06/01/2026
I had the chance to join Hemmingsen Drug Store at their Employee Appreciation Event this week, and it was such a great reminder of why these moments matter. The team gathered at the Battle Jacks Baseball game in Battle Creek — complete with our own section, all‑you‑can‑eat refreshments, and a relaxed summer night to simply enjoy each other’s company.
From an HR perspective, events like this are more than a fun outing. They’re an investment in culture, connection, and trust — especially during times of organizational change.
Hemmingsen recently acquired Ware’s Pharmacy in Mason, and this was the first time both teams had the opportunity to meet face‑to‑face. Watching employees introduce themselves, laugh together, and start building relationships was a powerful reminder that culture isn’t created in a handbook — it’s created in moments like these.
Here’s why appreciation events are so important for any organization, but especially during growth or transition:
• They help employees feel seen, valued, and connected
• They build trust across newly combined teams
• They strengthen communication and collaboration
• They reinforce culture during change
• They boost morale and retention
• They create shared experiences that bring people together
Kudos to Hemmingsen Drug Store and Ware's Pharmacy for prioritizing people and creating space for teams to come together in a meaningful way. This is how strong cultures are built — one intentional moment at a time.
