Last week, we gathered together for one of our favorite traditions—the Ahola Annual Company Picnic! The picnic is a time to step away from the day-to-day and celebrate what makes Ahola special: our incredible employees. We always celebrate our company picnic in August, the month of our company's anniversary. We also hosted employees and their families at a Friday night Cleveland Guardians game the following day.
The afternoon was filled with great food, and plenty of fun. From delicious drinks and dinner from Winking Lizard Tavern to live entertainment from the talented Zayne Harshaw, and team-building activities, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Employees also had the opportunity to win exciting raffle prizes and baskets, which added to the evening's energy.
One of the highlights each year is recognizing the contributions and dedication of our staff. We were proud to honor years of service milestones, celebrating those who have committed their time and talent to Ahola. In addition, we presented our annual employee awards, including the Mark & Marja Awards—a tradition established in 2019 to honor the legacy of second-generation owners Mark and Marja Ahola.Each award reflects a pillar that Mark and Marja embodied during their time at Ahola. The Mark Ahola Perseverance Award is given to an employee who demonstrates resilience and determination, while the Marja Ahola Teamwork Award celebrates an individual who exemplifies collaboration and unity.
This year, we were thrilled to present the Teamwork Award to CJ Foune and the Perseverance Award to Sierra Schleich—two outstanding examples of the values that continue to guide our company.
The picnic reminded us once again how fortunate we are to have such a passionate and dedicated team. Thank you to every employee for making Ahola what it is today—we celebrate you!