By Shaun Scott, Puyallup Tribal News
Music pulsated from the speakers as employees dined on a buffet style lunch at the Puyallup Tribe’s Employee Appreciation Day celebration on May 16 at the Emerald Queen Casino Events Center.
Chairman Bill Sterud, Vice Chairwoman Sylvia Miller and Councilmembers Annette Bryan, James Rideout, Monica Miller and Fred Dillon doled out cash prizes and Kenmore Air flights during a raffle while staff members with more than 30 years of service were awarded plaques, recognizing them for their unwavering commitment to the Tribe.
Heritage Division Manager Connie McCloud shared a blessing to open the event.
The Blooze Brothers, a tribute band from Chicago, provided the entertainment showcasing vintage tunes from the 1970s for the enjoyment of attendees. Multiple individuals even got on the dance floor, moving and grooving to the sounds of the music.
Here is an excerpt from what each Tribal Council Member said about Employee Appreciation Day. Councilwoman Anna Bean was unable to attend the event.
Chairman Bill Sterud
“I’ll do anything for this staff. This is the way of us, the Council, of patting them on the back for a job well done. I wish we could do it every day. We just get bigger and bigger and our staff gets better and better and better. This just keeps going on great. I love it.”
Vice Chairwoman Sylvia Miller
“I have been working at this Tribe since I was 14 years old. … I have enjoyed every minute of my work here. I have been in almost every department. I truly believe that nobody is above and beyond any job at this Tribe. It is a learning process and each and every one of us learn a lot from this Tribe. We have come a long way just in the last few years and it shows by all this support. It shows people have learned to work together and that is really important.”
Councilwoman Annette Bryan
“I’m just very grateful for each of you. … What I love about our Tribe is that we are all working together to make it the best that it could be. I just ask that you have kindness and grace and patience with your fellow coworkers. We’re all trying to do the very best we can. … Every one of you has something wonderful to contribute to our Tribe. I am just extremely grateful to see all of you here. … It’s an honor to work with you, it is an honor to serve you and work for you. I just appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you for being here and thank you for what you do for our community and our members.”
Councilman James Rideout
“It is always nice to take the time because we see dedication of everybody in all the departments, keeping up with the growth of the Tribe. … Our programs have to grow from birth to Elder and all the way across the board. It’s been a challenge since 2017 to keep up with the growth of the Tribe. I’m grateful today to see us really turn a corner. None of it is possible without you. You guys are incredible. … Thank you to all the ones before us who got us to this point. Thank you to each and every one of you.”
Councilwoman Monica Miller
“I thank you for your dedication, your time and everything you have put into this Tribe. This Tribe would not be a Tribe without you guys. Every one of you makes a difference in this Tribe, and I want to say for the membership and for the Council, we all appreciate every one of you guys. Thank you so much. … It’s all you guys. Thank you. This whole party is for you. I hope you guys enjoy it. … Enjoy yourselves.”
Councilman Fred Dillon
“It’s great to reminisce about where we came from and where we are at today. It is just night and day and is a blessing. We don’t have to struggle anymore. You guys make that possible. … This is all about you guys. I used to sit with you guys a lot of times, and listen to our leadership tell us how good we were doing. Now I can stand up here and be able to tell you guys, how good we are doing. That means a lot to me.”
