SARASOTA, Fla. – DutchCrafters, the leading retailer of Amish furniture at www.dutchcrafters.com, has awarded Sarasota Showroom Furniture Specialist Lori Voelkel the 2024 Community Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to fostering a strong sense of community within the company.

This year, DutchCrafters updated the Service Award to the Community Award, aligning with the company’s core values of Community and Giving. This award highlights an employee who actively strengthens the DutchCrafters community and extends their impact to the broader community.

“Congratulations to Lori Voelkel for winning the Community Award for 2024,” said Debra Gingerich, director of marketing and ecommerce. “Our connectedness and relationships to each other are important parts of our culture, and this award honors a person who embodies those connections.”

Voelkel’s colleagues praised her dedication to building relationships and encouraging teamwork. Kari-Jo Koshes, director of operations, shared, “Lori consistently fosters a sense of belonging and connectedness within DutchCrafters. Her unwavering commitment to collaboration is evident through her work on the events committee, bringing employees together and encouraging recognition.”

Heather Anderson, showroom operations manager, emphasized Voelkel’s selflessness. “Lori is always willing to help. Whether assisting with an event or offering support to a colleague, she plays a key role in our community. Her enthusiasm at both on-site and off-site events strengthens valuable business relationships.”

Delinda Smith, human resources coordinator, highlighted Voelkel’s kindness. “Lori’s impact extends far beyond work—she makes people feel valued and appreciated. She always finds time to support others, whether celebrating a success or offering encouragement. Her generosity and spirit make her an integral part of DutchCrafters.”

DutchCrafters is proud to celebrate Voelkel’s impact and dedication to promoting an environment where employees feel connected, supported and valued. Her contributions exemplify the company’s core values and inspire those around her. For more information about DutchCrafters and its company culture, visit www.dutchcrafters.com.

About DutchCrafters

DutchCrafters, owned by JMX Brands, is an omnichannel retailer, selling more than 10,000 Amish furniture products on www.dutchcrafters.com and in showrooms in Sarasota, Fla. and Alpharetta, Ga. DutchCrafters was a 2016 Florida Company to Watch, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Medium Business of the Year, one of the Top Workplaces in Sarasota-Manatee from 2020 to 2024, one of the Furniture Today’s Best Places to Work from 2021 to 2024, and named to Newsweek’s prestigious Best Online Shops for 2021. The company has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and was listed seven times as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States, according to Inc. Magazine’s prestigious Inc. 5,000 List.