by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Each year since 1989, the Prudential-Davis Productivity Awards have recognized and rewarded state employees who have excelled at being good stewards of the taxpayers’ money.
The 2010 competition awarded 587 individual and team members statewide for their innovations and productivity improvements that resulted in $415 million in cost savings, cost avoidances and increased revenue for state government, said Clarissa Dunlap, executive director of the Prudential-Davis Productivity Awards. Over the 22 years since the program was founded, more than $6.7 billion has been saved or recovered. Hundreds of state workers have been rewarded with cash awards of $250 to $2,750 in addition to commemorative plaques and certificates of commendation.
The program is administered by Florida Tax Watch and sponsored by Florida Tax Watch, the Florida Council of 100 and the State of Florida.
“The program ensures that our valuable state employees are aware that their hard work and innovative ideas are appreciated and rewarded, which is especially important now when the budget is so tight and state employees haven’t had a raise in years,” Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp said in a news release. He chairs the initiative.
“The Prudential-Davis Productivity Awards program is like a suggestion box on steroids,” he said.
Several local winners were honored at Monday’s meeting of the Rotary Club of Jacksonville.
• Maggie Gattrell, an insurance analyst with the state Department of Financial Services, conducted an investigation of alleged insurance premium theft that led to the arrest of two insurance agents who left $9 million worth of property uninsured during and after a hurricane. Her performance ranked No. 2 among 54 peers statewide.
• Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent Rusty Rogers was the leader of an effort that thwarted a money-laundering operation that sought to take funds from the state and transfer them to the Middle East. He thwarted the diversion of more than $5.7 million and arrested two subjects before they boarded a flight from Miami to Beirut. Rogers was also a co-winner as 2008 FDLE Special Agent of the Year out of 293 agents.
• FDLE Special Agent Ken Veazey along with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Secret Service and private investigators from Target and Publix were recognized for “Operation Wild West Side.” The effort dismantled an organization that had stolen $1 million worth of merchandise and sold it to people who then resold it online and at flea markets.
Prudential is in its seventh year as the lead sponsor for the awards program.
“These state employees have gone above and beyond the call of duty, saving millions of dollars for the taxpayers of Florida,” said Michael Jennings, Prudential Financial Inc. vice president for government affairs and external affairs.
“Rotary gives our special thanks to all of the award recipients. You are leading the way for government and business and we appreciate what you do,” said Rotary Club of Jacksonville President Steve Bacalis.
For a complete list of the 2010 awards, visit www.floridataxwatch.org/dpa.
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