Hy-Vee Distribution Center 2011 Employees of the Year

The Cherokee Hy-Vee Distribution Center recently honored its 2011 Employees of the Year at a Banquet.

Audrey Kellen received her honor as a Part-Time employee. Audrey began her Hy-Vee career in March of 2003 as a part-time clerk in Human Resources. In January of 2006, Audrey transferred to the Third Party Pharmacy Accounting Department where she is a mainstay today. Audrey's been a great help to Pharmacy Accounting. She's the resident Medicare expert and is able to work closely with most of our 240 pharmacies to bill and collect their Medicare accounts receivable. Hers is one of those thankless jobs -- bug the stores to amass the paperwork necessary to collect the money due them. Audrey also has been an Employee Event Committee member for a number of years. She also is actively serving at church and head of the school music boosters and attends many school activities. When Audrey was asked what she enjoyed most about Hy-Vee she said "the positive atmosphere and the feeling of friendship and caring expressed here. You can see in every department people working together to provide quality customer service. I also like the opportunity to work with pharmacies to resolve Medicare billing issues and love the flexibility my schedule gives me." Audrey, and husband Kent, have four children: Nicole, Amanda, Justin, and Megan. Audrey's hobbies include cooking, quilting, reading, and spending time with family.

Dustin Hohbach received his honor from the Hy-Vee Distribution Transportation Department. Dustin started his Hy-Vee Career in July of 2009 as a part-time Truck Driver. In November of 2009, he was promoted to full-time. Dustin always has a friendly smile, is very hard working, and is a very reliable employee in the Transportation Department. He has a great easy-going personality and provides excellent customer service to the stores. When Dustin was asked about Hy-Vee he said "everyone is willing to help out in any way that they can. I also enjoy seeing different places every day while delivering to the stores." Dustin has two children: Brayden and Cohen. Dustin's hobbies include camping, spending time with the boys, and working on the family farm.

Loren Friedrichsen received his honor from the Hy-Vee Distribution Management Team. Loren began his employment at part-time status in August of 1998 as an order selector in Grocery. Loren was promoted to regular-time in November of 2000 and full-time in September of 2003. During this time, he was the Training Coordinator and also worked in Inventory Control. In December of 2008, Loren was selected as an Assistant Department Manager and two years later promoted to his current role as Department Manager. He has a great personality and works well with everyone. Loren sets a great example and takes care of needs whenever they arise. He does a little bit of everything... First Responder, Medical Examiner Assistant, he and his brother have their own construction company, and is certified to process our drug screens. When Loren was asked what he enjoyed most about Hy-Vee he said "the great people; Hy-Vee employees are some of the hardest working and friendliest people in the business! I love the challenge every day; the busier the better! " Loren and wife, Amy, have twin girls: Ella and Maddie. Loren's hobbies include construction, biking, watching movies with the girls and going to the Sioux Falls Zoo.

Mark Lindgren received his honor from the Hy-Vee Distribution WG1 Department. Mark began his employment at part-time status in May of 2001 as an order selector in Grocery. He was promoted to regular-time in July of 2004 and full-time in May of 2011. Mark is active in the community as a volunteer fireman. You may have also heard his name on the radio before because he races IMCA sport compact cars in his spare time. He is a pretty quiet person that just comes in and does his job and never has a problem with anyone. Mark is a very nice, easy going, stand-up guy that just does a great job. When Mark was asked about Hy-Vee he said "I enjoy working for Hy-Vee. They are very easy to work for and my co-workers are easy to get along with." Mark has one child, Delanie. Mark's hobbies include hunting, fishing, working on his sport compact car, and spending time with friends and family.

Tina Paulsen received her honor from the Hy-Vee Distribution Housekeeping Department. Tina began her Hy-Vee career in March of 2009 as a part-time Housekeeping Generalist in the Office areas. She was promoted to regular-time in September of that same year. She's the energizer bunny that you see everywhere. She's always got a smile on her face. Tina takes pride in her work, handles whatever is asked of her, and always wants to know if we need anything extra. Her fantastic attitude and her outgoing personality make her the natural choice for this award. When Tina was asked about Hy-Vee she said "I enjoy the friendly co-workers and the great benefits you receive. I'm very happy to be a part of Hy-Vee." Tina, and husband Jerry, have three children: Ryan, Nathan, and Meagan. Tina's hobbies include camping, spending time with family, and following Hawkeye Football.

Torrie Tuggle received her honor from the Hy-Vee Distribution Office Department. Torrie began her Hy-Vee Career in October of 2009 as a part-time WG1 in Grocery. She was promoted to regular-time in February of 2010. In June of 2011, Torrie was selected as a full-time office clerk in the Shipping and Receiving Office for the overnight shift. Torrie is always willing to help others and has just an outstanding work ethic. She is a very knowledgeable and a master at multi-tasking; vital aspects of the Office. Torrie is a highly dependable employee that you can always automatically count on. When Torrie was asked about Hy-Vee she said "I thoroughly enjoy all of the jobs that I have had with Hy-Vee. They provide me with a stable career and a comfortable working environment that best suits my schedule." Torrie, has three children: MacKenzie, Mekhi and McKale. Torrie's hobbies include spending time with her children, friends and family. She also enjoys any time spent outdoors and listening to music.