Prince Edward County Awarded 2024 VACo Achievement Award
Published on September 03, 2024
FARMVILLE, Va. (August 29, 2024)—The Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) has announced the 45 recipients of the 2024 Achievement Awards, which recognize excellence in local government programs. VACo received a record 145 submissions from Counties across Virginia.
“For the second year in a row, Prince Edward County is a recipient of a VACO Achievement Award,” said Douglas P. Stanley, County Administrator. “This year’s award is being presented to our Department of Social Service SMILE (Strengthening Morale by Including Literally Everyone) Committee program, which helps the agency prioritize employee morale and retention.”
“I am so very proud of our hardworking and dedicated SMILE Committee team,” said Kimberley Allen, Director of Social Service. “Careers in Social Services can be emotionally demanding, so maintaining high morale is crucial for sustaining resilience and preventing burnout among employees. By investing in a supportive work environment and employee acknowledgement program, the Department of Social Services is cultivating a loyal and motivated workforce capable of meeting the diverse needs of our citizens.”
The SMILE Committee focuses on the well-being of employees and the fostering of a positive work environment where individuals feel valued and motivated. This positivity translates into enhanced productivity and a stronger commitment to the agency's mission. Additionally, employee retention helps ensure continuity of service provision and fosters trust within the communities the agency services.
The SMILE Committee also works to build relationships, understanding and trust amongst agency employees. By retaining skilled employees, the agency can capitalize on their expertise, thereby improving service effectiveness and efficiency. Moreover, reducing turnover minimizes recruitment and training costs, reallocating resources towards enhancing client outcomes and program development
“Thank you to all who participated in the 22ndyear of the Achievement Awards,” VACo Executive DirectorDean Lynchsaid. “The program continues to grow because our member counties continue to do innovative work and find solutions to problems. The VACo Achievement Awards is a celebration of the hard work, good decision making, and problem-solving skills of county staffs and leadership.”
“Congratulations to our SMILE Committee members and the entire DSS team,” said Stanley. “I believe the SMILE Committee represents what is best about Prince Edward County.”
The VACo Achievement Awards is a competitive program open to local government members of the association. Held annually, it recognizes local government programs in awards criteria that include innovation, cooperation and model practices.
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For additional information about the VACo Achievement Award or the SMILE Committee program, please contact:
Douglas P. Stanley, County Administrator
County of Prince Edward
TEL: 434-547-8837
dstanley@co.prince-edward.va.us
Kimberley Allen, Director
Prince Edward County Department of Social Services
County of Prince Edward
TEL: 434-392-3113
Kimberley.Allen@dss.virginia.gov