SENECA, Pa. (EYT) — In a spirited show of appreciation, Matric Limited transformed its workplace into a hub of fun and camaraderie during their Employee Appreciation Week, including a lively dunk tank event that not only boosted morale but also raised funds for the United Way of Venango County.
The week of June 10 through the 14th was filled with activities designed to bring joy and recognize the hard work of Matric’s employees. Each day featured a unique theme, encouraging creativity and participation among the staff. From Crazy Hat and Sock Day to Patriotic Day, the atmosphere was electric with enthusiasm and team spirit.
A highlight of the week was the outdoor catered lunch on Tuesday, June 11, provided by Dotty Haggerty. Lunch was a time for employees to socialize and enjoy delicious food, drinks, desserts, and a dunk tank event.
Supervisors and executives bravely took their turns in the tank, allowing employees to purchase tickets for a chance to dunk their leaders. The proceeds from this event were donated to the United Way of Venango County, reflecting Matric’s ongoing commitment to community support.
“For me, it’s the people. A lot of good people work here,” said Bill Owens, a manufacturing engineer at Matric, expressing what he likes most about working for the company. “I’ve worked here for twenty years and have made a lot of friends here. Everybody cares and everybody does a good job.”
Owens emphasized the importance of these activities in maintaining a positive work environment.
“Everybody gets worn out and tired sometimes. When we do things like this, it gives everybody a little more energy and keeps everybody excited. It breaks things up and gives you something to look forward to,” he said.
Matric’s contributions go beyond employee engagement.
“80% of our funding comes from local, private, or company support,” said Will Price, Executive Director of the United Way of Venango County. “Matric has raised over $600,000 for the United Way over the years through employee contributions, plus Matric matches dollar for dollar any contribution that comes from an employee.”
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“Matric has been our top contributor for the last 13 years,” Price added. “They are a huge supporter, not just financially. They bring us in on different projects and help us look at different needs.”
The United Way of Venango County helps area families and students facing food insecurities and transportation challenges, as well as those having trouble meeting basic needs such as hygiene and clothing.
Patrick Stimpert, Vice President of Operations at Matric, was one of six company leaders dunked in the tank. “This is hugely important. Just as important is raising money for the United Way,” Stimpert said. “We’ve always supported the United Way.”
When asked about his experience in the dunk tank, he responded with a smile, “It’s a no-brainer.”
Doug Bevier is a manufacturing engineer at Matric who has worked for the company for 30 years. Reflecting on the company’s culture and history, he said, “We’re constantly helping our customers, that’s the biggest thing. The Turners are very good people to work for; they’re true and honest. They’ve always done right by me for all the years I’ve worked here.”
Regarding activities like this one, Bevier added, “We’ve done so many things. If we go a full year with a perfect safety record, we get a full steak dinner. One time they brought in a guy to do pancakes. He was a pancake flipper, making thousands of pancakes. He’d throw them at you and you’d have to catch them. They’re just nice little things that mix things up.”
“There’s always something new. It’s not making the same donuts every day,” said Tom Mohnkern, who started working for Matric in 1987 and worked his way up to Facility Manager.
The appreciation week was not just about fun and games but also about acknowledging the hard work and dedication of Matric’s employees. The company has a long history of investing in its workforce, offering perks beyond just a good salary to incentivize hiring and retention. Events like Employee Appreciation Week play a crucial role in maintaining a positive and engaging workplace culture.
Matric’s commitment to its employees is evident in its continuous efforts to create a supportive and enjoyable work environment. These activities help break the monotony of daily work, providing employees with something to look forward to and boosting overall morale.
The company’s leadership understands the importance of recognizing and rewarding its employees. The fun-filled week was a way to show gratitude for the employees’ hard work and dedication. It also served as a reminder of the strong community ties that Matric fosters, both within the company and in the larger Venango County area.
Matric currently has job openings for assembly technicians, engineers, custodians, software engineers, machine technicians, programmers, and clerks. They offer great wages, full benefits, tuition reimbursement, a matching 401(K) program, and company-paid life insurance.
To see a list of current job openings, visit matric.com/careers