Hy-Vee Distribution Center announces 2009 Employees of the Year

Saira Flores

The Cherokee Hy-Vee Distribution Center has announced its Employees of the Year for 2009.

Stephanie Scott

Saira Flores received her honor from our Offices. Saira began her employment in June of 2006 as a part-time order selector in Repack. She accepted a regular-time position in Human Resources in September of 2007. Saira has a boundless energy and enthusiasm for anything Hy-Vee. She never calls in sick. She's 100% dedicated and wants nothing but the best for 'her new employees'.All she wants to do is work & she'll adjust her hours to correlate with whatever is best for the new hires.When we asked Saira about Hy-Vee she said "I enjoy my job and my co-workers are very helpful." Saira has two daughters: Yaritza and Jasmin. Saira has many friends here at the Distribution Center; including her boyfriend, Jason Spears, who works in the Grocery department. Saira enjoys horseback riding. Stephanie Scott received her honor from our WG2 department. Stephanie began her employment in August of 1997 as a part-time order selector in General Merchandise. She was promoted to regular-time later that year in October. Steph was promoted to full-time December 2009. Stephanie is a true soldier of the GM dept. She maintains the high standards of the department and incorporates new ideas without a hitch in her step. She also is a member of our Safety Committee and helps train new employees in her department. When we asked Stephanie about Hy-Vee, she said "It's a clean and friendly environment. I'm proud of Hy-Vee's willingness to help our community and generosity to projects and organizations. It's great to work for a company like this." Stephanie and new husband, Ty, have two sons; Skyler and Dalton Mongan. Stephanie's hobbies include spending time with family & friends, going to her kids' activities, taking long canoe trips, & many outdoor activities. Todd Geisinger received his honor from our Transportation department. Todd began his Hy-Vee career as a part-time driver in Transportation in March of 2008. He was promoted to full-time in April of 2009. Todd's likability came very early when at part-time status he would work every opportunity that came his way. He quickly became a huge asset and extremely dependable 'go-to' guy for the Truck department. He's very friendly and just a really great guy.When we asked Todd about Hy-Vee, he said "friendly people, and co-workers are willing to help with any questions." He also likes not having to work in a building all day and going to different places to deliver loads. Todd and his wife, Heather, have one son, Keegan. Todd's hobbies are hunting, riding horses, and farming. Jim Preuss received his honor from our Part-Time employees. Jim began his Hy-Vee career in April of 2003. One word fits JimÖAMAZING. Jim is quite simply our jack of all trades! If it needs to be fixed, picked up, dropped off, replaced, mowed, etc. ñ Jim is your man! When we asked Jim about Hy-Vee, he said "It's a friendly & clean place to work. All the people are nice to work with and Hy-Vee works with you when you need time off." Jim is married to Sharon. They have four children; Tina Paulsen (works in housekeeping) & her Jerry Paulsen (Grocery dept), Terry Preuss, Tim Preuss & wife Lisa (General Merchandise), Travis Preuss (Maintenance) & wife Crystal. Sharon & Jim also have eleven grandchildren including Meagen Paulsen, Carrissa Preuss, & Jacob Preuss, that also working for the distribution center. Jim's hobbies are Stock car races, Iowa Hawkeye football & basketball games, working on motors, playing cards, & playing bean bags. Steve Corken received his honor from our Department Managers. Steve began his employment at regular-time status in March of 1991. He was promoted to full-time in October of 1992. Steve began as an order selector. Steve is always willing to help. He's very dependable and filled with knowledge. Steve is very conscientious ñ especially when it comes to Hy-Vee's expenses. His Hy-Vee dedication is proven as he logs in every Saturday night to clean up the EXE system and has done it for years. When we asked Steve about Hy-Vee, he said "I enjoy the challenges of our ever changing warehouse." Steve and his wife, Jerri, have one daughter, Rachel. Steve's hobbies are hunting, camping, golf, and hobby- farming. Gary Shaefer received his honor from our WG1 department. Gary began his Hy-Vee career working in Grocery at regular-time in March of 1991. Gary was promoted to full-time in October of 1996. In February of 2008, Gary transferred to our growing General Merchandise department. Gary is very dedicated with a great work ethic and will volunteer at the drop of a hat. He's never in a bad mood, very good-natured, and gets along with everyone. He is quite simply a man that is tough as nails. When we asked Gary about Hy-Vee, he said "great people to work with and they work with you so you can attend your kids' activities." Gary has three daughters: Amber, Shanon, and Autumn. Amber recently started working part-time for us in Repack. Gary's hobbies include watching his daughter's sports activities and golfing.

Steve Corken

Gary Schaefer

Jim Preuss

Todd Geisinger