Morey-Bukvich Award

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Morey-Bukvich Award

Dennis Small, a member of MPEA’s State Fund Chapter, is the winner of this year’s Morey/Bukvich Award, which is presented annually to a member who has an outstanding record of service to his fellow employees. The individual is selected by MPEA’s Board of Directors.

Small was selected for his commitment to serve MPEA members. It was noted that Small has acted as a buffer to many difficult situations at State Fund and has always worked to resolve differences in a manner that was beneficial to MPEA members. He has also become the individual that members in this chapter turn to when they are in disputes that impact their jobs.

A member of MPEA since 2004, Small has been active in negotiations, has challenged difficult issues and remained steadfast at working toward improved contracts with changes that have resulted in better benefits for State Fund members.

Small has held the position of chapter vice president and is currently the unit president.

In addition to Small, there were five other MPEA members who were recognized for their outstanding contributions and efforts on behalf of their colleagues. These included Dave Loewen, a game warden with Fish, Wildlife and Parks; Kim Johnson, with MPEA’s Department of Agriculture Chapter; Kathy Johnson, with the Office of Public Assistance; Cyndie Winchell, with the Missoula Parking Commission; and, Jeff Vader with the State Lottery Chapter.

Loewen was cited for his leadership to reunify the game warden chapter and for his skill in dealing with management regarding pay and working conditions for fellow wardens. Loewen also recently rewrote the game warden job profile---a job that needed to be done and hadn’t over the past 10 years.

Loewen has been an MPEA member since January 2001 and is presently the chapter president.

Kim Johnson was recognized for her efforts to help agriculture chapter members develop a performance appraisal system that fairly evaluates employees. Johnson, a member since 2001, participates in labor/management committee meetings, is known for her ability to help members when needed and presently is the chapter representative for MPEA’s Agriculture Chapter.

Kathy Johnson was recognized by her colleagues in the Office of Public Assistance for her efforts in helping to implement the Broadband pay structure. She has that rare gift of communication and has kept her fellow public assistance workers informed of what’s happening in labor/management meetings. It is also known by her fellow workers that if she can’t address an issue right away, she always follows through to get the best answer from the right person.

This OPA worker has been a member of MPEA since 1994 and currently serves as a chapter representative.

Cyndie Winchell works for the Missoula Parking Commission. Her colleagues note that she has been behind all the efforts to improve the contract with the city. It was also noted that she went out of her way to collect and keep records on salary, raises, uniform allowances, overtime policy and much more. She has been the representative in regard to grievances, and other management-employee issues.

A member of MPEA since 2004 and currently the chapter representative she is known for fighting for the best possible contract, for keeping her unit informed and together and as a representative of the city in her day-to-day work writing tickets.

Jeff Vader, the chapter representative for MPEA’s lottery chapter, was recognized for his dedication and hard work in organizing lottery employees and bringing the lottery on board with MPEA. Vader, a member since last July, is currently serving as his unit’s chapter representative.

Last Modified: Wednesday August 27, 2008

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