SAM Appreciation Letters

Release Date: Wednesday, December 21st 2011

The DowntownDC BID often receives words of praise from visitors, workers and residents touched in some way by the help and reassuring presence that our Safety/Hospitality and Maintenance employees (SAMs) provide on Downtown streets. As we begin a New Year, here’s a glimpse of some accolades bestowed upon SAMs who have been singled out for recognition in the past through letters, SAM of the Month or SAM of the Year designations, or all three:

I would like to show my appreciation for SAM employee Timothy Hillie. My law firm is currently located in the 100 block of C Street NW. Mr. Hillie has made a difference in the area’s appearance. Because my firm is located near two bars, often the streets are littered with cigarette butts and beer bottles. I am grateful for Mr. Hillie because he has helped maintain the outside, professional appearance of my firm. Please express my gratitude to Mr. Hillie’s boss for employing such a helpful and reliable employee.

-Arien Parham, Paralegal
Charles Parsons & Associates

I was in Washington, DC, last weekend and had the pleasure of having Vivian Morgan explain how to maneuver around DC. She also showed me how to use the Metro system. I wish more people would take pride in their jobs as Vivian does. Her personality is such that it was a pleasure talking with her. She also gave me maps that I could use with my special needs students.

-Dale Evans
Orangeburg, SC

I had the pleasure to visit Washington, DC, last week. Ms. Vivian Morgan, a fantastic and friendly SAM employee, helped us with directions and locations in DC. Our video crew from around the USA came to DC to shoot and produce a documentary video. Many thanks to Vivian for her knowledge of the city, not to mention her welcoming personality!

-Tim Schermerhorn
High Point, NC

I just want to compliment you on your friendly, helpful staff. I especially want to recognize Alvin Chase. I was carrying a lot of equipment and was a bit bewildered trying to find my way to the BB&T Classic at the Verizon Center. Mr. Chase helped me get my bearings straight on Sunday and carried out his duties extremely professionally. I hope you will pass this compliment to supervisors and that he gets some recognition for his superior customer service.

-John Torrisi
George Washington University

We were tourist near the McPherson Square Metro. An employee named Mary Brown observed that we were looking quite confused and came up to us to ask if she could help—and boy did she help us! We thank God for her and for her observing that we had a confused look. This employee is a keeper, or better yet, a teacher for other employees. We told Mary that we are staying at the Helix on Rhode Island Avenue, and she knew all about the streets and was really a big help. Please tell her “thank you.” And thank you for her training. She knows her job so well.

-Dan Cesen & Jeanne Doll
Geneva, Ohio

I encountered Mr. Roy Johnson on Friday, and he was very helpful. Specifically, my associate and I were looking for a place to have lunch, and he had several suggestions that were all very convenient for us. We went to Harry’s and had a fine lunch.

-Tim Geiger
Downtown Visitor