A free breakfast is always good, but a free breakfast with a motivational message is even better. The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber along with sponsors First State Bank and Trust, Fresh Beginnings and ELEAD1ONE are hosting the Winners in the Workplace breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5th at the Rainwater Conference Center. The event is open to all Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber members, and will feature a motivating message from keynote speaker, Bob Ganzak, with Dale Carnegie Training of North Florida.

“All around us are the signs of how close we actually are to achieving our goals, yet too often we give up or give in at the last crucial moment,” Ganzak said in an interview. “A test in school, a project at work, a stronger relationship or an athletic accomplishment. Often they are within our grasp, yet we stop on the doorstep of success. So what does make the difference? At the breakfast I will share what makes the difference in our lives, our careers and our communities.”

In addition to Ganzak’s keynote address, the breakfast will recognize four outstanding Lowndes County employees who exemplify excellence in the workforce. Each will receive a check for $1500 in recognition of the good work that they do on a daily basis.

“It’s so important – especially in today’s fast paced world – to take the time to recognize our community’s most valuable assets, our employees,” said Judy Hathcock, owner of Fresh Beginnings/ELEAD1ONE and co-sponsor of the event. “We know that employee recognition is critical to the strength, reputation, and growth of any successful business.”

Yet, employee recognition is something that doesn’t happen frequently enough in workplaces today. According to Blackhawk Engagement Solutions, 89 percent of employers assume that their employees leave for more money elsewhere, but only 12 percent of employees actually earn more money from their next company. Why do they leave? Oftentimes it is because they don’t feel appreciated. Blackhawk reports that 39 percent of today’s workforce feels underappreciated at their current job, and that of the people who willingly leave their jobs, 75 percent report that they quit their bosses, not their companies. It’s time to start recognizing employees for the good work that they do.

“There’s no denying that employee recognition is worth the time and money spent on it,” said Bill Cowart, president of First State Bank and Trust Co. “Employee recognition is a tool that predictably makes employees not only feel good about the place that they work, but gives meaning to the job that they’re doing.”

What does that mean for employers? Statistics from CareerBuilder.com show that organizations that offer at least one recognition program have a low turnover rate (0-5%) which leads to an increase in productivity, workplace knowledge, profits and employee attitudes. CareerBuilder.com also reported that the presence of a corporate incentive program motivated 66 percent of employees to stay at their job.

Chamber member businesses are invited to treat their employees to a (free) breakfast on Tuesday, May 5^th and show them how much they are appreciated. Find more details and register for the breakfast by visiting www.ValdostaChamber.com/WorldClassRecognition. View the Winners in the Workplace 2015 finalists here.