The Metropolitan Coffeehouse and Fine Art Gallery in North Conway NH

April 30, 2009

We once again enthusiastically nominate Dianne Mello for Fledgling Young Employee of The Year. Dianne has been an employee of The Metropolitan Coffee House for 5 out of its 6 years in business. She was promoted to Assistant Manager three years ago and has been the Manager since March 9th, 2007.

As owners of The Met, we have watched Dianne grow over the years from a hardworking, do what it takes to get it done team player into a respected business leader that approaches her job with the heart and mind of a business owner. Her sense of ownership is central to the success of our business, for it frees us from having to attend to day to day decisions and provides us with the gift of time to creatively support our mission “dedicated to the on-going creation of a welcoming space for people of all walks of life to meet and celebrate each other.” This mission, which Dianne so thoroughly embodies, is in a very real sense what The Met sells. Just as The Met is much more than espresso and pastry, so is Dianne much more than the manager of a coffee house. She is the heart and soul that drives the success of a business dedicated to community, a business whose success is built on bringing something special into people’s lives. Somehow, Dianne manages to bring all this to the table everyday while at the same, as a single mom, raising a child. And, by the way, did we mention also becoming a well respected artist in the Mt Washington Valley evidenced by her widely popular vintage ski posters and winning the highest bid for her painting at last year’s Fields on The Saco event? Dianne has never stopped growing in her personal or professional life. We as owners of The Met, and you as members of the community have been the beneficiaries.

As for those that work for her, Dianne’s staff respects her for a leadership style that is supportive, optimistic, understanding, and clear. Everyone who works for Dianne knows what the expectations are and is given the tools to accomplish those expectations. Dianne is an ego-less leader who is about performance not blame, professional growth not power, and teaching not giving orders. Dianne believes that everyone has a gift and something to offer. As such, she works relentlessly to bring out the best in those who work for her. The Met has not had to hire a new employee since last August. Half of our staff has been with us at least a year. No small feat in our industry. We know this is a direct result of Dianne’s leadership because the folks who work for her tell us so.

Lastly, anyone who has been to The Met knows that Dianne is never too busy too offer a welcoming smile and, if necessary, an empathic ear. For those who work for and are served by Dianne, they know she is someone special. For those who have been privileged to employee her, they know she is employee of the year, every year.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Howard Stanten and Erin Wright, Owners
The Metropolitan Coffee House