Long before the first snowflakes of the season begin to fall, Comer Construction hosted its annual Employee Appreciation Party with a magical Winter Wonderland theme. The event was more than a celebration—it was a heartfelt thank-you to the team who drives Comer’s success every day.
Warm Words and Recognition
Susie Comer, the heart behind Comer Construction, opened the event with a warm welcome and a reminder of her open-door policy. She highlighted the company’s commitment not only to its employees but also to the broader community, showcasing Comer’s dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.
Giving Back to the Community
This year’s party started by reflecting on Comer Construction’s ongoing efforts to give back. Susie shared updates about our work with local organizations:
- Char Hope Foundation: Unique argicultural recovery program in Harford County with a newly-added men’s house.
- Hope and Wholesale: A discount warehouse initiative helping families access essentials.
- Upper Chesapeake Senator Bob Hooper House: An end-of-life care facility built by the community with a room honoring our founder, Marvin Comer.
- Gone Too Soon Program: Supporting families through the loss of infants.
- Toys for Tots: A program for helping deserving children have a Christmas.
- Harford County National Night Out: A community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships.
- GBMC “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes”: A community event to support survivors of sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence, and human trafficking.
Additionally, Susie shared exciting news about the Bethesda Transformational Center opening in Harford County, a new space for women in recovery led by her sister Ruby and niece Laura.
Fun, Food, and Fabulous Rewards
The Winter Wonderland theme set the stage for an evening filled with joy. Employees enjoyed a feast featuring crabs, pit beef, hearty sides, and even freshly baked cookies. Activities included:
- Punch-a-Snowflake Prizes: Employees won various cash prizes.
- Door Prizes: From TVs and coolers to jewlery and purses, the raffles and giveaways were unforgettable.
- Ice Sculpture Contest: Employees guessed the weight of a stunning custom ice sculpture. The winning guess of 735 pounds was impressively close to the actual 738 pounds!
- Grand Prize: One lucky employee won a vacation for their family.
In addition to the festivities, Susie announced that leftover grant funds allowed each employee to receive a bonus check—a meaningful gesture of gratitude for the team’s hard work.
Recognizing Dedication and Achievements
Comer Construction took time to honor the dedication and milestones of its team during the Winter Wonderland celebration.
- Milestone Pins: Employees were recognized for their incredible commitment to the company, with pins awarded for achievements ranging from 5 to 30 years of service.
- Safety Award: A special safety award was presented to an employee who demonstrated exceptional care and had no incidents over the past year.
- Retirements: The company bid a heartfelt farewell to two long-serving team members, Charlie Petr and David Coblentz, celebrating their careers and contributions as they retire after many years of dedication.
These moments highlighted Comer’s deep appreciation for its employees’ hard work and long-term loyalty, making the evening even more memorable.
A Employee Tradition: The Scavenger Hunt
No Comer Construction Employee Appreciation Party would be complete without the annual scavenger hunt! This much-anticipated tradition had teams searching high and low for items and racking up points for their finds.
Hints were strategically shared in the employee newsletter ahead of the event, giving teams an opportunity to prepare. Some groups took full advantage, arriving armed with supplies and ready to dominate the competition. The friendly rivalry and teamwork added an extra layer of excitement to the Winter Wonderland festivities, showcasing the camaraderie that makes Comer’s team so special.
Celebrating Success
This year has been full of milestones for Comer Construction. Susie recently recorded her first podcast, How’d Her Career Get There, sharing her inspiring journey as a leader. The company was also recognized by The Daily Record as one of the Best Woman-Owned Businesses in Maryland.
Event Gallery
Browse additional photos and memories from our annual event. Click on the images to view larger.
A Heartfelt Thank-You
As the evening wound down, it was clear the Winter Wonderland party was more than just a celebration. It was a reflection of the family-like atmosphere at Comer Construction, where hard work, dedication, and a spirit of giving are always appreciated.
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