Alaska NOAA Employees Go Big to Thank Community for Support During Shutdown

NOAA Fisheries/Julie Speegle

Employees of NOAA Fisheries Alaska Regional Office display a big message in the windows of the Juneau Federal Building to thank the community of Juneau for kindness and support during the recent government shutdown.

Although they’ve been back to work for a couple weeks, Juneau-based federal employees want the community of Juneau to know they have not forgotten the kindness and support local residents extended during the recent government shutdown.

Workers at NOAA Fisheries Alaska Regional Office in Juneau launched a grass roots effort to express appreciation to local organizations, businesses, and individuals by displaying large letters spelling out “Thank You Juneau!” in the windows of the Juneau Federal Building.

“During our All Hands meeting our very first day back to work, we talked about wanting to thank those who reached out to help federal employees who went 35 days without pay,” said NOAA Fisheries employee Stacy Katasse, who came up with the big thank you idea. “I think my suggestion was so well received because of how much community support touched our hearts during the furlough.”