The American and Health Security Initiative (ADHSI) awarded Fremont’s Lincoln Premium Poultry (LPP) the “Lamplighter” award for its excellent response to the COVID19 pandemic. LPP’s Director of Administration, Jessica Kolterman, had to go to Washington, D.C., to receive this important distinction.
About the “Lamplighter” Award
The ADHSI gives the esteemed honor known as the “Lamplighter” to those displaying great innovation and action during pandemic times. Recipients are commended for their “actionable and practical steps toward improving America’s health security.” The proactive elements of LPP’s plan for dealing with this health crisis grabbed attention from those giving out awards.
Essential Food Sector Operations during crucial times
LPP is an essential food sector production facility that started work six months before March 2020 when the pandemic began. Despite difficult conditions, LPP kept going with its operations, making sure no harm came to our nation’s food supply.
“We’re very proud of our handling of the pandemic,” Kolter was heard saying when she was receiving this honor on behalf of her team. She acknowledged receipt with gratitude, pointing out how hard her team at LPP worked during tough times.
LPP’s Approach during a Pandemic
LPP responded to pandemic by focusing three main principles.
- Defending and Supporting People
- Openness
- Exchange of information constantly
Taking care and Protecting People
The first objective was looking after employees’ safety and welfare. “The key thing was to always look after our people,” stated Kolterman. With the number of employees rising by 300 in March 2020, the challenge to implement wide-ranging virus safeguards for all became even harder.
Proper disclosure
LPP kept both its workers and the general public informed. Regular updates were provided about totals of COVID19 cases and what measures were taken to ensure employee safety “Transparency was critical,” she stated, discussing how responses were handled during pandemic times and how everyone was kept aware of those.
Constant Communication
LPP highlighted the importance of keeping lines of communication open, often this included internal news for employees and public announcements, as well as dealing with regulatory bodies. “Frequent communication about what was happening as things moved along during the pandemic was another pillar,” explained Kolterman. Everyone was made aware of any changes that took place.
All-inclusive Approach
LPP also helped employees beyond regular workplace issues Employees were given assistance on personal matters, including collaborating with Fremont Public Schools to provide education support for children of employees. Additional help included grocery aid and access to medical treatment. “Supporting staff extended beyond just work-related matters. It included all aspects our staff’s lives,” said Kolterman LPP’s approach saw them covering different areas including access to medical visits or tests at start of pandemic.
Acknowledgment and Insights
“We are being recognized because there were trying times in our industry, but we still worked hard to take great care of our team members,” explained Kolterman
The “Lamplighter” award serves as proof of exceptional response from LPP during this health crisis Their focus on employee safety, transparent communication and wide-ranging support created a new standard for others in their industry.
Wrap Up
The honor not only applauds LPP’s hard work, but also brings out the necessity of a healthy and broad-based approach toward employee welfare during difficult conditions. “We’re very proud to be recognized,” Kolterman said at the end, considering the company’s path through pandemic and the long-lasting benefits of their actions.
