LARA Honors Exceptional Employees with annual Recognition Awards
LANSING – The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) recently celebrated its most dedicated and innovative employees with its annual employee recognition awards. Known for its unwavering commitment to protecting Michiganders and promoting businesses,LARA has once again highlighted the exceptional contributions of its team members.
The awards, which honor employees nominated by their colleagues, recognize individuals who embody the department’s core values: creativity, dedication, customer focus, and problem-solving. “Thes individuals exemplify the department’s commitment to protecting Michiganders and promoting businesses across the state,” said Marlon I. brown, Director of LARA. “I am proud to be a part of a team that is dedicated to making our communities a better place to live and helping our state become a place where anyone can thrive.”
Meet the Award Winners
Table of Contents
This year’s honorees include employees who have gone above and beyond in their roles, demonstrating exceptional skills and dedication. Below is a breakdown of the award categories and their recipients:
| Award | Recipient | Bureau | Description |
|——————————-|—————————–|————————————-|———————————————————————————|
| Creative Problem Solver Award | Craig lalonde | Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) | Recognizes employees who find unique or creative solutions to workplace problems. |
| Distinguished Inspector Award | Brooke Dishaw | Bureau of Survey and Certification (BSC) | Honors inspectors who consistently exceed expectations in their duties and interactions. |
| Outstanding Customer Service Award | Brittany Yingling | Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL) | Celebrates employees who deliver exceptional service to customers and stakeholders. |
Celebrating Excellence
Craig LaLonde, recipient of the Creative Problem Solver Award, was recognized for his innovative approach to tackling workplace challenges. His ability to think outside the box has not only improved processes within the Bureau of Construction Codes but has also set a standard for creative problem-solving across the department.Brooke Dishaw,honored with the Distinguished Inspector Award,has consistently exceeded expectations in her role at the Bureau of survey and Certification. Her dedication to performing thorough inspections and her positive interactions with licensees have made her a standout employee.
Brittany Yingling, winner of the outstanding Customer Service Award, has been praised for her exceptional ability to connect with and assist customers. Her work at the Bureau of Professional Licensing has set a high bar for customer service excellence.
A Commitment to Excellence
LARA’s employee recognition awards are more than just accolades; they are a testament to the department’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. By celebrating the achievements of its employees, LARA continues to inspire its team to strive for greatness and uphold its mission of protecting and serving the people of Michigan.For more insights into how LARA is making a difference in Michigan, explore their initiatives and programs here.
What do you think makes an employee truly exceptional? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about workplace excellence.
Celebrating Excellence: Winners of the 2025 LARA Employee Recognition Awards
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) recently honored its standout employees at the 2025 LARA Employee Recognition Awards. The event celebrated individuals who have gone above and beyond in their roles, embodying the department’s commitment to exceptional service, innovation, and education.
the awards ceremony, captured in a World Class Educator Award, respectively.
Recognizing excellence in Customer Service and Innovation
The Outstanding Customer Service Award is one of the most prestigious accolades at LARA. it is awarded to employees who consistently deliver service that exceeds expectations or handle challenging situations with exceptional grace. this year’s winner demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring customer satisfaction, setting a high standard for their peers.
Brenda Davis, from the Bureau of Fire services (BFS), was honored with the Reducing Barriers Award. This award recognizes employees who identify and advocate for the elimination of unnecessary processes or burdens that hinder customers from obtaining licenses, permits, or registrations. Davis’s efforts have significantly streamlined operations, making it easier for customers to access essential services.
Educating with Excellence
Carol Shepard of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) received the World Class Educator Award. This award celebrates employees who embody the philosophy of “educate before we regulate.” Shepard has gone above and beyond to educate customers, stakeholders, and colleagues on relevant policies and procedures, fostering a culture of understanding and compliance.
A Celebration of Dedication
The awards ceremony not only recognized individual achievements but also underscored LARA’s mission to serve the people of Michigan with integrity and excellence. The World Class Educator Award | Carol Shepard | Michigan Liquor Control commission (MLCC) | Educated customers and stakeholders on policies and procedures |
Looking Ahead
As LARA continues to evolve, the dedication of its employees remains a cornerstone of its success. The 2025 Employee Recognition Awards serve as a reminder of the importance of innovation,education,and exceptional service in achieving the department’s goals.
For more facts about LARA’s initiatives and awards, visit the official LARA website.
What do you think about the achievements of these outstanding employees? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on social media using #LARAAwards2025.Revolutionary Breakthrough in Renewable Energy: Solar Panels That Work at Night
In a groundbreaking development that could redefine the future of renewable energy, scientists have unveiled a new type of solar panel capable of generating electricity even after the sun sets. This innovation, detailed in a recent study, promises to address one of the most significant limitations of solar power: its dependence on sunlight.
The technology, developed by a team of researchers at Stanford University, leverages a process called radiative cooling. Unlike traditional solar panels, which absorb sunlight to produce energy, these panels harness the heat radiated by the Earth at night. “This is a game-changer for the renewable energy sector,” said Dr. Sarah Thompson, lead researcher on the project. “By tapping into the Earth’s natural cooling process, we can generate power around the clock.”
How it Works
Traditional solar panels rely on photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity. However, the new panels use a thermoelectric generator to capture the temperature difference between the Earth’s surface and the cooler night air. This temperature gradient creates a flow of electrons,producing a small but steady stream of electricity.
“The key is in the materials,” explained Dr. Thompson. “We’ve developed a specialized coating that enhances the panel’s ability to radiate heat, making the process more efficient.”
Implications for the Energy Sector
The potential impact of this technology is immense. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), solar power is one of the fastest-growing sources of renewable energy, but its intermittent nature has been a major hurdle. With these new panels, energy storage systems could become less critical, reducing costs and increasing reliability.
“This could be a turning point in our transition to a carbon-neutral future,” said energy analyst Mark Reynolds. “By providing a consistent energy source, these panels could make solar power a more viable option for regions with limited sunlight.”
Challenges and Next steps
While the technology is promising, there are still hurdles to overcome. The current prototype generates only a fraction of the energy produced by traditional solar panels during the day. Researchers are working to improve efficiency and scale up production.
“We’re in the early stages, but the potential is enormous,” said Dr. Thompson. “Our next goal is to integrate these panels with existing solar systems to create a hybrid solution that maximizes energy output.”
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Technology | Radiative cooling and thermoelectric generation |
| Energy output | Small but consistent,even at night |
| Potential Impact | Reduces reliance on energy storage,increases solar power reliability |
| Current limitations | Lower efficiency compared to daytime solar panels |
| Future Goals | Improve efficiency and integrate with traditional solar systems |
A Brighter Future
As the world grapples with the urgent need to combat climate change,innovations like these offer a glimmer of hope. By addressing the limitations of existing technologies, scientists are paving the way for a more sustainable future.
“This is just the beginning,” said Dr. Thompson. “We’re excited to see how this technology evolves and how it can contribute to a cleaner,greener planet.”
For more information on the latest advancements in renewable energy, visit the Stanford University research page or explore the International Energy Agency’s renewable energy reports.What are your thoughts on this breakthrough? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation about the future of renewable energy!
But consistent amount of electricity.
While the energy output at night is considerably lower than during the day, the ability to generate power 24/7 could make solar energy a more reliable and viable option for meeting global energy demands. “Even a small amount of nighttime energy can be crucial for off-grid applications, such as powering remote sensors, emergency lighting, or rural communities,” explained Dr. Thompson.
Potential Applications
The implications of this technology are vast. Here are a few potential applications:
- Off-Grid Power: Providing continuous energy to remote areas without access to conventional power grids.
- Emergency Systems: ensuring critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and interaction networks, remain operational during power outages.
- Space Exploration: Supporting long-term missions by generating power on planets or moons with limited sunlight.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its promise, the technology is still in its early stages. The current efficiency of nighttime solar panels is relatively low,and scaling up production remains a challenge. However, researchers are optimistic about improving the technology’s performance and reducing costs.
“We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible,” said Dr.Thompson. “With further advancements, we could see this technology integrated into existing solar farms, creating a hybrid system that maximizes energy production day and night.”
A Step Toward a Sustainable Future
This breakthrough aligns with global efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources and combat climate change. By addressing the intermittency of solar power, nighttime solar panels could play a pivotal role in achieving a sustainable energy future.
For more details on this revolutionary technology, read the full study here.
What are your thoughts on this innovation? Could nighttime solar panels be the key to a renewable energy revolution? Share your opinions and join the discussion below!
