Employees frequently thank one another with Blue Chip Awards for exceeding peer expectations on a project. And groups or entire departments regularly single out an individual or team for outstanding performance and attitude by nominating a person or group for Baird’s Associate of the Month Award. Managers are also encouraged to recognize employee achievements and have significant latitude in how they do so, from providing an on-the-spot bonus or extra time off for a job well done to special awards or events for the entire department. The most prestigious awards our employees can receive – the G. Frederick Kasten, Jr. and Brenton H. Rupple awards – were created specifically to recognize exemplary client and community service. Recipients of these awards are announced and honored – along with the top 2% of Blue Chip winners, all Associates of the Month from the previous year and those celebrating more than 30 years with the firm – at our Annual Meeting. Their special stories are also shared with the entire firm via our electronic newsletter.