“Our Aspirations and Beliefs are only words until employees make them come alive for people through tangible actions. This company cannot achieve its potential without the kind of positive leadership skills that create context for people and which inspire passion and commitment in our fellow employees.”

(left to right:  Jim Smithwick, Kim Jeffery, Eric Ely)


Recent Winners

Jim Smithwick
Market Education Development
Long Island, New York

A company employee for 27 years and leader of several key initiatives, Jim Smithwick is “one of the pioneers that has built Nestlé Waters North America.” As evidenced by the number of people who have spoken on his behalf, Jim has touched the lives of many in this company. In support of Jim’s nomination, Lee Zipman, Roadnet Router, said, “I have never met a person who cares more about the company he works for and probably even more about the employees that work for it.”

Dimitrios Smyrnios, Vice President, Home & Office, recalls that, “In 1998, when I met with all leaders in the Home & Office division, I was truly amazed by the number of people who mentioned Jim Smithwick. Both personally and professionally, he has demonstrated the ability to lead himself through change and then to lead others. What is incredible to me is that he has done so for 27 years.”

In response to the many commendations Jim received, Randy Mattes, Zone Manager, Long Island, notes, “Common themes resonate in these thoughts, examples and stories. Jim is extremely loyal, cares about people, and has very strong values; he is a role model for the things that we believe in as an organization.” In the end, that is what the President’s Awards are all about.

Eric Ely
Production Technician
Allentown, Pennsylvania

Eric Ely was recognized both for his exceptional performance at Nestlé Waters North America, and volunteerism within his community. In his nomination letter, Al Weaver, HOD Production Manager, Allentown, called Eric “a natural leader who has been proclaimed, ‘Mr. Consistency.’ Eric stays with everything he does for the long haul and he is always there for you.” In recent years, Allentown HOD has experienced exceptional growth, producing on average one million bottles each month. Al says, “Eric has been an integral part of this growth, helping us move forward to meet the daily challenges of increased volume.”

Having lived his entire life in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, Eric served on the Kutztown Borough Council from 1975-2004 and the Bethel Nazarene Church Board since 1970. In addition, this husband, father, community/church leader and exceptional employee has perfect attendance at work — over seven years without taking one sick day! Kim Jeffery congratulates Jim (left) and Eric.