For Loni Kidd, Quality Control Technician at Port Hardy Processing Plant (PHPP), word of mouth is a powerful thing. It was through a friend in 1999 that she learned of a job vacancy at what was then Alpha Processing. Her friend may have moved on but Loni recently started her 12th year of employment. She began on the primary processing line and applied for her current position when a vacancy became available four years ago.
Loni’s responsibilities include ongoing monitoring the temperature of the fish, the ice, cooler, and the packaging room. This close attention to detail ensures that customers receive fish that look like they just left the water.
Loni was born and raised in North Vancouver, where she lived for the first two decades of her life. Following that time on the coast, she and her then husband and two girls moved to Quesnel, in BC’s interior. “That was where he was able to find work in the forest industry.” said Loni.
The best thing about her position is the continuous learning. “I’ve taken a lot of courses and love having the opportunity to gain new information that will help me do my job better.”
Loni’s artistic side is something she enjoys making time for, although she admits it can be a challenge.
“I carry a camera just about everywhere I go.” She gets particular pleasure from outdoor photography. In the past, Loni took several classes in making and selling Tiffany lamps. Walking her four year old Husky German Shepherd cross keeps Loni busy on her days off.
By Gina Forsyth