where Lorritta Tucker, human resources manager of seven months and Claudette Simmons, senior payroll administrator with BGA 29 years, fit in.

It is an area that keeps BGA on track and able to adapt to changing environments.

"Human Resources offers a major opportunity to move a business forward. In many companies it is an area that is paid lip service to. At BGA it's something we're committed to as a vehicle for change,'' stressed ceo, John Tomlinson.

On average, BGA associates remain with the company for 10-12 years. It's BGA's commitment to making sure our associates feel comfortable in the workplace, and it is the associates who have helped forge BGA's A-plus reputation. "The associates have certainly helped establish BGA's work ethic. The company wants to make sure we have something to offer them back like training initiatives and also being able to have fun after the work is over,'' said human resources manager Lorrita Tucker.

One of the advantages BGA offers its employees is the real opportunity of advancement.

"Recruitment is a major challenge here. We try to build our employees and to give them opportunities to progress in their careers within the company.

"We invest heavily in training and emotional support with our associates and our associates find BGA a good place to work.

"It has a family feel to it. It is still a family company and that is shown in the goodwill between management and associates,'' said Mr. Tomlinson.

Ms Simmons has been in the family 29 years. She joined Bermuda Drug Company as a clerk typist back in the day they were housed in the old Phoenix building located on the corner of Reid and Queen Street.

She has seen numerous transitions over the years and recalls many happy occasions when the company would celebrate its anniversary, Christmas party and long service awards.

"I enjoy my role today. As payroll administrator I perform two bi-monthly payrolls for about 200 associates. I work closely with our human resource manager and feel that we are a great team.

"We are committed to consistently providing the quality resources to develop the associates here at BGA,'' said Ms Simmons.

Human resource manager, Ms. Tucker concluded: "One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing the development of people. It is especially good to see an employee like Claudette who is devoted, has been promoted and has a history at BGA.'' Prior to BGA, Ms Tucker worked in the human resources at the Marriott Hotel.

She says she loves giving positive guidance. She was road manager with `Up With People' for three years where she directed about 120 people each year.

Human Resources: Manager, Loritta Tucker, left and administrator, Claudette Simmons of 29 years.

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