CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Mayor Joe Pitts honored 90 City of Clarksville employees for outstanding job performance in the inaugural “Cause for Applause” program.
The group of employees and well-wishers gathered for breakfast and awards Monday, March 9, at the Wilma Rudolph Events Center at Liberty Park. Eighteen workers received the “Mayor’s Shining Star” award, and another 72 received “Mayor’s Rising Star” honors.
Mayor Pitts said “Cause for Applause” was designed to recognize and encourage outstanding job performance and exceptional delivery of city services by employees. Department leaders nominated award recipients from their teams based on superior performance, outstanding customer service, increasing morale, volunteering for special projects and other factors.”
“I want to thank you and express my gratitude for all you do for our citizens,” Mayor Pitts said. “There’s a famous quote (from the Roman orator Cicero) that sums it up well. ‘Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.’ ”
Chief of Staff James Halford, who was the architect of the program, said “Cause for Applause” will become an annual event, which will add an even higher award next year — the “Mayor’s Superstar” award.
“You all have earned this recognition,” Halford told the honorees. “And we truly believe it’s what you do that makes Clarksville the best city in America to live.”
Circuit Court Judge Katy Olita gave the keynote address and congratulated the high-achievers, urging them to embrace the emotions that can accompany career ambition.
“I have a history of being uncomfortable,” Judge Olita told the crowd. “At each major new step in my career, I had that feeling of hearing my heart beating in my chest, of being slightly terrified. But I learned to embrace it. So go ahead and be uncomfortable, because that’s where the good stuff happens.”
Alongside the catered breakfast, awardees received a pin, a certificate, a custom water bottle and perks like front-of-the-line access at the Mayor’s Christmas Breakfast, and reserved Riverfest parking.