Thursday, August 26, 2010

The 4-1-1 on Focus Groups!

Ricker's is excited to announce that its first ever Focus Group program has begun!  The Focus Group program was created to improve communications between the stores and Corporate (not limited to the Human Resources Department), to garner suggestions on improving policies and procedures, and to continually foster a culture of friendliness, support, and a dedication to continuously improve.
 
Through these meetings, Ricker's hopes to:
  • Better understand the issues and challenges facing our store personnel 
  • Collect suggestions for improvement regarding policies and procedures, including but not limited to
    • Safety Processes
    • Customer Satisfaction
    • Handbook Policies
    • Efficiency
    • Motivation/Recognition Techniques/Incentives
    • Resources available to personnel
    • Benefits Offerings 
  • Improve morale among store personnel, assisting Ricker’s in avoiding union organization, and make strides towards becoming a “Best Places to Work.” 
  • Avoid unionization.

 The first Focus Group meeting was held with representatives from the Indianapolis market's northernmost stores on August 24th, 2010.  Our meeting was full of engaging conversation, great ideas, and constructive feedback.  Meeting Ricker's superstars in person and talking about the biggest challenges and most rewarding situations they face will prove to be invaluable to the company, my department, and myself.  Thanks to the superstars that attended, and I look forward to meeting with the other markets soon!
 
 

Cliff's Ricker's Song


In the heart of a sleepy, classically midwestern town called "Lapel" exists a legend.  A legend that began by having good, clean fun at work.  A legend that was created by a loyal, creative, and comical Ricker's Superstar.  A legend that has brought smiles to frowning faces and brightened countless days.

The legend of the Ricker's song.

Cliff Huffman, best known for his positive attitude and quick sense of humor, coined this little ditty on the spot one day while watching customers pump gas.  Cliff is an accomplished and well-known singer throughout the area, so naturally, he executes the song beatifully and with ease.

Please enjoy this example of Ricker's fun and friendly culture at its best!

Friday, August 20, 2010

New to the Blog-o-sphere

A Note from your Chief Culture Enthusiast:

Hello and welcome to Ricker's Rally Blog!  This Blog came to creation after listening to a very powerful speaker at a recent conference.  He stated that HR professionals (and all managers of any capacity) should have the paramount mission of "helping employees live out their dreams."  His speech inspired me to start brainstorming channels for communication, feedback, and RECOGNITION for each one of our (approximately) 600 superstars in our Anderson, Indy, and Fort Wayne markets.  This blog (along with a variety of other new initiatives) will be Ricker's way to say THANK YOU, share a laugh or an endearing story, and help all of us colleagues continue building the culture for which the Ricker's company (and Family) is known. 

Please feel free to leave your thoughts, ideas, suggestions, and more...

In closing, Thank you, Gracias, Domo, Grazie, Merci, Danke, Gratia, etc...