County supervisors honored five employees Tuesday for their service to the county. Combined, the five have put in more than 100 years of service for San Benito County. Each employee was presented with a Certificate of Recognition at the ceremony, held at the Board of Supervisors chambers during their weekly meeting.
“I know few employees who have dedicated as much time and effort as you have,” Supervisor Jamie De La Cruz said to Margio Riopel, Management Analyst of Internal Services for the county for the past 26 years. “Thank you.”
The employees honored were: Steven Distance, Accountant II in Health & Human Services for 13 years, Lupe Eclarin, Office Services Supervisor in Public Health for 35 years, Margie Riopel, Management Analyst III in Internal Services for 26 years, Catherine Shaw, Management Analyst III in Administration for three years and Laura Schipper, Employment & Training Services Counselor in Health & Human Services for 27 years. Several of the employees s acknowledged co-workers and fellow county staff, who work hard to improve the lives of local residents, and thanked their families for support over the years.
“It’s been an honor to work for this county,” Riopel said, holding back tears. “We have incredible people on board at every level. It has certainly been my pleasure to work here.”
Laura Schipper noted that when she started working for the county she knew no one except her new husband and that everyone was welcoming and helpful.
“It’s time to take some time off and get to that bucket list,” she said.