Terryberry employee celebrates 50-years with company

It's a tough business climate out there.  Our unemployment rate is holding at just under 10 percent, with more closings and layoffs announced around the country.  It's very hard to tell when any good employment news will come out.

Well, here in Grand Rapids there is a little ray a sunshine, Terryberry, with steady employment, and many long-term employees.  That's not the rule with many companies today.

One special employee is George Bieber.  The Grand Rapids Press says he is so special that when he returns to work after Labor Day, he’ll pass by a billboard featuring his photo and a thank-you message from his employer.

“By George, He did it. George Bieber, 50 years of service, Thank you, Terryberry,” will read the billboard at Plymouth Avenue NE, off Oak Industrial Drive, where Terryberry’s headquarters are located.

He hopes some of the people who tried to convince him to retire over the years see it.

“Some people called me a fool (for continuing to work),” said Bieber. “I just walked away from them, letting them think what they wanted.”

Congratulations George!