Elaine VandenBerg enjoyed a day of well wishes as the new Rock County Employee of the Year. She received a sandblasted Sioux quartzite plaque along with surprise flowers, balloons and cake.
By Sara Strong
Elaine VandenBerg was surprised Tuesday when she was named the Rock County Employee of the Year — not because she doesn’t deserve it, but because she enjoys her job so much she seems to forget she’s working sometimes.
VandenBerg is known to people who use Heartland Express as the friendly voice on the dispatch line. She said the people she works with, and for, make her job enjoyable.
"Terrie Gulden (Heartland director) is great to work with, along with everyone in the county," she said.
People think she’s great to work with too, with the county receiving seven nomination letters for VandenBerg.
The Rock County Board of Commissioners votes on the Employee of the Year, which was started three years ago.
VandenBerg has been employed with Heartland Express since 1994, when she started as a part-time bus driver. She became a full-time dispatcher after a couple years on the job, but answering 150 to 200 telephone calls per day isn’t all she does.
She is also responsible for managing driver schedules, out-of-county rides and prepaid medical program through Minnesota Health-Ride. She works with children at preschools, nursing home residents, Rock County Developmental Achievement Center clients, and others living in Rock County.
Some of the comments from the people who nominated VandenBerg were:
"Even on days when there is barely time to breathe, she will always find time for the person who walks through the door."
"Elaine has always made herself available to do whatever the job requires, without complaint. She works many 10-hour days and has worked on weekends to resolve any necessary concerns with the Volunteer Driver Program."
"When I think of quality customer service, Elaine is one of the people that comes immediately to mind."
"Needs arise quickly and she always attempts to help us. … Elaine never makes us feel as though it is an imposition to schedule yet another ride with Heartland Express."
Other nominees for employee of the year were: Deb DenHerder, Extension; Arnold Vink, Transfer Station; Jeff Wieneke, Law Enforcement; Ona Reker, Family Services; Jean Henrichs-Laudon, Family Services, and Walter Stearns, Highway Department.
Previous winners were Pam Nelson and Al Hartz.