The OCWD employee of the month and year program were established to recognize outstanding District employees and to acknowledge their contributions to OCWD. Buyer Frank Simone was September employee of the month and was selected as 2014 employee of the year.

The program commends employees for high-quality work, promoting teamwork, cost saving ideas and a high level of dedication to their work. The District recognizes that OCWD employees are the source of its strength, reputation and innovation. To earn the designation of employee of the year, the candidate must have been chosen as employee of the month during the respective year.

Frank does his job with "extreme buying POWER," according to his manager Bonnie Howard (shown with him in the photo). Frank is admired for his calm, cool and determined attitude to get any request fulfilled and his ability to save large amounts of money in doing so. He is a purchasing team member that negotiates the best prices and timeliness of delivery and researches and promotes product safety—all part of OCWD's commitment to sound planning and cost-effective investments. Congratulations Frank and thank you for your service!