Smokehouse guru at Miller's gets accolades from Chamber

Each month, the Chamber of Commerce reviews nominations submitted by the public and selects one lucky area worker to be selected as Employee of the Month. For the month of September, Leland Koenig of Miller's Fresh Food has the honor of wearing the title. He was recognized for both his tenure as well as his commitment to product quality.

Leland's time in the local grocer's meat department spans more than 35 years. It was a career that began while he was still in high school. "I was placed through a co-op program at school," Leland explains. It was the kind of work that was appropriate for a high school boy who was willing to work before and after school. Mostly he helped with packing and cleaning.

These days, Leland oversees the meat department at Miller's and works to ensure that the shelves are stocked with both fresh cuts and a variety of smoked items. When asked about his favorite items in stock, Leland answered, "Ribeye steak. The sauerkraut brats with cheddar and jalapeno. Oh and bacon. Thick cut bacon- the kind that has two sides."

When it comes to fresh cuts of beef, pork or chicken, it seems that many folks enjoy grilling this time of year. But as the season turns cool, Leland expects a run on roasts which cook up nicely in a crock-pot or in a low oven.

"Smoking is always a good option," Leland adds- and he would know. After all, smoked meat has become his specialty. Leland began dabbling in the art of smoking some 20 years go. While he began on a small scale at home, it was only a matter of time before he put his talents to work. Miller's customers now enjoy a product line that offers items like smoked bacon, north country pork sausage, whole chickens and jerky too.

The addition of a second smoker five years ago offered a new opportunity to supply the nine other Miller's locations with these specialty pork products. On average, he estimates that he and his crew process 300 pounds of products for these other locations each week. Leland says it is not a task that he could do without his crew. Mary Koenig and Gayle Dodds have both worked alongside Leland in the meat department for years, and have helped him to create delicious and unique flavors.

Chamber president Amy Wobbema nominated Leland for the award, citing his many years of service at the local store, as well as his commitment to quality.

Have you experienced great customer service from an employee of a local business? If so, please consider nominating that person for this award. Nominations are also accepted via email to [email protected]. One person receives the award each month.