As a part of the nationwide Public Service Recognition Week, Governor M. J. "Mike" Foster has proclaimed May 9, 2001 as State Employee Recognition Day in Louisiana, to emphasize the dedication and commitment of all state employees. (See attached text of proclamation.) While the Governor’s proclamation applies to all state employees, this is your opportunity to highlight the special work that YOUR employees do.

Public recognition of state employees enhances the public image of state service and encourages more people to consider state employment as a career choice. By recognizing the special work of your employees, you can help promote public awareness of the many services you provide.

Please take this opportunity to recognize the employees in your department who do a wonderful job for their fellow citizens each day. We encourage you to publicize the outstanding accomplishments of individuals or teams in your agency.

If your agency has established a Rewards and Recognition Program, you may want to schedule your awards presentation on State Employee Recognition Day. Whether or not you have a formal recognition program, there are many ways you can recognize and publicize the achievements of your employees. Ask your Communications Office to help you make the most of the Governor’s proclamation at your agency.

More information about Public Service Recognition Week is available on the Public Employees Roundtable website at: www.theroundtable.org. A handbook containing ideas and suggestions for recognition activities is also available at: www.theroundtable.org/celebrate.pdf.

If you have questions about this please contact Jean Tozer at 225-219-9437.

There is quoted below for your information and guidance a proclamation issued April 4, 2001 by the Honorable M.J. "Mike" Foster, Jr., Governor of Louisiana.

WHEREAS, Louisiana’s state employees make a significant contribution to the well-being and quality of life for all citizens of our state; and

WHEREAS, Louisiana’s state employees preserve public safety and the health of our citizens; protect our clean air and water; care for less fortunate members of society; rehabilitate and counsel people in need; preserve our economic well-being by attracting and supporting commerce; build and maintain our highways, schools, and other infrastructure; administer justice; protect citizens’ rights; care for victims of crimes; inspect our food; license our cars; help educate our children; make astounding advances in medicine, science, and technology; and handle a host of other essential duties the public entrusts to them; and

WHEREAS, these dedicated individuals strive daily to perform their jobs with professionalism and integrity and to make government services more accessible and responsive to the needs of our citizens; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to set aside a day during Public Employee Recognition Week to honor and recognize all state employees and to give the general public an opportunity to learn more about their state government and outstanding employees who serve them; and

WHEREAS, Louisiana is privileged to join other states across the nation on May 9, 2001, to express special appreciation and gratitude to state employees for their hard work, sacrifices, and unselfish spirit of dedication to the citizens of our state.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, M.J. "Mike" Foster, Jr., Governor of the state of Louisiana, do hereby proclaim May 9, 2001, as STATE EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION DAY in the state of Louisiana, and call this observance to the attention of all citizens and to encourage all Louisianians to commend the hard work and dedication of state employees across the Pelican State.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand officially and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Louisiana, at the Capitol, in the city of Baton Rouge, on the 4^th day of April, 2001.

ATTEST BY THE GOVERNOR

s/Fox McKeithen
Secretary of State

Sincerely,

Allen H. Reynolds

Director