As Kelly's Freeport Ltd. continues renovations to improve and expand its physical store, organizational enhancements are also taking place, including the hiring of new managers and the launch of an in-house training programme.

Over the last 40 years, the retail store has expanded from a mere 8,000 square feet to 19,000 square feet and the physical growth continues. By the end of June, the retail store will encompass 30,000 square feet, bringing the overall total square footage to 115,000.

The new space will allow the upgrading of current departments as well as the addition of new divisions. Four new warehouse buildings have also been added and the parking lot has enlarged tripling the amount of parking spots to a total of 150 spaces.

There also are many changes taking place behind the rapidly expanding walls and this expansion brings about new administrative responsibilities which led to the hire of four qualified individuals: Derek Farquharson, Lincoln Ritchie, Lynne Fraino and Meg Osman.

Farquharson has joined the team as manager of security and risk management. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in business management from Florida International University and spent the majority of his career in casino accounting, gaming and surveillance.

NEW TEAM — The new team of managers at Kelly's Freeport Ltd., pictured from left to right are: Lincoln Ritchie, manager of building materials; Lynne Fraino, marketing coordinator; Meg Osman, human resources and training manager; and Derek Farquharson, manager of security and risk management.

Farquharson worked for Princess Casino Ltd. for more than 10 years and served as assistant director of surveillance at the casino and Bahamia for an additional 10 years. He will be responsible for the administration of security and surveillance, which includes coordinating the training and development or security staff, implementation and review of theft prevention and introducing new safety initiatives for employees and customers.

The building materials region of Kelly's welcomes Ritchie as the new manager. Ritchie has more than 20 years experience in the building supplies and shipping industries. His areas of focus include increased and efficient customer service, better organized facilities and wider product range while providing customers and employees with a clean, safe environment.

As marketing coordinator for Kelly's, Fraino is responsible for coordinating the advertising, special events, corporate communications, community and public relations. Fraino has a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications, specializing in journalism, from Florida Atlantic University; an Associates Degree in English Writing from Saint Leo University; and a certificate in event management from George Washington University. Locally, she has worked for Barefoot Marketing and has worked on special assignments for The Freeport News and The Punch.

Osman has been appointed Human Resources and Training Manager for Kelly's. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Susquehanna University and a Master of Education Degree from Kent State University.

Before moving to The Bahamas in 2004, Osman gained more than seven years experience working at various universities in the United States. She has been brought on board at Kelly's to manage those employed within the organization and execute an extensive training programme for all levels of staff.

"The goal of the training programme is to provide employees with practical knowledge as well as exposure to various topics that will aid them in their day-to-day life," said Osman. "We aim to invest in our employees' skills that will enhance their performance at Kelly's as well as contribute positively to society."

Training sessions are held weekly and to date employees have benefited from Zhivargo Laing's presentations on several motivational topics; executives of the Grand Bahama Development Company discussing home ownership opportunities; and attorney Tiffany Dennison providing helpful advice about the Bahamian legal system.

Staff members also received detailed information about their various employee benefits, which included lectures from representatives of Royal Bank, Atlantic Medical and Bahama Health. Employees also got to take advantage of free blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose screenings courtesy of The Bahamas Nurses Union and participate in Red Cross first aid training. Upcoming topics include customer service, team-building, motivation and fire safety training.

"At Kelly's we are working hard to build a bigger and better store for our customers as well as creating a dynamic work environment for our employees to grow," said Christopher Lowe, operations manager. "We, as Bahamians, can do anything we set our minds to do and I believe we can do it better than anyone else globally. 'Make it Happen' is our motto at Kelly's."