Utility Recognizes Innovative Employees
Through its annual Innovation Awards program, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation recently recognized 68 employees who implemented 41 improvement projects in 2016 that provided tangible benefits for Central Hudson and its customers.
“Innovation is a core value at Central Hudson, and one our employees embrace,” said Charles A. Freni, Vice President of Customer Services and Transmission & Distribution, who oversees the utility’s Innovation program. “It’s about recognizing a problem and, by using their experience, education and resourcefulness, solving it in a new or different way.”
Freni explained that solutions can be highly technical or simple and straightforward, demonstrating creativity and inspiration on the part of employees.
Ideas are submitted by employees during the year, and are reviewed by an internal committee. Awards are granted by an executive committee and an additional award is determined by vote of all employees. Two award categories were available in 2016.
The Best Leveraging of a Tool, Technology or Software Award was awarded for the use of an existing tool or technology for a new application, provide a new service or customer solution, or achieve a higher level of quality, productivity or savings. Both the executive committee and employees recognized Engineer – Section Leader Brianna Peak, Junior Engineer Brian Sullivan and Associate GIS Analyst Kevin Burton for leveraging a mobile app created by a GIS mapping software developer to enhance the manner in which Central Hudson inspects and documents natural gas pipe fusing.
The second category, the Bright Idea Award, highlighted a project that displays the most creativity or ingenious merit. The executive committee recognized Substation Technician Timothy Baxter for utilizing surplus truck radios with a custom cable of his design to improve the ability to maintain base radio sites.
Company employees also recognized Working Foreman James Zmiyarch in the Bright Idea category for creating a faster and safer way to stow equipment when installing anchors for securing corner utility poles.
“These are but a few of the improvement projects developed and implemented by our employees, and we are proud of all participants,” said Freni. “Innovation is about finding a better way, and we consistently strive for improvements in everything we do.”
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