Gibsons' public works superintendent Greg Foss is this year's public work manager of the year. Foss received the award from his peers at the annual conference of the Public Works Association of B.C. (PWABC) in Salmon Arm last week.
According to the president of PWABC, John Rosenberg, the distinction goes to a member of his association who has made "some expressive changes" to public works in his area. "This guy is phenomenal," Rosenberg said an opinion Gibsons Mayor Barry Janyk also holds of Foss. Janyk has high praise for Foss, who has worked for the town since 1989 and in his present job for the past three years.
"Greg's such a good guy. He has just a great rapport with the guys [in the public works department], Janyk said. "He has proven to be the kind of employee you just love to have. He leads by example."
Foss' immediate boss, Bryan Shoji, director of municipal operations, nominated Foss for the award. The move was totally unknown to anyone at the town hall and a complete surprise to Foss.
According to Janyk the Gibsons people ended up arriving at the PWABC ceremony late and had to take a seat at the back of the hall. Foss, who Janyk describes as "very shy and unassuming," listened to the details of the winner with a dawning comprehension. "Poor Greg he ended up having to walk through over 300 people at the banquet to accept his award," Janyk chuckled.
Foss' accomplishment was acknowledged by Gibsons council on Tuesday. In addition to thanking council for the recognition, Foss said the award would not have been possible without the support of his crew. In a later interview, Foss also said how grateful he was to Shoji for his nomination.
