. I am always willing to learn something new as I want to feel I am an asset to my position and to the company. I sincerely hope I can retire from PCA, as I have no desire to change jobs any[time] soon.
Marie Holdren Byrd
Moneta resident is bookkeeper at Staunton River Middle School in Bedford County
Every day involves assisting students, teachers and parents in some special way. Some days are much busier than others, yet there is never any time for boredom.
There are other benefits to this job apart from those normally provided by an employer. When I walk through local stores, I often am greeted by a friendly smile and a ``Hi, Mrs. Byrd.'' It's nice to know that they fondly remember me.
Malcolm Firth
Hot Springs resident has been in the real estate business for 49 years.
Just why do I enjoy what I do?
You are your own boss and are paid directly for what you produce.
You can pick you clients and do not have to deal with anyone.
You do not have to travel and can be home every night.
You can generally work when you want to work with no time clock.
You are helping people make the largest investment of their life.
You can be a Realtor and not worry about bargain commissions.
You can select and price your inventory, but you don't pay for it.
You can get started with a minimum amount of cash.
Real estate is an excellent investment, and you can study it and buy it.
You work with professionals, lawyers, bankers, accountants, etc.
Lina Guilliams
Roanoke County resident is administrative assistant to the president of the Lewis-Gale Foundation. ``Yes, I love my job,'' she wrote. ``Each day I can't wait to start.''
Although we are a small group, we accomplish a great deal as we apply our energies to work completely as a ``team.'' I have worked in the past at positions that expressed ``team effort,'' but never have I experienced the closeness and desire to help each other.
My job gives me balance. I can go home knowing I have done something that makes me happy, and in a sense, I take my job home with me because I feel I am a better parent to my teen-age son if I come home with a feeling of satisfaction.
by CNB