HOWE CAVERNS RECOGNIZES 18 EMPLOYEES

With More Than Two Centuries of Combined Service

HOWES CAVE, N.Y. (Aug. 14, 2008) – Eighteen people with a total of 215 seasons of service to Howe Caverns, Inc. were honored Howe Caverns’ Annual Employee Banquet and Awards Ceremony at Boreali’s Restaurant.

“With so much service, it is without question that experience and dedication by those who serve Howe Caverns is extraordinary. And, this adds greatly to the world-class experience our guests receive,” said Howe Caverns General Manager Robert Holt.

Both Tour Manager Jeff DeGroff and Ticket Office Manager Richard Nethaway have each marked 40 seasons at Howe Caverns. Both began their careers as tour guides.

Today, Mr. DeGroff is responsible for maintenance, preservation and conservation of the Caverns. He spends most of his time training and educating the staff of 40 tour guides and about 150,000 visitors each year on cave preservation and conservation. Mr. Nethaway not only oversees the ticket office, but also the computer operations. He maintains the Howe Caverns’ archives and is the Honorary Curator of the Cave House Museum of Mining & Geology.

Receiving a 25-year pin for her service in Howe Caverns’ Gift Shops is Ellen Wetsel, while Maintenance Staff Member Tom Spaulding notes his 20th anniversary.

Gift Shop employee Judy Romain was honored for her 15th  season of service, with both Executive Office Manager Holly Hauser and Tour Guide Sara Pratt receiving 10 year pins.

Eleven employees have each served five seasons. They are:  Café Manager Ashton Bland, Café Worker Tyler DeGroff, Ticket Office Staffer Chris Palmer, Maintenance Manager Jeff  Willwerth, Photo Staffer Pam Miller; Greeter  Nicole Vogt, Guide and Motel Clerk Theresa Dooley and Tour Guides Joe Collins, Ryan Doherty,  Andrew Tracy and Nate Williams.
 
 ***
The second most-visited natural attraction in New York State, Howe Caverns is located off Exit 22 of I-88, between Albany and Cooperstown. Howe Caverns is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the exceptions of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day when it is closed.
For further information about Howe Caverns, call 518-296-8900 or visit the Web site www.howecaverns.com.
###
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kathy Condon * Condon Communications
PH: 518-436-1103 * FAX: 518-436-7346
E-MAIL: kcondon@howecaverns.com                 8/08