400th Anniversary Employee Training and Support

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

In 2011, Henrico County celebrated its 400th anniversary as the second oldest English settlement in the New World. To mark this monumental occasion, the county conducted its first year-long countywide initiative to commemorate 400 years of history. Before the commemoration officially got underway, it was crucial that county employees, particularly those with direct public contact, were knowledgeable about the upcoming anniversary and where to go for additional information. With the County Manager’s support, front line employees were directed to attend special training for an overview of the county’s history, the commemoration and marketing plans. In late 2010, the Division of Recreation and Parks held four identical training sessions for 224 employees. Each employee received an information packet and was encouraged to share the information and materials with co-workers, visitors and callers. They also received additional information throughout the year about upcoming events through county email. This information helped empower employees, promoted the anniversary activities and encouraged involvement. The training was successful; a survey showed that nearly 90% of the respondents who attended the training found the information and materials helpful.