Hello, Hamilton County

News for Hamilton County Employees

November 27, 2000

Quote of the Week:  “The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions,

and not on our circumstances.”  - Martha Washington

County Personnel Director Jim Lowry retires after 40 years of service to the Community
 

After nearly 40 years of dedicated service to the public, Hamilton County Personnel Director Jim Lowry is retiring, effective November 30.  Jim oversees the County Personnel Department, supporting a county of 6000 employees.  Previously, Jim served as Director of the Hamilton County Community Development Department and has participated in numerous community organizations, including the Private Industry Council and the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency.  He also served as President of the Ohio Conference of Community Development, a statewide organization of Community Development professionals, and was active on their Board for many years.  He was in the U.S. Army Reserves for 29 years as a non-commissioned officer and military bandleader.  Jim is also a past recipient of the Public Administrator of the Year Award, Career Achievement category, presented by our local chapter of the American Society for Public Administration.  Jim is an active member of the Shiloh United Methodist Church in Delhi.

According to County Administrator Dave Krings, “Jim has been an exemplary public servant.  He has been a valued member of the County team, who will be greatly missed both personally and professionally.”  Reflecting on his time with Hamilton County, Jim Lowry stated, “I have enjoyed my service a great deal.  The County has done so much for me and I hope I have managed to contribute and make it a better place.”

Jim plans to spend his retirement relaxing (yeah, right!) and enjoying quality time with his wife Kathy, his 6 children and 10 grandchildren.  Please join us at an open house celebrating Jim’s retirement from many years of faithful service on Wednesday, November 29, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm in Room 705 of the County Administration Building.
 

MSD Plants receive Gold Awards
At the November 15 County Commissioners meeting, the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) was presented with awards from the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies (AMSA) for outstanding performance at the Mill Creek and Taylor facilities.  The Gold Awards recognize perfect compliance with specific federal standards at these facilities during the past year.  The County Commissioners issued a proclamation recognizing this achievement.  Congrats to MSD!
 
Department pledges to United Way far exceed last year
Thanks to increased participation and the generosity of employees, the 2001 United Way pledges for departments under the Board of County Commissioners grew dramatically compared to 2000.  Combined the 14 departments and agencies pledged $57,600 for the upcoming year compared to $43,000 in 2000.  The participation level of employees nearly doubled this year.  According to the County’s United Way Campaign Coordinator Tammy Arthur, “Departments really stepped up this year. Employees were very generous and showed they really care about their community.”
 
Two County Buildings recognized as top area facilities

 

The William Howard Taft Center and the Hamilton County Courthouse have been recognized as the top local facilities by the Building Owners and Managers Associations (BOMA).  Based on building tours and an extensive review of operations, Hamilton County received two TOBY (The Office Building of the Year) awards this year.  The Taft Center was recognized as the top governmental building and the Courthouse was recognized as the top building in the historical category.  The awards are based on such standards as community impact, energy management, safety, training provided to facility staff, and accessibility. 

According County Facilities Director Jack Middendorf, “These awards are a real complement to Hamilton 
 

County.  We take pride in serving our customers and providing the public with clean, safe and attractive facilities. A big thanks goes out to all who contributed to this award.” The facilities will now move on to regional competition.  Results from the regional competition are expected in the spring.  If successful in the regional competition, the facilities would compete for an international award.  Congrats to County Facilities!

Have A Great Week!!!