“We realize that as a company our people are our most valuable asset, and that continuous training impacts organizational competitiveness, revenue and performance,” said John C. Metz, chairman & CEO, Metz & Associates, Ltd. “By continuing to invest in team training programs and rewarding exemplary performance, we can improve employee retention and overall workforce morale, which in turn will lead to a higher level of customer service provided to our clients.”

Nearly 200 Metz team members, including foodservice directors, district managers, vice presidents, and corporate support personnel attended Summit 2009. Day one featured educational breakout sessions by division on the topics of team building, hospitality and sustainability, which has been an area of intense focus for the Metz team this past year. Safety Awards and Making a Difference Awards were distributed throughout the day to those divisional team members who have gone above and beyond and truly made a difference to the organization and clients served.

Many invited guests, including 55 vendors, joined the Metz team for an evening cocktail reception and awards dinner at the Nittany Lion Inn. Special Recognition and Exemplary Performance were among the awards presented to honorees during the evening. Top honors went to Bob Aughenbaugh, who received the Presidential/CEO award for his continued contributions in driving outstanding business performance in the areas of operations, and to Cavin Sullivan who was named Manager of the Year for his relentless pursuit of culinary and guest satisfaction.

“Summit provides us with the opportunity to assemble the entire Metz management team to honor those individuals who have excelled at providing an outstanding level of service throughout the year,” said Harold Leininger, president & COO. “It gives us great pride to congratulate these team members for the many contributions they have made to the success of the organization and to our clients.”

Day two began with a welcome from Leininger who provided an overview of the company’s current and future growth forecast and other initiatives. He also spoke about the organization’s strong focus on going green and sustainability and detailed various green programs that had been implemented throughout the year.

Maureen Dodson, a professor at Pennsylvania State University, took the stage to present DISC, a four-quadrant behavior model that examines the behavior of individuals in their environment or within a specific situation. Prior to the event, the management team was evaluated to determine their dominant personality style and then discussions were held to explain how each style could best interact with others.

Day two ended with an upbeat and interactive Smile & Move presentation, based on the best-selling book, which features tips on inspiring those around you to greater levels of service and contribution. Presented by Metz’ corporate and operations team members, Smile & Move was a call to positive action to be happy and do something, and served as a reinforcement of how we should approach both our work life and our home life. Team members received copies of the book and were encouraged to Wake Up and focus attention on situations and people around them, Be Thankful and approach their days and work with gratitude, Be Approachable, because it’s and interdependent world, Complain Less and Smile, because smiles are contagious.

“It was our goal with this year’s Summit to arm our management team with the knowledge and tools necessary to forge ahead, especially in this down economy, to break new barriers and reach new goals,” Leininger said. “Summit 2009 inspired us all to be the best we can be, both at work and in our personal lives.”

Metz & Associates, Ltd., a premier food service company for the Northeast United States, provides dining and environmental management to clients such as hospitals, assisted living & long-term care facilities, school districts and independent schools, colleges and universities and corporate offices. For more information on Metz & Associates, Ltd., visit our website at www.metzltd.com or call 570.675.8100.