As we bid farewell to 2023, it's time to reflect on a year filled with accomplishments, growth, and unforgettable moments for all of us here at Ecological Land Services. From welcoming new members to securing notable project victories and commemorating special occasions, let's revisit and celebrate the highlights that defined this year.
January: New Shareholders Join the Party
The year kicked off with excitement as new shareholders and a new Marketing Lead, Rylee Trapp, joined the ELS family, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the company.
February: Christmas in February
February saw the ELS team come together for a belated holiday celebration, affectionately dubbed "Christmas in February." Laughter, camaraderie, and perhaps a few Bates Motel jokes set the tone for a year of teamwork and shared experiences.
March: Winning Streak with RFQs
In March, the ELS secured two RFQ victories, landing contracts with the Port of Chehalis and the City of Puyallup Parks and Recreation Department. These successes showcased ELS's commitment to excellence and expertise in the field.
April: Good Deeds and Business Wins
In April, the team celebrated Earth Day with community clean-up efforts. April was also the month ELS won the Lewis County PUD on-call contract – a big and exciting win for the team!
Team members from the Longview and Washougal offices cleaned up Long Beach.
The Bremerton office spent Earth day cleaning a beach in Northern Washington.
May: Coli's Project and Memorial Day BBQ
In May, Senior Biologist Coli Huffman marked a significant milestone by taking on her first official project in Bellingham, working with Skagit Gourmet Mushrooms. The month also featured a Memorial Day parking lot BBQ, complete with burgers, hot dogs, and a spirited cornhole tournament. Graphics technician Emilio Foden’s playful antics during the tournament added a touch of humor to the festivities.
June: New Hires, Contract Wins, and Truck Troubles
June was a month of growth for the Ecological Land Services team, with the addition of Elizabeth Vaughn as a biologist in our Longview office. Despite challenges such as the breakdown of the old gray truck, ELS won the Kitsap Parks Department on-call contract and persevered in the search for new talent, both entry-level and senior.
ELS biologist Elizabeth Vaughn (center) enjoys first day in the field with Mara McGrath (right) and Beau Johnson (left).
July: Welcoming Baby Elsie
July brought a new, furry addition to the Longview office – Baby Elsie, a kitten whose playful presence added joy to the workplace.
August: Mariners Game, Promotions, and Office Expansion
ELS took a break from the field to attend a Mariners game, discovering that professional bull riding might not be in the cards for most of the staff. Biologist Lacey Hoffman began her approximately three-year term on the WDFW Hydraulic Code Implementation Community Advisory Group. Meanwhile, our Bremerton office celebrated promotions and moved to a larger space, reflecting the company's continued expansion.
ELS staff enjoying quality time with colleagues, family and friends at Seattle Mariners Game.
September: Weddings, Farewells, and Leadership Changes
September was a month of significant personal and professional milestones. Field Technician Shawn Godinho tied the knot, and Biologist Julianne Blake assumed a leadership role in our Sunnyside office. We were sad to say goodbye to two ELS employees, Rylee Trapp and Lili Hart, but happy to see the two of them pursuing new career goals.
October: October: Twins, Weddings, and Halloween Fun
October was a month of celebrations including Biologist Jess Andrade's exciting announcement that she is expecting twins (the third set for the ELS family). Additionally, the team enjoyed another wedding, this time for Bremerton Biologist Emma Crockett. The ELS Halloween costume contest brought humor and creativity to the workplace, with Coli Huffman as Guy Fieri taking home the crown.
ELS Biologist Coli Huffman dressed as Guy Fieri for Halloween 2023
November: Milestone Anniversaries and New Marketing Lead
In November, founder Francis Naglich celebrated an impressive 30 years with ELS, a testament to the dedication and loyalty within the company. Elizabeth Carter joined as the new Marketing Lead, bringing her expertise to further enhance ELS's brand presence.
December: New Hires, and a Festive Christmas Party
As the year drew to a close, the team welcomed Cyle Malcom as an entry-level biologist and Jenny Rice as the new administrative assistant. The year concluded with a festive holiday party at the Little Creek Casino in Shelton, bringing the ELS family together for one final celebration.
ELS staff enjoy good food and fun during their 2023 Holiday Party in Shelton, WA.
In retrospect, 2023 was a year of resilience, growth, and shared experiences for ELS. As we look forward to the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead, we celebrate the accomplishments of the past year and the foundation they've laid for an even brighter future. Cheers to the Ecological Land Services family and the journey that continues in 2024!
