Every year, The Cottages holds an annual leadership meeting and awards banquet. During this event, The Cottages’ leadership team comes together for collaboration, learning, growth, reflecting on the past year, and goal-setting for the upcoming year. Empowering messages and renowned training is provided by our CEO, President, CFO, Director of Operations, Marketing Director, Director of Fun, and guest speakers. Team members leave feeling inspired, recharged, and ready to soar to new heights. The information that they learn is taken back to their teams, so that all of The Cottages’ staff can grow personally and professionally. Here are some highlights from the 2024 Annual Leadership Meeting and the 2023 Awards Banquet.
Opening Message From Our CEO, Mark Maxfield
Our annual meeting started off with a meaningful message from our CEO, Mark Maxfield. He spoke about LEAPing into leadership and gave powerful strategies for our team to implement in their lives and communities. He also recognized our IT manager, Carlos, for recently celebrating his 13 year work anniversary. It was a great way to start the day!
Leadership & Technology Training
Our team had the pleasure of gaining some phenomenal leadership training from several guest speakers and trainers. Our opening keynote speaker was Jolynn Hunt, PhD cand., MSHCM, CLC, CEO of IO Consulting. She spoke about the process of becoming a great leader and provided strategies and practical skills our team can use every day, helping them and those they lead to grow personally and professionally. It was an inspiring presentation and we are so grateful for Jolynn and her insights.
We also had the pleasure of having Connie Miller, CEO of Credible Advantage, for some amazing leadership training. Connie taught our team about owning our personal brand. She spoke about ways to ask for and accept feedback from others. She also demonstrated strategies to become better communicators and avoid communication pitfalls that do not encourage positive culture. We learned so much and are excited to try out our new skills as we work on becoming more effective leaders.
We were blessed to learn from Shannon Arriola, CEO of Arriola Consulting. She taught our team about the power of identifying and understanding our strengths through the “Strengths Finder.” The more we understand the strengths of our team members and our “basements and balconies,” the more we can harness them and avoid pitfalls. It was a powerful session and our team went away feeling empowered.
We always love being able to gain more insights and become even more efficient in our EHR/EMar software technology. We were grateful that Jeremiah Johnson and Jennifer Samoska could come and provide some additional BlueStep Software training.
Team Building Activities
A leadership meeting wouldn’t be possible without team building activities. Our Director of Fun, Jeanne, not only brought the fun but also taught powerful principles on team building through creative activities.
2023 Awards Banquet
Each year we hold an awards banquet to celebrate the accomplishments of our team and the great work they are doing within their communities. We also celebrate those who give their time and talents to provide memorable moments for our residents. The following awards were presented at this year’s banquet.
Volunteer of the Year Award
The Volunteer of The Year award helpers are incredible and we love to recognize them for the outstanding work that they do. The volunteer of the year is someone that our team and residents feel has gone above and beyond, has a positive attitude, and most importantly really helps enrich the lives of the residents. The 2023 Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Bruce Mills.
World Class Staff Award
The World Class Staff award recognizes the most compassionate staff who consistently embody the company mission statement: “We Treat People Right.” The 2023 World Class Staff award was presented to The Cottages of Middleton, who are led by Maddi.
Quality of Life Award
The Quality of Life award recognizes the top performer in increasing the quality of life for our residents through activities. The 2023 Quality of Life award was presented to The Cottages of Mountain Home, whose activities are led by Merlinda.
White Glove Award
The White Glove award recognizes the community that has the best housekeeping practices. The 2023 White Glove award was presented to The Cottages at Lochsa Falls, who are led by Karen.
Cottages Success Award
The Cottages Success award recognizes the community that has the best financial improvement and/or operational performance over the past year. The 2023 Cottages Success award was presented to The Cottages of Boise II, who are led by Kristin.
Outstanding Safety Award
The Outstanding Safety award recognizes the community that displays the best safety practices throughout the year. The 2023 Outstanding Safety award was presented to The Cottages of Middleton, who are led by Maddi.
Idaho Boise Gold Award
The 2023 Idaho Boise Gold award was awarded by the Idaho Statesman and recognizes Boise’s favorite Assisted Living communities. The Cottages recently received the Gold award as the favorite Assisted Living in the Idaho Stateman’s Boise Favorites contest. We are honored to be recognized in this way and thank everyone who took the time to vote for us. The 2023 Idaho Gold Award was presented to our Marketing Director, Becky.
Census Awards
100% Census Award
The 100% census award recognizes the communities that were able to maintain 100% census throughout the entirety of 2023. This is one of the most difficult awards to achieve. These communities include our:
- Lochsa Falls Assisted Living & Memory Care campus – Led by Karen
- Middleton campus – Led by Maddi & Nicole
95% Census Award
The 95% census award recognizes the communities that were able to maintain 95% census throughout the entirety of 2023. This is a very difficult award to achieve. These communities include our:
- Meridian Assisted Living campus – Led by Heather and Andra
- Columbia Village campus – Led by Mel
The 90% census award recognizes the communities that were able to maintain 90% census throughout the entirety of 2023. This is a challenging award to achieve. These communities include our:
- Emmett Assisted Living campus – Led by Katy
- Mountain Home campus – Led by Nancy
- Payette campus – Led by Becca
- Meridian Memory Care campus – Led by Andra
Shining Star AwardThe Shining Star award recognizes a team member who works at the Home Office, who embodies teamwork, flexibility, and leadership. The 2023 Shining Star award was presented to Lisa Spjute.
Elite ExcellenceThe Elite Excellence award recognizes the community that exudes exceptional quality performance in all areas. The 2023 Elite Excellence award was presented to The Cottages of Middleton, who are led by Maddi.
Caregiver of the Year Award
The Caregiver of the Year award recognizes a Cottages Caregiver who does outstanding work every day. This is an individual who goes above and beyond in their duties, works hard, has a positive attitude, and most importantly does an exceptional job caring for the residents. The 2023 Caregiver of the Year award was presented to Cam, who is based at The Cottages at Columbia Village.
LEAPing into 2024 with Zest, Hope, and Determination
We are grateful for all who helped make our 2024 annual meeting and 2023 awards banquet a success. A lot of time, attention, and effort was put forth to create a meaningful and enriching experience for our team. We are grateful to our team members for all of their hard work, heart, and passion. It is obvious we love what we do, and are privileged for those we serve each day. 2024 has already started out great, as we work together we will continue to soar!
Let Us Help You Today!
We welcome the opportunity to speak with you about careers at The Cottages and the care that our residents receive at our Idaho locations. We are experts in assisted living, memory care, respite, adult day care, and have been serving seniors for over 20 years. Our small home-like senior living homes and specially-trained team members offer an atmosphere that promotes the well-being of your loved one.
If you have any questions, would like to tour one of the Idaho assisted living or memory care homes, or speak with one of our licensed administrators, please fill out the form below. Please mention which location(s) you’re interested in.
