September 15, 2004
Employees and families lined up for chips and potato salad at the YKHC annual company picnic.
YKHC Public Relations Staff Report
A huge crowd turned out for the YKHC Napartet picnic on Tuesday evening under clear skies, a hot sun, little wind, no bugs, and temperatures in the 80s.
Starting from the YKHC tent, the food line stretched all the way to the back of the CHSB, but with four grills and a mess of cooks, the line moved quickly and the picnickers didn't seem to mind the stellar weather.
Everyone enjoyed hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, coleslaw and some of the best-tasting silver salmon of the day. It was truly a family affair as staff, moms, dads and children came out to enjoy the picnic.
Guests also included village delegates from the AVCP Convention, being held yesterday and today at the Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center.
"Man, I'm glad you guys are having this," said one AVCP delegate, while being served some food. "Quyanarquq (it's appreciated). How about a little bit more fish there?"
YKHC employees from every level of the organization contributed to the occasion. VPs to housing maintenance staff chipped in to help set up, cook and serve.
But the overall idea of the picnic was to celebrate Napartet, a program of building excellence within the corporation among its employees and services.
"I really admire the dedication of our employees," said Gene Peltola, President/CEO. "With Napartet, we are moving our organization from good to excellent.
"It won't happen overnight, and it will take input from all of our staff," Peltola added, "but I see the dedication of our people, and I know it can be done."
Napartet, translated as "Pillars," tunes YKHC's strategic goals into five areas: Patient Centered Excellence, Employee Focus, Native Staff Development, Financial Viability, and Community and Partner Satisfaction.
"We are striving to give our customers the service they want and to enhance our relationship with the Tribes," said Peltola.
"Napartet helps us syncronize our efforts," he added, "and when these factors come together, it increases our financial viability, and in turn works towards our mission of improving even more the health of our people."
Peltola thanked everyone who helped put the celebration together.