Amber Werre

Viola, WI

Wellness and Recognition Representative

Why did you decide to come to work at CROPP?
I grew up nearby and through the years, had heard great things from employees. I also loved that CROPP was committed to its mission, the farmers, and had a small town feel. CROPP stands for something important and I wanted to work for a company I could stand behind and be proud about what we were trying to accomplish.

How long have you been with CROPP?
I started at CROPP as an intern in December 2011 and was officially hired on in September 2012.

Why do you like working at CROPP?
I love that CROPP is dedicated to its mission and its farmers. I have never seen a company as mission-oriented as CROPP and it's inspiring to know that a company as successful as CROPP can remember its roots and keep the farmers as the number one priority. I also love the casual atmosphere and the people I work with – CROPPies are the best!

What has been the best experience or day you've had at CROPP thus far?
I've had so many great experiences, even in the short amount of time I've been here. But one of the best days I've had was the day of CROPP's 2012 Wellness Fair. After months of planning this event and all the hard work put into it, the Wellness Fair was a success! It felt great to be able to provide CROPP employees with this opportunity to concentrate on their well-being and to hear that employees appreciated it.

What's your favorite perk/benefit?
The casual atmosphere and flexible hours. I love coming to work because it has an "at-home" kind of feeling – everyone feels like family here. The flexible hours are great because you can arrange your schedule in a way that allows you to work from home one day, or attend your kids' school functions, or go to a family event. It's great to work for a company where family is valued and you are encouraged to attend family events.

What's your favorite Organic Valley or Organic Prairie product?
The OV chocolate milk!

Describe your typical workday at CROPP:
No day is "typical" for me – which is one thing I love about my job. No day is ever the same. My regular tasks include scheduling fitness classes, coordinating the alternative wellness offerings here at CROPP (acupuncture, chiropractic care, etc.), working with Vernon Memorial Hospital to schedule health screenings and Brown Bag Lunch & Learns, managing the Wellness Library, and managing CROPP's employee recognition program. Additional tasks include planning and organizing October Wellness Month and CROPP's annual Wellness Fairs, facilitating Wellness Committee meetings, and creating new wellness program offerings.

Describe your commute:
I live in La Crosse so it's about a 40 minute commute. But the commute is a beautiful drive through the scenic countryside and small Wisconsin towns of the Kickapoo Valley.

What other types of jobs have you held?
This is my first job out of college. I feel lucky to have started working for such a great company right out of school.

What are your other interests or hobbies?
I love watching football – specifically the Green Bay Packers. I'm a runner and spend most of my free time training for marathons. I'm obsessed with movies and own way too many! I'm an avid reader, enjoy hiking and canoeing, and love spending time with my family.