Riviera boats rewards employee excellence for 2009

Leading by example and taking a proactive and positive attitude has earned Cassandra Meyers and Bruno Kishtoo Riviera’s esteemed award – the Star Performer and WHS&E Star Performer of the Year award for 2009.

The awards have been running for more than 10 years and recognise outstanding employment contribution each quarter as nominated by each department head with the overall winners announced at the end of the year.

Executive Assistant Cassandra Meyers was awarded the Star Performer award for the 3rd quarter for her dedication to organising various events on Riviera’s domestic calendar, including national and international boat shows.

Team leader Bruno Kishtoo was awarded the Workplace, Health, Safety and Environment Star Performer award for the 4th quarter for his leadership qualities and attention to detail when it comes to safety issues.

Both Cassandra and Bruno outshone Riviera’s 300 staff when they were named overall Star Performer and WHS&E Star Performer of the year at a special lunch held this month at Riviera’s Coomera facility.

Riviera’s WHS&E manager Cherriee Ludemann said it was Cassandra and Bruno’s ‘can do’ attitude that earned them the prestigious award.  Both will have the chance to experience the excitement at one of the annual boat shows with Cassandra travelling to the Auckland International Boat show in March and Bruno heading off to the Melbourne Summer Show in February.

“Cassandra has been a great role model for others at Riviera with her great attitude, commitment and outstanding ‘can do’ attitude.  Cassandra is always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done with good attention to detail and excellent communication skills.  She has assisted in maintaining a positive profile for Riviera through hard work, dedication and loyalty to the company and always has a smile on hand to brighten up the day,” Ms Ludemann said.

“Bruno always leads by example by ensuring he looks out for others in the work environment by identifying and removing or notifying his manager of hazards.  Bruno gives consideration to safety and environmental issues on a daily basis, not only in his own work area but also when he is in other work areas on site.  We need all staff to look out for their work mates and for hazards in the workplace so that we can ensure that everyone goes home to their family everyday without injury.”

Cassandra said the win took her by surprise but it was great to be recognised.

“It’s extremely rewarding to be recognised for the hard work I have put in throughout the year,” she said.

“I am looking forward to going to the Auckland International Boat Show. It will be a dream come true as I’ve never had the opportunity to attend an international boat show before or even visit New Zealand itself.  After assisting with the preparation of the Auckland Boat Show in the past, the chance to attend this particular show will be a memorable experience. “

Bruno said the competition was tough and he was overwhelmed when his name was announced as the overall winner.

“I didn’t expect it because there are so many deserving people out there but I think it was my commitment to health and safety and initiative in implementing standardised safety procedures in every shed,” he said.

Bruno will go to the Melbourne Summer Boat Show in February as reward for his hard work and commitment to health and safety.

The nominations for Star Performer for 2009 were:
Patsy Johnson
Erin Cook
Sue Kelly
Cassandra Meyers
Kris Hanney

The nominations for Workplace Health and Safety and Environment Star Performer for 2009 were: Jesse Paler
Brad Weigel
Sean Drysdale
Bruno Kishtoo

Riviera offers 20 different models from 36 to 85 feet across four model series Flybridge, Sport Yacht, Offshore Express and Motor Yachts.