DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS NEWS
June/July 2017
NORFOLK PUBLIC WORKS WEEK 2017 EBENEZER STEVENS’ WINNERS The 2017 APWA Poster Theme (left) is “Public Works Connects Us”. This year we celebrate the vital role public works plays in connecting us all together. As the cornerstone of civilization, public works provides, maintains and improves the structures and services that assures a higher quality of life for our communities. Its streets, road, bridges, and public transportation keeps us linked together from coast to coast, and its clean water and sanitation services keeps us healthy and allows our communities to grow and prosper. The executive staff proudly salutes and thanks each and every public works’ employee who worked tirelessly every day to strengthen the bond that keeps us all in Norfolk connected.
OUR WEEK began with a Career Day that allowed people throughout the city to get insight into the positions being offered within the department of Public Works. Attendees came in with resumes for PW staff and division heads to review. During the event, computers were set up so that participants could also get tips on completing job applications and supplemental questions. Tuesday, May 23 we celebrated our 40th Anniversary of the Ebenezer Stevens Award Program. The Public Works Team were honored to be in the presence of so many executive staff members from the City Manager’s office to Directors, but we were most honored by Councilwoman Mamie Johnson who acknowledged and expressed gratitude for the hard work Public Works employees do each and every day. Wednesday, May 24 the employees of the Leadership Development III class celebrated their hard work in their training as a future leader during their graduation celebration. Friday, May 26 ended the week long celebration with a sister-city softball game against the Virginia Beach, Public Works team. Sadly we lost, but fun was had by all and what a great opportunity to network. Stay tuned, there may be more opportunities to network with more of our sistercities.
Richard Broad and David L. Ricks with 2017 winners. Levon T. Bright, Street Maintenance Supervisor (Jim Checkovich Award) and Anne J. Doyle, Management Analyst (Ebenezer Stevens Award)
The City of Norfolk’s Department of Public Works recently celebrated the 40th annual Ebenezer Stevens Awards. The program took place on Tuesday, May 23 at the Murray Center. Employees gathered for a morning of laughter and celebration. The program lead by Public Relations Manager Bob Batcher began with Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps members from Norview and Norcom High Schools leading the department in the pledge of allegiance. The award ceremony’s keynote speaker was The Honorable Mamie Johnson, Norfolk City Councilwoman. During her speech, Johnson spoke about her gratitude and appreciation for the Public Works Department. Included in her speech, she referred to the department’s employees saying, “You all are my heroes”. The kind words of the councilwoman were further exemplified as the presentation of the awards began. Awards were presented to various individuals that have been devoted and impactful to the department. The 40th Ebenezer Award was presented to Management Analyst II Anne J. Doyle for being the employee of the Year in Public Works. The Jim Checkovich Leadership Award was presented to Street Maintenance Supervisor Levon Bright for exemplifying model qualities of leadership. Both individuals have worked tirelessly, demonstrating dedication to the department and to the city and citizens of Norfolk.