Chamber recognizes Gehrtz as Employee of the Month for June

Anyone who's been shopping at Miller's Fresh Foods in the past three years has likely seen Talan Gehrtz hard at work helping area residents get their groceries.

Gehrtz has been working at Miller's since October 2021, and whether he's bagging groceries, running the till or stocking shelves, he always provides a kind presence that helps make Miller's a welcoming local business.

His efforts haven't gone unnoticed, and the New Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce has recognized Gehrtz as June's Employee of the Month.

Gehrtz was presented with the award by Chamber director Colleen Hagen at the start of his shift on Wednesday, June 19, and he was surprised to say the least.

"I didn't expect it, that's for sure!" said Gehrtz shortly after receiving the honor.

Gehrtz was nominated by Taylor Alderman, who appreciated his friendliness and willingness to help the many shoppers who rely on Miller's for their groceries.

"Talan is always ready to help you with a friendly smile and conversation," said Alderman. "He's great at promoting new items and encouraging people to try something new."

Gehrtz, who graduated from New Rockford-Sheyenne High School this spring, said he'll be sticking around in New Rockford for the time being and plans to keep working at Miller's.

That's certainly good news for his fellow co-workers, many of whom were there when Gehrtz was presented with the award and gave him a round of applause.

When asked what he enjoys most about the work he does, Gehrtz said he appreciates the patrons he greets every day and the co-workers he gets to work with.

"Definitely the employees and the people, that's what I enjoy the most, especially Janette [Jackson] and Mike [Kiefer], they're some of the best co-workers I've ever had," he said. "And I just like talking to people. It's always fun knowing everyone and getting to see everyone."

"It's a good starting job, that's for sure," he added.

Like Gehrtz, is there someone who bright­ens your day every time you visit a local business in New Rockford? If so, nominate him or her for this award.

Employee of the Month is a program spon­sored by the New Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce to recognize local people for service excellence.

Pick up a nomina­tion form at the Transcript office or Miller's Fresh Foods, or fill out the form online at https://shorturl.at/vBSV3. Send written nominations to P.O. Box 67, New Rockford, N.D. 58356 or email newrockford­[email protected].