W.Va. Chamber announces HR awards

CHARLESTON -- The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce has awarded its inaugural Five-Diamond Human Resources Excellence Award (HR) to West Virginia United Health System (WVUHS) and Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia (TMMWV).

C.D. Linton of Essroc was honored with the HR Professional of the Year Award. The awards were presented at the recent West Virginia Chamber's annual HR Conference. The conference drew a record attendance and is recognized as the state's premiere human resources meeting.

The Five-Diamond designation is given to West Virginia employers who have a stellar performer in safety, employee policies, continuing employee education, and community service and employee empowerment.

WVUHS is the state's second largest employer with nearly 8,000 employees. It is the leader in providing health care benefits to north central and eastern West Virginia --- treating more than 2,000 patients daily.

"We are honored to receive this outstanding award from the West Virginia Chamber. It recognizes the commitment of our organization to human resources," said WVUHS President Tom Jones.

TMMWV celebrated its 15th Anniversary on October 15. The plant, located in Buffalo, has expanded six times, employs over 1,000 team members and has produced over 8.8 million engines and transmissions. The facility has been awarded Toyota's prestigious Harbour Award, which recognizes productivity of powertrain plants in North America, for seven consecutive years.

According to Mike Lutz, general manager of administration for TMMWV, "The award recognizes Toyota's first priority to safety, and commended Toyota for sustaining all full time team members employment during the economic downturn and natural disaster. We are honored to have received the Five-Diamond Employer Award."

The HR Professional of the Year was awarded to C.D. Linton, HR Manager for the Essroc facility in Martinsburg.

Linton also provides HR support to company locations in Front Royal and Richmond, Va., and Fredrick and Baltimore, Md. He is a graduate of Shepherd University and has an MBA from Frostburg State University. He has more than 15 years manufacturing experience.

"I rely on the West Virginia Chamber for accurate and up-to-date information on issues and changes that will affect my company --- especially in the all-important area of HR. Coming from the WV Chamber makes this award even more important,' Linton said.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce is the state's largest general business organization with members in each of the state's 55 counties representing over one-half of the state's workforce.

The West Virginia Chamber is a voice for free market competition, streamlined government, a catalyst for progressive thinking and problem solving, and a partner with government when appropriate.

For more information, visit www.wvchamber.com.