Host Releases
Big E Host of the Day Recipients
The Host of the Day Award recognizes employees, volunteers and other members of The Big E family who exemplify the Fair's philosophy of positive customer relations. It has been part of the Exposition's customer service program since 1989, established for individuals who go "above and beyond the call" in their interactions with fairgoers. This year's Hosts were selected from more than 1,500 personnel working this year at The Big E.
Congratulations to our 2009 Hosts!
Michael Lis - Oct. 4
Michael Lis, of Crystal River, Florida, was presented The Big E Host of the Day award Oct. 4, 2009, by Eastern States Exposition President Wayne McCary. Lis, who has worked at The Big E for 10 years, is owner-operator of Wild Bill's Curly Fries.
"Mike is committed to making The Big E a fun and memorable experience for everyone - our fairgoers and other food vendors who praise him for his good humor and willingness to pitch in when they need help. He has a positive attitude and is a dedicated advocate for The Big E year-round. We're happy to have him with us," McCary said at the ceremony which was attended by Fair officers, managers and co-workers.
Lis oversees all aspects of the operation of Wild Bill's Curly Fries, including purchasing, marketing and customer service. Lis, with his wife Vicky operate concessions at eight fairs throughout the year across the U.S.
Elaine Aubrey - Oct. 3
Elaine Aubrey, of West Springfield, Mass., was presented The Big E Host of the Day award Oct. 3, 2009, by Eastern States Exposition President Wayne McCary. Aubrey has worked at The Big E for 10 years in the Admissions department.
"Elaine gets our fairgoers' day started on a positive note and is more than capable at addressing any concerns they may have with her calm and respectful attitude. She is a goodwill ambassador and an valuable member of The Big E family," McCary said at the ceremony which was attended by Fair officers, managers and co-workers.
Aubrey sells admission tickets at Gate 4 and also acts as a back-up seller at other gates at The Big E when extra help is needed. Her job often entails answering fairgoers' questions. When the Fair is on hiatus, Aubrey sells admission at other events held on the grounds of Eastern States Exposition, home of The Big E.
Maureen "Mo" Jordan - Oct. 2
Maureen Jordan, of New London, Conn., was presented The Big E Host of the Day award Oct. 2, 2009, by Eastern States Exposition President Wayne McCary. Jordan, who has worked at The Big E for 5 years, is general manger for Boston Culinary Group's (BCG) concessions at The Big E and Food and Beverage director for BCG year-round.
"Maureen goes above and beyond to ensure the needs of our fairgoers are met. She has also been a key player in the success of one of the newest additions to The Big E's food offerings, the Craz-E Burger, which has seen tremendous popularity. Maureen is an important player in the continuing success of The Big E and we are fortunate to have her onboard," McCary said at the ceremony which was attended by Fair officers, managers and co-workers.
Jordan oversees all aspects of the operation of The Big E-Z Café, home of the Craz-E Burger, and other BCG concessions at the Fair. Her responsibilities include hiring, scheduling, and training of employees; ordering of food and supplies and other tasks involved in the day-to-day management of the concessions.
Joe Padula - Oct. 1
Joseph Padula, of Cranston, Rhode Island, was presented The Big E Host of the Day award Oct. 1, 2009, by Eastern States Exposition President Wayne McCary. Padula, who has worked at The Big E for 22 years, is vice president of Del's Lemonade and operates their concession booth in the Rhode Island Building during the Fair.
"Joe is the ultimate customer service person. He's professional and compassionate and does whatever is necessary to ensure our fairgoers have a wonderful experience," McCary said at the ceremony which was attended by Fair officers, managers and co-workers.
Padula handles everything including accepting deliveries of supplies, set-up, customer service and closing.
Lucille Drewnowski - Sept. 30
Lucille Drewnowski, of Agawam, Mass., was presented The Big E Host of the Day award Sept. 30, 2009, by Eastern States Exposition President Wayne McCary. Drewnowski,, who has worked at The Big E for 13 years, is a telephone information specialist.
"Lucille gives people a wonderful impression before they arrive at the Fair. She's calm and thorough while interacting with our visitors on the phone, ensuring they have the best possible experience. As the first person many of our fairgoers come into contact with, she is a key part of what makes The Big E a success," McCary said at the ceremony which was attended by Fair officers, managers and co-workers.
Drewnowski provides potential fairgoers with answers to their questions about what's happening at The Big E each day and gives directions and admission pricing.
Jack Weagle - Sept. 29
Jack Weagle, of West Springfield, Mass., was presented The Big E Host of the Day award Sept. 29, 2009, by Eastern States Exposition President Wayne McCary. Weagle, who has worked at The Big E for ten years, is the assistant gate captain at Gate 9A.
"Jack's kindness, patience and sense of humor are evident in his day-to-day interaction with our fairgoers. He is able to handle anything that might come up quickly and courteously and he exemplifies Big E spirit." McCary said at the ceremony which was attended by Fair officers, managers and co-workers.
Weagle assists the gate captain in ensuring the smooth operation of the busiest gate on the fairgrounds. His responsibilities include making sure ticket sellers and ticket takers have all the supplies they need each day, handling customer service and all will call tickets at Gate 9A at The Big E.
Dale Hennigan - Sept. 28
Dale Hennigan, of Ocala, Florida, was presented The Big E Host of the Day award Sept. 28, 2009, by Eastern States Exposition President Wayne McCary. Hennigan, who has worked at The Big E for six years, is a game operator on the Midway.
"Dale's outgoing personality and attention to the needs of our fairgoers make him an asset to The Big E. The qualities he demonstrates are a key part of what gives our guests memorable experiences that bring them back in future years. Dale truly exemplifies Big E spirit." McCary said at the ceremony which was attended by Fair officers, managers and co-workers.
Hennigan operates several games on the Midway including the balloon, pool table and basketball games. He also manages the cinnamon rolls concession for North American Midway Entertainment, provider of the Midway at The Big E.
Tina Morris - Sept. 27
Tina Morris, of Philadelphia, Penn., was presented The Big E Host of the Day award Sept. 27, 2009, by Eastern States Exposition President Wayne McCary. Morris, who has worked at The Big E for two years, is a restroom attendant at the Gate 1 Visitors' Center.
"Tina is always willing to do whatever needs to be done. Her outgoing, friendly personality enhances our fairgoers experience. People like Tina make The Big E what it is." McCary said at the ceremony which was attended by Fair officers, managers and co-workers.
Morris is responsible for keeping her assigned restroom clean and in order and ensuring fairgoers' needs are met. This includes meeting and greeting visitors, assisting them, if necessary, in maneuvering in and out of the restroom and often giving directions to sites on the fairgrounds.
Fred Bodzioch, Jr. - Sept. 26
Fred Bodzioch, Jr., of West Springfield, Mass., was presented The Big E Host of the Day award Sept. 26, 2009, by Eastern States Exposition President Wayne McCary. Bodzioch, who has worked at The Big E for one year, is a Security officer at the Fair and during the year.
"It's rare for someone to be named Host the first season they work at The Big E when they are taking on new responsibilities. Fred deserves the recognition. He's conscientious, courteous and always gives more than is asked of him." McCary said at the ceremony which was attended by Fair officers, managers and co-workers.
Bodzioch oversees traffic coming in and out of the Gate 4/5 horseshoe driveway in front of the Fair's administration building, ensuring that only those with the proper tags are allowed to park or stop for pick-ups. He also acts as a gatekeeper and controls access through the main entrance to the building.
Al Riberdy - Sept. 25
Al Riberdy, of Feeding Hills, Mass., was presented The Big E Host of the Day award Sept. 25, 2009, by Eastern States Exposition President Wayne McCary. Riberdy, who has worked at The Big E for over 16 years, volunteers in Storrowton Village Museum at The Big E and during the year.
"Al's enthusiasm for Storrowton Village Museum and our fairgoers is demonstrated in his willingness to go above and beyond the requirements of his job. He is one of Storrowton Village's and The Big E's most valuable assets and he exemplifies Big E spirit." McCary said at the ceremony which was attended by Fair officers, managers and co-workers.
As a house tour guide and school master, Riberdy, in period costume, educates fairgoers about life in 19th century New England.
Evelyn Romano - Sept. 24
Evelyn Romano, of Agawam, Mass., was presented The Big E Host of the Day award Sept. 24, 2009, by Eastern States Exposition President Wayne McCary. Romano, who has worked at The Big E for over 15 years, works for The Big E Souvenir department in sales during the Fair and as a parker at Gate 9 Auto the remainder of the year.
"Evelyn cheerfully assists our fairgoers in selecting The Big E souvenir items that will always be a fond reminder of their time with us, but there's another level to what she does. In being one of the first people visitors encounter, Evelyn is critical in making their Fair experience a positive one. She is a goodwill ambassador and she exemplifies Big E spirit." McCary said at the ceremony which was attended by Fair officers, managers and co-workers.
Romano sells Big E souvenirs and also often assists fairgoers who have questions about the Fair and what's happening.
Lucille "Ceil" Remington - Sept. 23
Lucille "Ceil" Remington, of Agawam, Mass., was presented The Big E Host of the Day award Sept. 23, 2009, by Eastern States Exposition President Wayne McCary. Remington, who has worked at The Big E for over 40 years, is manager of the kitchen in the Moses Building which houses 4-H competitors during the Fair.
"Ceil is instrumental in the efficient running of our Moses Building kitchen which primarily serves 4-H competitors staying in the building's dormitory. Her skilled management and good humor, keeps our 4-H patrons and staff happy at all times and she exemplifies Big E spirit." McCary said at the ceremony which was attended by Fair officers, managers and co-workers.
Remington began managing the kitchen at the Moses Building five years ago after being a volunteer there for several years. She begins lining up volunteers and planning schedules and menus in June. During the Fair, she keeps the kitchen, which serves three meals a day and over 10,000 meals during the run of the Fair, running smoothly, making schedule adjustments when necessary.
Jimmy Beucki - Sept. 22
Jimmy Beucki, of Springfield, Mass., was presented The Big E Host of the Day award Sept. 22, 2009, by Eastern States Exposition President Wayne McCary. Beucki, who has worked at The Big E for 8 years, is The Big E's parade marshal.
"Jimmy is responsible for taking 500 to 1,000 people a day, seven days a week, including marching bands, cheerleaders, auto drivers, animal handlers and their animals, and pulling them together into The Big E's Daily Parade. To do this may seem to be an insurmountable task to many, but he makes it look easy. His positive attitude and ability to handle whatever comes his way while staying calm exemplifies Big E spirit." McCary said at the ceremony which was attended by Fair officers, managers and co-workers.
He is responsible for making sure contingents of marching bands, antique cars, cheerleaders and the great Hallamore eight-horse hitch are lined up and ready to go on time for The Big E's Daily Parade at 5 p.m. weekdays and the combined Daily and Mardi Gras Parade at 5 p.m. on weekends.
Scott Casineau - Sept. 21
Scott Casineau, of West Springfield, Mass., was presented The Big E Host of the Day award Sept. 21, 2009, by Eastern States Exposition President Wayne McCary. Casineau, who has worked at The Big E for 7 years, is the Gate Captain at Gate One Auto.
"Scott Casineau is one of the first people many of our exhibitors and bus groups see as they enter the fairgrounds. His good humor and efficient management of one of our busiest entrances, is essential to the smooth operation of The Big E and the happiness of the exhibitors and bus drivers he and his crew greet each day. He sets an example all of us can follow and exemplifies Big E spirit." McCary said at the ceremony which was attended by Fair officers, managers and co-workers.
Casineau is responsible for ensuring traffic flows in an orderly pattern and pace at Gate 1, the entry point to the fairgrounds for agriculture and state building exhibitors and school and group buses. Once inside the gate, Casineau and his staff determine the length of time the vehicle can stay and where they will park based on the type of green tag they display.
Paul &Gary LaBranche - Sept. 20
Paul LaBranche, of Chicopee, Mass., and his brother, Gary LaBranche, of West Springfield, were presented The Big E Host of the Day award Sept. 20, 2009, by Eastern States Exposition President Wayne McCary. Paul LaBranche has been with The Big E for three years. Gary LaBranche is a seven-year Fair veteran. Both LaBranches are attendants at The Big E's Giant Slide.
"Paul and Gary LaBranche are always at their post early and wearing a smile. Their sense of humor and positive attitude is uplifting to their co-workers and helps to give our fairgoers an experience to remember. They exemplify everything The Big E spirit is about," McCary said at the ceremony which was attended by Fair officers, managers and co-workers.
As Giant Slide attendants at The Big E, the LaBranches are responsible for taking tickets, ensuring only those who meet the ride requirements are admitted, and making sure all riders are safe and have fun.
The brothers each received a Host of the Day clock and 2009 Big E commemorative gifts at the surprise presentation.
Arnie Nieminen - Sept. 19
Arnie Nieminen, of Lebanon, Conn., was presented The Big E Host of the Day award Sept. 19, 2009, by Eastern States Exposition President Wayne McCary. Nieminen, who has worked at The Big E for 7 years, is a dairy superintendent at the Mallary Complex.
"Arnie Nieminen is a consummate multi-tasker. He juggles an unbelievable number of responsibilities and always handles them with grace and good humor. His commitment and dedication to the Fair and the exhibitors he works with truly exemplify Big E spirit," McCary said at the ceremony which was attended by Fair officers, managers and co-workers.
As dairy superintendent at The Big E, Nieminen is responsible for over 400 head of dairy cattle and their owners from the time they arrive at the Fair until they leave. His responsibilities include check-in, stall assignment, supervision of the show ring, coordination of exhibitor meetings and releases.
Jack Bennett - Sept. 18
Jack Bennett, of Wilbraham, Mass., was presented The Big E Host of the Day award Sept. 18, 2009, by Eastern States Exposition President Wayne McCary. Bennett, who has worked at The Big E for 5 years, is a shuttle driver.
Jack Bennett always has a smile on his face and puts a smile on the face of our fairgoers. He truly exemplifies Big E spirit. We appreciate his dedication very much," McCary said at the ceremony which was attended by Fair officers, managers and co-workers.
As a shuttle driver at The Big E, Bennett is often the first face employees, exhibitors and volunteers see at the beginning of their day at the Fair and the last one when to say goodbye at the end of their shift. Bennett works out of the Bus Lot at Gate 1 and is responsible for safely transporting people to and from the fair's off-site parking lots and also assists in transporting some performers from their hotels.