By NICOLE GUGINO
OBSERVER Assistant News Editor
HANOVER - Family, friends and co-workers gathered recently to honor Susan Castle who received the 2012 New York State Rural Development Site Manager of the Year award for family housing.
Article Photos
OBSERVER Photo by Nicole Gugino
Hanover Hill and Gowanda Meadows Site Manager Susan Castle (right) received the 2012 New York State Rural Development Site Manager of the Year award from Multi-Family Housing Program Director for Rural Development Mike Bosak at a recent ceremony.
Castle is the site manager of the Hanover Hill and Gowanda Meadows apartments for Belmont Management Co. Inc.
The President of Belmont Management Bob Miller praised Castle for her work.
"Of all the site managers in New York (Sue) won the site manager of the year award. ... At Belmont Management we like to participate in this because in our minds site managers have a special place. ... They are the face of Belmont Management to the public, they work with local officials, visiting government officials and th public at large. They have a long list of tasks we ask them to do every month, in addition they serve as problem solvers for our residents, coordinators for our maintenance jobs ... they wear many hats," Miller said. "So when someone rises up and does an exceptional job they should be recognized ... What makes Sue special is she wears all these hats ... and she does it with a smile ... and she puts on a very positive face for her and Belmont Management."
Multi-Family Housing Program Director for Rural Development Mike Bosak also had good things to say as he presented Castle with her award.
"It is always interesting to look at the submittals because they are very telling. Belmont Management is a great company ... but like Bob said, the site manager is where the rubber meets the road. You are interacting with the tenants, who are our number one customer ... and that's what's important. Everything in (Sue's) submittal was positive, the residents love you. You make it feel like home and that is critical ... You are definitely deserving of this award," Bosak added.
One of Hanover Hill's residents affirmed the good things said about Castle.
"We are very lucky to have you as manager ... we just want you to know you're a good person, you're easy to talk to, if there is anything wrong, you are right on the ball and I think the world of you. I couldn't find a better place to move. I love it here. We just want you to know we appreciate all that you do," she said as she handed Castle a card from the residents of Hanover Hill.
Castle thanked her family but said the best part of the award is having her submission book back.
"The best part is I got my submission book back. It has all the letters the residents wrote. It's very humbling," she said.
Castle's submission book, which looked like a scrap book of photos and recommendation letters, was on display for all to look through. Those in attendance were able to eat, talk and congratulate Castle on her achievements.
Susan lives in Silver Creek with her husband Al and their three children Garrett, Alyssa and Jonathan.
