in an employee, you need look no further than Kathleen Mae Emery -- who has been on the job at Canber Electric Ltd. for 40 years! She was presented with a long service award for four decades of commitment by Canber Electric general manager, Howard Elliott, at a dinner held in her honour at Henry VIII restaurant.

She's been with the company so long, it has undergone a name change and is at its third location, now at 10 Mill Creek Road.

In an age where employees too often want to know what a firm can do for them, she observes that politeness and job commitment is the best way to obtain job security.

Ms Emery starts her day with a morning walk, before opening the store at 6.30 a.m. and being of service until 4.30 p.m.

Canber Electric field supervisor, Calvin Crockwell, said "she brings the sun up'' when she arrives in the morning. And her punctuality and willingness to assist customers who sometimes have little electrical knowledge is a key reason they return.

She began working for the company, then called T.C. Electric, in 1958, when it was located next to the Hamilton Fire Station on King Street.

Without an electrical background when she first started, Ms Emery has developed a keen knowledge of electrical items over time. She remains a valuable resource.

Staff and customers call on her regularly, inquiring about specific items. She is able to discuss the pricing structure of the items and can quickly assess if the product is in, or out of stock.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE -- Kathleen Mae Emery receives her long service award from Howard Elliott.

BUSINESS BUC