By Rachel Loetzbeier
Elm Staff Writer
Washington College, along with 41 other schools, recently competed in the Mid-Atlantic Region’s Be-A-Star program hosted by Chartwells, a food service company that manages WC’s dining services. The Be-A-Star program recognizes associates and food service teams for outstanding business achievement. This year’s theme was 1-2-3 Grow, designed to recognize a concept that not only promotes going green, but also reflects the personal advances and success of exceptional employees.
WC won two out of the four attainable achievements in the Be-A-Star Competition. The Star One- Achievement Two, YouFirst Retail Sales Challenge was judged based on: an increase in sales; distinctive, successful innovations; and food service competitors that have exceeded all efforts. The Star One- Achievement Three, YouFirst Associate Challenge recognizes an employee for helping satisfy guests, assisting their teams in any way possible, and helping to grow their business while exceeding their duties.
Winning both the Retail Sales Challenge and the Associate Challenge was significant since this was the first time WC has ever won a Be-A-Star challenge on a regional level.
“We put a lot of work in and we work really hard. We try to come up with new ideas and fun things,” said Martha’s Kitchen employee Tiffany Younghein.
Office Manager Tammy Zurek agrees.
“I think it’s great. We deserve it,” she said.
Since WC won the regional competition, the next step will be to compete on the national level. The corporate Be-A-Star committee will then pick a winner chosen from all of the regional winners.
Mondo’s Subs, Martha’s Kitchen, Java George, and the café in the Miller Library were recognized for their outstanding ability to increase the number of customers as well as increase profits based on creative promotions. For example, Rock, Paper, Scissors and Flip a Coin promotions were run to attract more patrons and help spur sales.
“Our favorite promotion at Martha’s would have to be Boy Band Thursdays, when we give a random person a chance to win candy if they can sing a song from a boy band,” Younghein said. A gift card was awarded for winning the Retail Sales Challenge.
“We don’t know what it will be yet, but we plan on using the gift card to do an activity for our retail team,” said Director of Dining Services Zena Maggitti.
Winner of the YouFirst Star Associate Challenge, and a member of WC’s dining services team since August 2004, Director of Retail Dining Jennifer Sipala clearly exemplified the spirit of YouFirst achievement by possessing a “can-do” attitude, great ideas, inspiration and great leadership, high standards, a passion for quality, always taking responsibility, and being a team player.
“Jenn definitely represents the YouFirst spirit. Besides having all the qualities, she is creative and encourages fellow employees,” Maggitti said.
“It feels really good to be recognized, but not just for me. The entire retail staff deserves credit too, because we would not have been able to accomplish these achievements with out everyone working together as a team,” Sipala said.
The Be-A-Star Program has three “Star” periods, which follow the first three quarts of the fiscal year. When the fourth quarter rolls around, points from winning previous Star achievements are counted and the winners will be notified. WC still needs to compete in two more “Star” periods before moving on to compete in the National Challenge.
Our dining staff here at WC goes above and beyond to satisfy their customers. After being recognized regionally, hopefully the dining staff will win the other needed stars to continue their success in the National Challenge.