The employees receive a plaque and a bonus and qualify to be considered for the Employee of the Year award.

Four times a year, River Run Country Club, Davidson, N.C. recognizes outstanding employees for excelling in their positions and providing outstanding service to members and guests, reports the Charlotte Observer.

Julio Ortiz was named as the Employee of the Year. According to the club, he has worked diligently on the championship golf course maintenance crew since July 2007. He always has a positive attitude, whether the temperature is over 90 degrees or below 10 degrees.

Ortiz jokes around with his fellow team members, bringing a sense of humor and an infectious smile to the entire crew. He takes his position very seriously as one of the most detail-oriented employees on the crew.

Ortiz is deaf, but at no time does his disability hamper his performance or stop him from doing the best possible job for the club. His talents were validated when he received a standing ovation from his entire team at the annual employee holiday party.

Recognized as employees of the quarter were Salem Kirven, Adam Ross, Ryan Vaccarino and Kristie Pepper.

Tennis professional Kirven joined River Run in February 2007, shortly after graduating from Appalachian State University, where she played tennis. Kirven manages the tennis shop and helps support the tennis program in Charlotte.

Golf assistant Ross joined River Run in November 2006. He helps run golf tournaments, staffs the golf shop and helps with golf club repair. Ross aspires to be a police officer and will enroll in the N.C. police academy in the coming year. Ross is also the son of the club’s director of golf, David Ross.

Chef Vaccarino joined River Run in July 2006. He brought a wealth of knowledge to the club’s culinary program, providing excellent meals for banquets and special events.

Bookkeeper Pepper joined the River Run team in March 2006. She has received the quarterly award twice in the past two years because of her continual commitment to the club and her ability to perform her job to the highest standards.