Reymundo Rodriguez, David Metcalf and Tyler Zundel perform as the "Three Amigos" during the celebration
Employee Recognition Program celebrates 20th anniversary
To pay tribute to the 20th anniversary of the Employee Recognition Program, Idaho's DMV office set aside some time Aug. 11 to celebrate its past and the employees who have made it what it is today.
This program, launched in 1996, recognizes performance that goes above and beyond regular job expectations, provides various means to say "thank you," and encourages wellness and dependability. Some retirees who were instrumental in the early development and success of the program, returned to participate in the event.
Two of these were Morris Detmar, former Motor Vehicle Administrator and Karen Blunk, former DMV Business Manager, both of whom provided invaluable support and guidance. Original team members Vicky "Vanna" Fisher, Nancy Wendell, and Rex Green were on hand, as well as early members Kay Williams, Kathy Blades, and Pat Marler. Each was presented with a recycled license plate birdhouse for having "flown the coop." 
Pictured from left to right, back row: Nancy Wendell, Vicky Fisher, Pat Marler, Rex Green, Morris "Moe" Detmar
Front row: Karen Blunk, Kay Williams, Kathy Blades.
Funded largely from bake sales and silent auctions, the program provides not only a way for employees to be recognized, but also a way for employees to recognize others.
Looking back at 20 years of ERP highlights, the program featured a slide show of past events, a performance from special guests, door prizes, and awards. Among the highlights were the "Three Amigos" – Reymundo Rodriguez, David Metcalf and Tyler Zundel — performing an original number entitled "ERP Rock" to the melody of Queen's iconic "We Will Rock You" anthem. With lyrics penned by Metcalf, the song touted the virtues of the ERP, while poking fun at Motor Vehicle Administrator Alan Frew and emcee Barry Takeuchi.
Those in attendance also enjoyed a re-airing of an amusing ERP news video, written and produced by Dan Monasterio, which focused on the plight that Frew endured when his favorite restaurant, the KFC across from ITD HQ, was bulldozed.
Quality Time awards recipients were also announced by Frew. These awards recognize employees for "staying well" and for their dependability in being on the job. 
Current DMV ERP team members include Pat Carr and Renee' Becker from Ports of Entry; Deb Hall from Service Transformation; Pamela Schuermann and Cindy Francke from Driver Services; Rita Gallagher and Lance Green from Motor Carrier Services; Kris Johnston, Josh McNutt, and Takeuchi from Vehicle Services; and Beverlie Edwards and Elise Shanks from Motor Vehicle Administration. Bonnie Fogdall, DMV Business Operations Manager, oversees the program.
Pictured at right:The story and picture that appeared in the Transporter in 1998 when AASHTO awarded the ERP program.
Published 08-19-16