Burger's Smokehouse annual Leadership dinner was held at Reinhardt Circle, Jefferson City, Oct. 18, for fellow workers with leadership roles in the company and those that have worked for the company for 10 years and beyond. There were 112 fellow workers and guests in attendance. Appetizers were served during the social hour followed by a dinner buffet featuring fried chicken, prime rib and pork fillets with a variety of side dishes and desserts.
Michelle Matthews, professional ventriloquist, along with her puppets Crystal, Grandma and Grandpa, presented a delightful program that highlighted audience participation.
Special guests were Shirley Moore who retired form the Smokehouse 20 years ago in 1994 and Barbara Kilgore. Sandra Ratcliff, vice president of Human Resources, presented a plaque to Kilgore in memory of her husband Jeff, a long-time Burger employee who died Jan. 18, 2014.
Recent retirees Dorothy Burkhardt and Jackie Harris were recognized with 13 and 19 years of service respectively. They each received a plaque and an employee discount card in recognition for their service to the company.
Steven Burger, Keith Fletcher and Karen Porter were recognized for 30 years of service. They will each receive a cruise to a destination of their choice.
Fellow workers with 20 years of service who were recognized included Laura Gerlach, Christy Gish, Cathy Hickman, LaDonna Lietzke, Janet Meyer, Wade Porter and Kenny Scott. They each received a weekend vacation in conjunction with one paid day off. Branson and Lake Ozarks are popular destinations.
Fellow workers with five to 10 years of service enjoyed lunch at Oscar's Classic Diner in Jefferson City on Oct. 15 and 17, with 43 attending each day.