News Releases

Mother of five always goes the extra mile for military personnel shipped out from Army Hospital.

WALNUT CREEK, CA, December 18, 2001
Elizabeth Shepherd of Grafton, Virginia was announced today as the national 2001 Westaff's Best Temporary Employee, an award given each year by Westaff, one of the country's largest temporary employment companies.

With more than 225,000 temps nationwide, Westaff employs many excellent office, light industrial and light technical workers. But Shepherd, a medical receptionist at McDonald Army Hospital, who also donates many hours of volunteer work there, stood out as Westaff's "best of the best," making outstanding contributions to the hospital and community.

"I don't know anyone who is more hard-working or caring," said Jennifer Taylor, Westaff's Newport News, Virginia Affiliate Manager. "She says she has a soft spot for everyone in uniform because of all the hard training they go through and their mission - especially since Sept. 11."

While the other types of workers around the country get recognized during the year, both in national celebrations (like Secretary's Day) or privately by their own companies, temporary workers are too often overlooked. Yet, the nation's 2.9 million temporary workers perform an extremely valuable function for the economy, especially during difficult economic times. They allow companies to quickly increase or decrease their workforce based on changes in the flow of work, and provide the flexibility and cost savings that can be significant to a company's bottom line.

Westaff's awards help give temporary workers the recognition they deserve, said Westaff President and CEO Tom Seip: "We're pleased to reward our temporary employees' exceptional contributions, especially those of employees like Ms. Shepherd. She exemplifies the best of the American work ethic."

A Bolivian native who became a U.S. citizen eight years ago, Shepherd has been at the hospital for five years, and handles the administrative paperwork for 26 kinds of physical exams for new recruits and active duty personnel who are going overseas or on other assignments. A former nurse's aide, and a mother of three boys and two girls, she has been a volunteer for the American Red Cross and the Women's Health Clinic. She also regularly donates her time after hours or on weekends at the hospital she said, "just because it needs to be done. Also, I love the people who come in here. I'm very proud of them. I like to help them all I can."

Shepherd was nominated by Captain David Hernandez, head nurse for the hospital, in part, he said, because "she can run the clinic by herself when it usually takes three people. She doesn't just do what needs to be done, but she often becomes the serviceman's advocate, getting the health provider on duty to answer any questions."

Westaff selected Shepherd from among 15 regional winners in different parts of the country whose temporary employers had chosen them as outstanding workers.

She will receive a wonderful weekend trip for two to San Francisco, with lodgings near Fisherman's Wharf, plus other gifts.

Temporary workers like those being recognized today as Westaff's Best show that in the midst of all the bad news about the economy, we should remember that there are millions of Americans being employed as temporary workers every day. Many of them move from temporary work to full-time work. All of them are contributing to our economy and to our country, Mr. Seip said.

"Temporary work is often a way for people to enter the workforce for the first time. These employees work hard for their companies and to support their families and communities. Their dedication bodes well for our nation's future."

The other 14 Regional Awardees include: Guillermo Lopez of El Paso, TX; Joe Martinez of Greeley, CO; Marisa White of Claymont, DE; Beverly Kendall of Cedar Rapids, IA; Daniel Hodack of Rapid City, SD; Lori McBride of Hartford, CT; Luisa Sheppard of Seattle, WA; Tony Wynes of Omaha, NE; Heather Heverly of Honolulu, HI; Bonnie Patch of Geneva, IN; Joetta Johnson of Hayward, CA; Courtney Davis of Charleston, SC; Larry Castaneda of Las Vegas, NV; and Doran Ranta of Woodbury, MN.

Westaff, with headquarters in Walnut Creek, CA, services approximately 25,000 client companies from more than 350 offices throughout the U.S., Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Norway and Denmark. Westaff achieved fiscal 2000 revenues of more than $700 million. For more information on Westaff's services, please visit our Web site at www.westaff.com.