The President's Award is given to employees who demonstrate outstanding commitment to their jobs, fellow employees and the company. Here's a synopsis of each employee and why they were honored:

Laura Blinn

Although her title is Executive Assistant to the President, Laura Blinn is the heart of B-K Lighting + TEKA Illumination.

In addition to keeping track of scheduling for President Doug Hagen, Laura is in charge of Collections and oversees most, if not all, of our volunteer programs.

Laura oversees the monthly "Support Our Soldiers" Care Package Program which started back in 2002, supervises our annual 9/11 tribute ceremonies, orchestrates our annual Toys for Tots campaigns and schedules our visits from the Madera High School Robotics Teams.

Laura truly is a miracle worker; juggling these 'extras' along with her regular duties. Everyone at B-K Lighting + TEKA Illumination truly appreciates her.

Ed McCauley

Ed McCauley can only be described as a "trooper."

Currently, Ed is 27 months in remission after four years of major chemotherapy for four variety of cancers.

Despite his health issues, Ed still, somehow, makes it to work almost everyday ... except for scheduled doctor's appointments and medical procedures.

Ed recently suffered another medical set back. On December 17th of last year, he was getting his keys out of his pocket and slipped on the front steps of his weekend home in Pismo Beach. As a result, he broke his ankle in three places.

"It was a very painful experience," says Ed. "I would highly recommend that everyone use the handrail when taking the stairs."

Although now confined to a wheelchair, he still gets to work on time (thanks to his loving wife Donna) and performs his duties as Documentation Control Specialist.

We'd like to thank Ed for his commitment to his job and the company ... and for letting us share his personal story with all of you.