All of the DowntownDC Business Improvement District’s (BID) red and black uniformed Safety/Hospitality and Maintenance employees (SAMs) carry out essential and special duties 362 days a year to benefit Downtown in so many ways. From cleaning the streets to providing on-the-street concierge services, they do it all.
Each month, two SAMs are chosen to be recognized for their superior service to the residents, workers and visitors to DowntownDC. At the end of 2014, four SAMs won that honor, earning them an award and putting them in the running for being named the 2014 SAM of the Year, to be announced this April.
Please join us in congratulating the October and November 2014 SAMs of the Month, Safety/Hospitality SAMs Alvin Chase and Sandra Tapscott and Maintenance SAMs Michael Winder and C’Na Robinson.
October 2014
Alvin Chase, a D.C. resident and 16-year Safety/Hospitality SAM, is a seven-time employee-of-the-month winner, but said he still felt surprised when he heard his name called. “It’s motivating,” he said of the award designation. Chase enjoys interacting with Downtown patrons and the fact that each day on the job affords him new experiences and situations to which he needs to react. Thinking quick on his feet is something Chase knows a lot about. “Too Quick Chase” was a competitive boxer for many years. Today, he enjoys maintaining his discipline by working out. He also likes to spend time with his three sons and five grandsons. This year brings something new to Chase’s family: the family’s first granddaughter.
Michael Winder has worked as a SAM for four years this March and is a three-time SAM-of-the-month winner. “I’m surprised every time,” he said of the awards. “For me, it makes me really go out there and try hard,” he said, adding that it gives him “drive” to do what he does best. Winder said he is happy he will be up for consideration as the 2014 SAM-of-the-year. Winder, a D.C. resident, said he enjoys the people he works for and works with at the DowntownDC BID. When not at work, Winder loves to watch movies, especially action flicks.
November 2014
Sandra Tapscott, a lifelong D.C. resident, was the 2013 Safety/Hospitality SAM-of-the-Year. In her four years with the BID, this former art teacher and grandmother has earned a reputation as a stellar employee. She said she is thrilled to be a part of Downtown’s transformation. “The whole new downtown is exciting, the way it’s headed,” Tapscott said. “I’m impressed with it.” In her spare time, she can often be found with her growing family who now get a chance to celebrate a birthday every month, except June, she said. Tapscott is an avid crafter and enjoys sewing, arranging flowers, making dolls, decorating and many other activities.
C’Na Robinson has been employed as a Maintenance SAM for four years and this is his first time winning employee-of-the-month. He said he was honored to receive the award and was proud to show his award certificate to his 14-year-old son. “It’s a big accomplishment,” Robinson said. Each day on the job, Robinson said he enjoys “working with people” and takes special pride in hearing international visitors remark on the cleanliness of Downtown. “That motivates me,” he said. Robinson, a Gary, Indiana native, has lived in the District since 1986. Outside of work, he chooses to be with his family and likes to write poetry and read.
Congratulations to our winners!