| Artie Holmes started out at Simmons in
production and has already moved to fork lift driver in the
shipping and receiving department. Artie said, “When
the plant where I had worked for 21 years closed, I was very
worried. Then I wondered if I could make it through all of
those classes. But I did, and I love the great attitude of
the people here at Simmons.”
Helen explains it this way: “I get up every morning
and am happy to be in the position I am in. I just love to
come to work. As a single mom, the Certified Manufacturing
Specialist (CMS) program at Okefenokee Technical College
(OTC) and Simmons gave me an opportunity I never dreamed
I would have.”
After completing the CMS class at Okefenokee Tech, Helen
was selected to be on the Simmons design team called the “Dream
Weavers.” She, along with the rest of the team, helped
design the plant. She then went into production and was on
the floor in the border department. When an opening came
in the office, she applied and was selected. She is now the
payroll and accounts payable analyst.
Helen will soon graduate from Valdosta State University
with her B. S. degree, but she plans to remain at Simmons.
She has moved rapidly from being a stay-at-home mom and substitute
teacher to her important role at Simmons.
John Frederick, a family man with three children, said, “I
certainly sleep better at night and have peace of mind with
this job at Simmons. I appreciate the job and the excellent
benefits for me and my family.“ Mr. Frederick will
soon have his AAT degree in Criminal Justice from Okefenokee
Tech, but he wants to stay at Simmons and hopefully advance
in the company. He has already moved from production to the
position of production control analyst in a short period
of time. And he is a man with a plan for the future. He hopes
to get a business degree and advance to the next tier at
Simmons of coach/supervisor.
When asked about the required training at OTC to be eligible
to interview for a job at Simmons, all three agreed that
it was a good plan. Mr. Frederick said, “Simmons wants
to create a culture, and the OTC training helped us do that.” Helen
Southard added, “I think the training bonded us together
to be a team.”
Lou Sammartano, Operations Manager for the Simmons Manufacturing
Company located in Waycross, praised all three employees
for their attitudes and dedication to the company.” Mr.
Sammartano said, “John, Helen, and Artie are good examples
of successes for OTC and Simmons.”
|
