Reynolds Lake Oconee Announces 2016 Employee Awards

On Wednesday, April 19th, Reynolds Lake Oconee held its annual Employee Awards Banquet at the Sandy Creek Barn. With over 90 guests in attendance, company executives recognized several employees for their hard work and dedication to community excellence in 2016. Wes Forester, Director of Golf, and Johnny Greene Sr., Golf Course Maintenance at Great Waters, were recipients of the Leader and Employee of the Year awards. Before discovering Reynolds over 12 years ago, Wes Forester worked as the Head Golf Professional in The Members Club at Four Streams in Maryland. After joining the Reynolds team, Forester served as the Head Golf Professional at the Members-only Creek Club since its opening in 2007, and was promoted to Director of Golf this past February. As the Director of Golf, Forester oversees the entire staff of Head Golf Professionals as well as the Reynolds Kingdom of Golf presented by TaylorMade. Outside of work, Forester enjoys being active and spending time outdoors with his family, wife Patsy, their two sons, Ethan and Luke, and dog, Khloe. “Wes is well-deserving of the Leader of the Year award,” says Lon Grundy, General Manager of Reynolds Lake Oconee. “He continues to be an exemplary leader for the golf program here at Reynolds. Wes leads by example, and is so dedicated to our Members and guests; providing them with the world-class services we are known for.” After working for Nibco Manufacture, Johnny Greene Sr. joined the Reynolds Lake Oconee team in April of 1998. Working in Golf Course Maintenance on the Great Waters course, Greene gets the opportunity to work outdoors, make decisions on his own, and interact with the people and environment of Reynolds, which he says make his job so enjoyable. When not at work, Greene enjoys sports, yard work, and helping others when needed. “Johnny is a great contributor to the golf course maintenance team on the Great Waters course,” says Lane Singleton, Vice President of Agronomy. “He does an excellent job on this beautiful course and is always more than happy to lend a helping hand. With his work ethic, I cannot think of anyone more worthy of this award.” Ron Kalpak was recognized as Salesperson of the Year for Reynolds Lake Oconee Properties for 2016. Kalpak had a total of 22 transactions equaling over $8 million for the year, earning him the highest numbers for the company. This is Kalpak’s second year in a row as Salesperson of the Year, following a previous win as part of the Top Sales Team of the Year in 2014. “Ron has had a successful past three years and I can already see that 2017 is going to be no different,” says Lee Arberg, Vice President of Sales for Reynolds Lake Oconee Properties. “Over his 27 years with Reynolds, first as a Tennis Pro and now in Real Estate, he has been a great contributor to our team throughout the property.” Recipients of the 2016 “Helping Hand” Awards included Riezl Baker, Real Estate Sales, Ronald McWhorter, Landing Golf Course Maintenance, and Barbara Voyles, Tennis Concierge. This award is given to Reynolds Lake Oconee employees who consistently donate their time and support to the community. Riezl Baker grew up around family members who dedicated their lives to public service. “My grandfather marked his birthday every year by hosting a lunch for different charitable groups. He taught me the importance of making a difference in the lives of others in your community.” Baker and her husband, Ted, co-founded the Lake Oconee Food & Wine Festival in 2010 to benefit education. She is also a big supporter of the local arts and culture, the real estate industry, and is an active member and volunteer at Christ Our King and Savior Catholic Church. In addition to this, Baker is a Board Member of St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation and participated in the “2014 Dancing with the Lake Oconee Stars” to benefit the First Call Pregnancy Center in Greensboro. Ronald McWhorter believes in doing things from the heart rather than for the wallet, and making an impact in the lives of others. McWhorter is a deacon and treasurer at Hill Chapel Church in Greensboro, has been on the City Council for the City of Greensboro for sixteen years, been the Chairperson for the Recreation Department for four years, and is a Board Member of the Lake Oconee Development Authority. Devoting her time to a very worthwhile cause, Panda Packs in Morgan County is extremely important for Barbara Voyles. Panda Packs provides food to take home on the weekends for kids in school, who might not have food at home otherwise. With this organization, Voyles helps to buy the food, package the food, and raise funds to buy the food through sponsors, the church, and other fundraisers. Lastly, milestone anniversaries for Reynolds Lake Oconee employees were recognized. These employees included thirteen 5-year, eighteen 10-year, and thirteen 15-year recognitions. There was also special mention of Willie Brown (Golf Course Maintenance), Lee Arberg (Real Estate Sales), Laura Rowland (Real Estate Sales), and Billie Strother (Golf Course Maintenance) for twenty years of service and Ronald McWhorter (Golf Course Maintenance) for thirty years of service. “Without such dedicated, hard-working employees, Reynolds would not be the community it is today,” says Rabun Neal, President of Reynolds Lake Oconee. “Holding this annual event to honor achievements is extremely special to our team.”