06/18/2026
To all local business owners:
If you're fortunate enough to have a young employee who shows up, works hard, stays loyal, and gives 110% year after year in today's world, be thankful. Appreciate them. Respect them. Don't take them for granted.
My daughter spent the last 3 years working for a local food establishment. She was their longest-serving employee and dedicated countless hours, energy, and effort into helping build someone else's business. She showed loyalty, commitment, and a work ethic that is becoming harder and harder to find.
Unfortunately, that dedication was met with empty promises, poor management, and a lack of appreciation. Instead of being valued, she was continually strung along until she finally reached a point where she could no longer tolerate the situation.
No employee should have to work in an environment where professionalism is lacking, where personal family matters are regularly brought into the workplace, where employees are expected to work through ongoing distractions, and where management fails to lead by example. A workplace should be focused on serving customers, supporting employees, and maintaining a professional atmosphere for everyone.
To the young people out there: know your worth. Loyalty should be a two-way street. Hard work deserves respect, honesty, and opportunity.
To business owners: your employees are often the backbone of your success. Treat them accordingly, because finding dedicated people isn't as easy as it once was.
I'm proud of my daughter for standing up for herself and knowing when it was time to move on. Her work ethic, character, and dedication will take her much further than any employer who failed to recognize her value.
