Rewarding and Recognizing Your Members

At Eastman Kodak Company where I work, we have a set of “core values” that guide both our business conduct and manner in which Kodak employees relate to and work with one another.

Five of these values have been in place since the time of Kodak founder, George Eastman.

• Respect for the dignity of the individual
• Uncompromising integrity
• Trust
• Credibility
• Continual improvement and personal renewal

However, in the year 2000, Kodak added a sixth core value.

Recognizing and celebrating achievement

Like many other organizations, Kodak has become aware of the importance of recognizing, celebrating, and rewarding the accomplishments of its employees. Individuals who feel appreciated are motivated, and few things motivate better than praise for a job well done.

In the Rochester, NY, ACS section, we also adhere to this core value. A centerpiece of our yearly calendar is the Rochester ACS Annual Awards Banquet. Traditionally held in the fall, this dinner meeting is where the Rochester section says “Thank You” to its many volunteers and active members. The awards presented fall into several categories.

The Rochester Section Award—This is our most prestigious award for volunteers. The Section Award is presented to a Rochester ACS member who has rendered outstanding service to the Society either locally or nationally. It is not required that the award be given each year. The Rochester Section Award can also be presented to a group of individuals. This was the case in 2005 when the Northeast Regional Meeting (NERM) 2004 Organizing Committee was presented with the award. The winners of the Section Award receive a large ACS plaque with their name on it, and each winner and a guest are treated to dinner at the Awards Banquet.

Special Recognition Awards—Numerous Special Recognition Awards may also be presented at the Awards Banquet. These awards are presented to section members who have rendered unflagging service in a number of capacities over an extended time span, or those who have made a one-time special effort and a significant contribution to the section. Special Recognition Award winners receive a small ACS plaque and are treated to dinner.

Teacher of the Year Award—Each year the Rochester Section solicits nominations for its High School Chemistry Teacher of the Year Award. A selection committee reviews the nominations and chooses a winner. The award winner is presented with an ACS plaque and is honored at our Awards Dinner.

Technician of the Year Award—The Rochester Technician Affiliate Group (TAG) coordinates this award, which recognizes outstanding work in the field of Chemical Technology.

50-Year Members—Rochester ACS Members who have reached their 50-year ACS membership milestone are also honored at our Awards Banquet. They receive embossed certificates from the national ACS office, and each winner and a guest are treated to dinner. Their biographies, prepared by the Rochester Section’s Retired Chemists committee, are published in the section’s newsletter and in the Awards Banquet program.

Occasionally, other special awards may also be presented at the Rochester Awards Banquet. The main purpose of the evening, however, is to reward our volunteers and thank them for their efforts. It is their contributions that make the Rochester Section successful. If your local section doesn’t already have a recognition event for your members, why not start one this year?

James H. Reynolds
Local Section Assistance & Development Subcommittee
ACS Committee on Local Section Activities

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