Visual Arts was honored as Department of the Year

Rich Groscost, Renee Demers and Kack Quinn were named Employees of the Year

Two men and a woman who have each worked two years or less for the Orange County Fair were announced as the 2003 Fair's Employees of the Year at the annual post-Fair picnic on Aug. 6. The awards were presented by Fair General Manager Becky Bailey-Findley.

Renee Demers of the Carnival Sales Department, a lead who began work two years ago, was praised for her “tremendous” work ethic and for her high expectations for those who worked for her, and her grace and ability in dealing with stressful situations. When a young child went missing, she directed a portion of her crew to mobilize and help the search. On the night of the Ziggy Marley concert in the Citizens Business Bank Arena she took a crew to help the Department of Public Safety with crowd management.

The Parking Department’s Jack Quinn has worked for the Fair for a year and a half and is in his first year as a lead. He was acclaimed for his acceptance of responsibility and his leadership in preparing his team for their day’s work.

Rich Groscost of the Department of Public Safety took it upon himself to learn more about crowd management and attended special pre-Fair training on the matter.

Visual Arts, led by Dan Stephens, was chosen as top department of the 2003 Orange County Fair for its leadership, innovation and community outreach.

In announcing the award, General Manager Becky Bailey-Findley noted that Visual Arts “has consistently added to the quality and creativeness of their competitions and exhibits. They work throughout the year in developing strong community contacts, encouraging new individuals as well as groups to become involved in the Fair.”

She added that “within their department they set high standards of quality, aesthetics, respect to the exhibitor and courtesy and respect to the customer.”

Visual Arts extended its reach this year beyond the four walls of its building, assisting with the setup and display of the Orange Groove, helping with the new Art On A Stick competition, and supervising the Seize the Clay exhibit in Crafters Village.