Express Employment Professionals Announces Employee of the Year Recipients

OKLAHOMA CITY, Sept. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year Express Employment Professionals, the nation's largest privately owned staffing firm, hand-picks the top associates across North America and honors them with the esteemed Employee of the Year award.

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Express announced today that the top three nationwide industry winners hail from Port Charlotte, Fla., Ashville, N.C., and Fort Worth, Texas.

Martha Peyser, an associate with the Port Charlotte, Fla., Express Employment Professionals office is the Commercial Employee of the Year as a result of her dedication, pride and willingness to work. Since she came to Express looking for a job, Peyser has worked hard at every assignment, no matter the rain or heat, day or night. She has taken classes on her own to enhance her skills and increase the value she can bring to clients, displaying her drive to excel and advance.

Susan O'Brien was named Professional Employee of the Year and works for the Ashville, N.C., Express office. Apprehensive about her absence from the workforce, O'Brien came to Express hoping to be placed in an accounting position. As soon as O'Brien began working for a client company, her expertise and willingness to go above and beyond what was expected became very apparent. It is a normal, everyday occurrence for her to come in early each morning, ask for additional tasks and help others with their work. 

Fort Worth, Texas, associate Elena Flores was named Administrative Employee of the Year. When Flores first came to Express, she lacked a solid skill foundation after being out of the workforce for years. But, after winning everyone over with her eagerness, follow-through and warm personality, Flores proved her worth in her very first assignment. The Express staff reports that they have never seen anyone "put forth more effort to learn new skills and better herself" than Flores. By taking every opportunity to grow and expand her abilities, she was eventually offered a full-time, long-term position with a company she loves.

"In these times, it's vital for job seekers to stand out among the competition and be willing to improve their skills and learn new ones, take advantage of the resources available and go above and beyond to secure a position," said Bob Funk, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Express Employment Professionals. "Each year we find jobs for hundreds of thousands of associates, and we often come across truly exceptional individuals who deserve to be recognized for their dedication to their growing careers. Winners of our Employee of the Year award are true examples of what it takes to succeed in today's workforce."

Winners of this prestigious award are chosen based on their unique story as a job seeker and their level of growth in their career. Nominees are also selected because they exude a "character of excellence," which means they are reliable, honest, hardworking, have an exemplary attitude and a willingness to go above and beyond to ensure their success along with the success of others.

Regional winners were also announced today as part of the Express Employee of the Year awards program.

In the Central Region, Star Hummer with the Topeka, Kan. Express office was awarded for her hard work, dependability and dedication.

In the East Central Region, Champaign, Ill. associates Somphane Roupsouay and Inta Phimpasouk were awarded for their work ethic and positive impact.

In the Northeast Region, Xian Hong Zheng with the Portland, Maine Express office was awarded for his initiative, optimism and contagious enthusiasm.

Killeen, Texas associate Carlton Worthington was named the South Region Employee of the Year. His positive attitude and ability to learn new skills earned him the award.

In the West Region, David Voelkel with the St. George, Utah Express office was awarded for his devotion to his work and his commitment to excellence.

Express Employment Professionals is on a mission to put a million people to work annually. Offices offer a full range of employment solutions including evaluation hire, temporary staffing, professional search and human resources. Express has more than 600 offices in the U.S, Canada and South Africa which generated more than $2.3 billion in temporary sales in 2012. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com/EOY.

SOURCE Express Employment Professionals