Two Devoted Employees Recognized With Awards

For the past decade Grandfather Mountain has recognized two employees each December with very special awards. The Bill and Martha Awards were created to distinguish and reward members of the staff who excel in service to customers and to fellow employees.

Each year the recipients of the two awards are chosen by former awards winners and they are then recognized at the company’s Christmas party.

This year a record of 52 nominations representing 21 different people were submitted for the Bill and Martha Awards. This showed that there are many people who work at Grandfather Mountain who are impressed by the excellent job their fellow staff members do.

The Bill Award, for the employee who consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty to serve fellow employees, was given to Hannah Trice. Trice, who has worked at Grandfather for seven years, is an employee at both the Top Shop and Mildred’s Grill. She has an infectious, positive attitude and a great big smile that lights up every room she enters. Trice cares deeply for those she works with.

“She is very caring, outgoing, friendly and an all-around good person,” was one comment on a nominating ballot. “It doesn't matter who you are; she will talk with you and take time for you.”

Trice was especially honored to receive the Bill Award, having worked with Alexander in the past.

“This is such a great privilege,” said Trice, “because I had the opportunity to work for Bill for many years. He taught me everything from how to count back change to the history of Grandfather Mountain.”

The Martha Award, for the employee who contributes legendary service to our guests above and beyond the call of duty, went to Gabe Taylor. Taylor, who has been at Grandfather since April 2005, works as a Naturalist.

Taylor is known around the Mountain for his positive attitude, big smile and personal touch with guests that make their visits more memorable and uplifting.

“Grandfather Mountain is very lucky to have him,” was written about Taylor on one ballot. “He is a real people person. He is very personal, friendly and up close with the guests. He doesn’t have to put forth an extra effort to be polite and well-mannered because it is natural with him.”

"Oh wow," said Taylor. "This is one of the more flattering things I have ever received."

Taylor also said it is easy to exude the qualities honored by the Martha Award because he has such great people to work with an because Grandfather Mountain is an easy place to sell.

The two awards were named after Bill Alexander and Martha Oberhelman, two individuals who set a standard for service on Grandfather Mountain.

The late Alexander spent nearly half a century helping customers and his fellow staff members. He was known for going the extra mile to teach, encourage and share the load of his many friends on the Mountain.

Oberhelman, who passed away June 2007, was known far and wide for her exemplary service to customers, the personal interest she showed in guests, and the memorable experience they received when they came in contact with her.

The names of this year’s honorees will be added to a plague in the Nature Museum.

“These are the highest recognitions we give to members of our staff,” said Vice-President Harris Prevost, “because their service isn’t just a one-time thing, it takes place consistently over the year.”

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