Each year, The Cottages brings its leadership team together for the much-anticipated Annual Leadership Meeting and Awards Banquet, a dynamic experience centered on connection, development, and inspiration. More than a traditional event, it serves as a meaningful time to reflect on past achievements, cultivate new ideas, and chart a path forward for continued success. With engaging presentations, specialized training led by our home office team and guest experts, and thoughtful conversations, attendees leave feeling energized and equipped to lead with purpose. They carry this renewed sense of motivation and insight back to their teams, strengthening both individual growth and the overall success of The Cottages’ communities.
Here are some of the highlights from this year’s Annual Leadership Meeting and Awards Banquet!
Leadership Training
This year’s annual meeting centered on growth, inspiration, and breaking through limits. As we move into 2026, we challenged ourselves to unite as one, both in our personal journeys and in our professional purpose. For our devoted caregiver leaders, true success comes from working together with a shared vision and collective strength. Guided by powerful insights from our exceptional speakers, we were encouraged to raise our standards, expand our thinking, and lead with even greater impact.
Our team had the privilege of receiving outstanding leadership training from our keynote speaker, Garold Maxfield, founder of The Cottages. His personal reflections on the beginnings of The Cottages Assisted Living & Memory Care, along with the insight and life lessons he’s gained along the way, made a meaningful impact on everyone present. We are deeply grateful for the legacy he built and the principles he established, which continue to guide and define who we are today. Hearing from him firsthand was truly special and served as a powerful reminder of the purpose that drives our work. Thank you, Garold, for your vision, your leadership, and the lasting inspiration you bring to our team.
2025 Awards Banquet
Every year, we gather for a memorable Awards Banquet to honor the remarkable achievements of our team and the positive difference they bring to their communities. This celebration highlights the dedication, compassion, and hard work of our staff, as well as the individuals who generously share their time and talents to enrich the lives of our residents. It’s a privilege to recognize the heart and commitment that make The Cottages Assisted Living and Memory Care such a special place. We are proud to celebrate the exceptional individuals and teams who were honored at this year’s banquet.
World Class Staff Award
The World Class Staff award recognizes the most compassionate staff who consistently embody the company mission statement: “We Treat People Right.” The 2025 World Class Staff award was presented to The Cottages of Meridian.
Quality of Life Award
The Quality of Life award recognizes the top performer in increasing the quality of life for our residents through activities. The 2025 Quality of Life award was presented to The Cottages at Alpine Meadows.
White Glove Award
The White Glove award recognizes the community that has the best housekeeping practices. The 2025 White Glove award was presented to The Cottages of Payette.
Cottages Success Award
The Cottages Success award recognizes the community that has the best financial improvement and/or operational performance over the past year. The 2025 Cottages Success award was presented to The Cottages of Mountain Home.
Outstanding Safety Award
The Outstanding Safety award recognizes the community that displays the best safety practices throughout the year. The 2025 Outstanding Safety award was presented to The Cottages of Weiser.
Most Improved Award
The Most Improved award recognizes the community that has shown the most growth throughout the year. The 2025 Most Improved award was presented to The Cottages of Emmett.
Census Awards
100% Census Award
The 100% census award recognizes the communities that were able to maintain 100% census throughout the entirety of 2025. This is one of the most difficult awards to achieve. The community that achieved this is The Cottages of Weiser Memory Care.
95% Census Award
The 95% census award recognizes the communities that were able to maintain 95% census throughout the entirety of 2025. This is a very difficult award to achieve. These communities include:
- The Cottages at Alpine Meadows
- The Cottages of Meridian Memory Care
- The Cottages of Middleton Memory Care
- The Cottages of Mountain Home
- The Cottages at Lochsa Falls 1 & 2
90% Census Award
The 90% census award recognizes the communities that were able to maintain 90% census throughout the entirety of 2025. This is a challenging award to achieve. These communities include:
- The Cottages of Weiser Assisted Living
- The Cottages of Meridian Assisted Living
Shining Star Award
The Shining Star award recognizes a team member who works at the Home Office, who embodies teamwork, flexibility, and leadership. The 2025 Shining Star award was presented to Katy Tullis.
Elite Excellence
The Elite Excellence award recognizes the community that exudes exceptional quality performance in all areas. The 2025 Elite Excellence award was presented to The Cottages of Payette.
Caregiver of the Year Award
The Caregiver of the Year award recognizes a Cottages Caregiver who does outstanding work every day. This is an individual who goes above and beyond in their duties, works hard, has a positive attitude, and most importantly does an exceptional job caring for the residents. The 2025 Caregiver of the Year award was presented to Irene.
Volunteer of the Year Award
The Volunteer of the Year award recognizes an individual who goes above and beyond in service to others. With a positive attitude and a generous spirit, this person makes a meaningful difference by enriching the lives of our residents. Their dedication, compassion, and willingness to give their time truly embody the heart of our communities. The 2025 Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Donovan.
United by One Vision
United by one vision, this year’s annual meeting was truly exceptional, bringing our team together in a powerful and meaningful way. It was an honor to celebrate our team members and recognize the heart, dedication, and hard work they poured into the past year. Moments like these remind us of the strength we share and the impact we make when we move forward together. With a renewed sense of purpose and connection, we are excited for the year ahead and all that we will accomplish as one.
Let Us Help You Today!
We welcome the opportunity to speak with you about careers at The Cottages and the care that our residents receive at our Idaho locations. We are experts in assisted living, memory care, respite, adult day care, and have been serving seniors for over 20 years. Our small home-like senior living homes and specially-trained team members offer an atmosphere that promotes the well-being of your loved one.
If you have any questions, would like to tour one of the Idaho assisted living or memory care homes, or speak with one of our licensed administrators, please fill out the form below. Please mention which location(s) you’re interested in.
