Engrave-A-Crete®, Inc, nominated both Duke Dunbar and Ralph Dunbar for the Missouri 2008 Outstanding Older Worker award in March, 2008.  Selection committees in fifteen Missouri regions selected a Regional Older Worker to send on to the Missouri State competition. 

Duke Dunbar was selected to represent Region 10, a 12 county region, in the state competition and acknowledgement activities in Jefferson City on May 1 & 2, 2008.  The Dunbar brothers were recognized by fellow workers at an ice cream party during breaktime last Friday, April 11.

Finalists will meet with Missouri’s Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder and state legislators, tour the State Capitol and attend a banquet in their honor.  One regional finalist will be named Missouri’s Outstanding Older Worker during a luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion on May 2, 2008 and will represent Missouri during Experience Works Prime Time Awards in Washington DC on September 1, 2008.

The contest format included some employment information and a narrative regarding the Dunbar brothers’ successful employment at Engrave-A-Crete.  Darrel Adamson, owner of Engrave-A-Crete commented, “Duke and Ralph came to the rescue when we had a spouting sprinkler leak. I couldn’t see any way to fix it that wouldn’t be an enormous project.  They took a look at the situation, offered and completed a quick, effective solution.  I determined at that moment that I would do my best to keep Duke and Ralph on staff.”  Each nominee must have a separate nomination package. The nomination narratives for the Dunbar brothers (condensed here) noted:  Duke and Ralph not only brought their skills to the job, but they share them with younger workers.  The brothers carry their positive attitude, smiling and joviality, with them everywhere, on the job or off.  Additionally, they share a strong work ethic, the benefits of a team process, and positive attitude with co-workers.  Their integrity has been a role model for the entire company. These qualities and leading influences are of high benefit to Engrave-A-Crete.  Ralph and Duke have a reputation that is valued and respected in the community as well as at Engrave-A-Crete. The brothers share an enthusiasm for golfing that reflects their understanding of balance for excellent dedication to the project at hand, yet to be able to enjoy recreation.

Duke Dunbar commented, “I appreciate the layout of this project. It is planned, thought out and works.  Those things make it a pleasure to show up for work.”   Ralph added, “I like this job. I appreciate the goals of this business and the things Engrave-A-Crete can do for Mansfield. They are good people to work for.  I sure don’t want to be sitting at home running a remote all day!”