Speaker Jared Cass, director of occupational medicine and employee health for Avita Health System, spoke at the June Morrow County Chamber of Commerce meeting.
Alberta Stojkovic | AIM Media Midwest
MOUNT GILEAD — The Morrow County Chamber of Commerce held its June Lunch and Learn meeting at Lubrication Specialties, Inc. (LSI), the home of Hot Shot’s Secret.
Chamber Executive Director Kristen Thompson introduced new member Mike Colson of local radio station WVXG 95X along with e-Merge Real Estate Champions, Sheetz of Marengo, Mercury Broad Band and Elm Acres.
Chamber Board President Erin Kelty recognized chamber sponsored scholarship recipients. She noted that funds for the scholarships were raised from the March reverse raffle.
The 2023 Morrow County Chamber of Commerce scholarship recipients are Zoya Winkelfoos, Highland High School ($1,000 scholarship award); Riley Johnson, Northmor High School ($500 scholarship award); and Kassandra Webb, Mount Gilead High School ($500 scholarship award).
Chamber members were entertained after lunch by Jared Cass, Director of occupational medicine and employee health for Avita Health System.
Cass spoke with humor as he posed the question, “Does emotional intelligence and customer service really matter in the real world?”
Employee retention was a focus of Cass’ message. He also spoke about “Presenteeism” when employees aren’t giving their best effort and have minimal production. They are barely “present” and not really invested in their work.
Studies from The Ohio State University give proof stress can cause many employee injuries. Another result of the studies, Cass said, is that employee morale is one of the biggest reasons for injuries on the job.
Cass also touched on how millennials have a different outlook on work and how to approach them. They are sometimes less interested in money than in job satisfaction.
Cass emphasized the importance of face-to-face communication. Person-to-person conversations beat employee surveys in gaining understanding of employee problems and disputes. However, surveys can also be useful in getting honest comments.
He suggested that in emotionally-charged situations, employers and supervisors need to pause and identify the trigger to behavior.
“Take a five second pause. Find out what makes them (employees) tick, reverse roles, show concern, and clarify your position,” Cass said. He added most importantly, “Keep it real.”
Thompson announced the following July dates for chamber activities:
• Car Show/Community Days July 14-15 in downtown Mount Gilead. The chamber will host the corn hole tournament July 14.
• Lunch and Learn July 18 at 12 p.m. at the Morrow County Hospital with Ohio Means Jobs Jim Ferriman and Kelly Carey presenting the program.
• Business After Hours July 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the Woods Catering and Banquet Hall.
• Annual golf outing is Sept. 8 at Kingsmill Golf Course.
Alberta Stojkovic is a correspondent for The Morrow County Sentinel.
