CUMMING -- Three employees were recently named the first honorees in the Cumming City Stars program, a new recognition effort that invites staff and the community to nominate outstanding workers.

Greg Gilbert and Melissa Hamby received the second quarter award for the utilities department, while Stanley Pirkle received the first quarter award for the departments of administration, accounting and planning and zoning.

Pirkle is an electrician and inspector in the planning and zoning department. Gilbert is a sewer crew leader in the collection and distribution division, while Hamby is a customer service representative. They were recognized during a covered dish luncheon at city hall.

“We have so many great people working for us that we really wanted an opportunity to be able to give them the recognition that they deserve,” said Mayor H. Ford Gravitt in a statement.

“This is also a good way for the community to be able to show their support for city employees who they think have gone above and beyond for them.”

The stars program was begun last fall as a way to honor city employees for longevity and meritorious service.

To kick it off, all employees with more than 25 years of service, as well as those who reached a milestone anniversary of service during 2014, were honored in December.

For 2015, the program has begun a quarterly rotation in which different departments are highlighted on a set schedule.

First quarter awards highlight employees in the administrative, accounting, and planning and zoning departments, while second quarter highlights employees in utilities, the city’s largest department.

Nominations from the community as well as city employees should be submitted to Crystal Ledford, the city’s public information assistant, at cledford@cityofcumming.net.

Nominations should include: Nominee’s name; his or her department; a few sentences stating why this person should be honored; and the nominator’s name and contact information in case there are any questions.

In July, employees from Cumming Police and the street department will be honored. In October, employees from the Cumming Fairgrounds, Playhouse and Parks & Recreation, including the Cumming Aquatic Center, will be recognized.

However, nominations for any department can be submitted at any time throughout the year. They will then be held until the appropriate quarter.