Top Recognitions of 2009

We know everyone says thank you, but who said it best? Who gave positive, meaningful recognition in a big way? We’ve listed what we think are the top recognitions of this year. Have a recognition you want to add to our list? Post your ideas in our comments section!

1. Captain Sully gets a heroes thank you

On January 15, 2009, Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger saved the lives of all 155 people on board US Airways Flight 1549 by successfully landing in the Hudson River. He and his flight crew received a heartfelt standing ovation from passengers for their actions and bravery. As an act of recognition, the US Senate passed a resolution to recognize and honor Sullenberger and his crew. Captain Sully was also presented with the Key to the City of New York, and Time Magazine ranked him #2 on their Top 100 Most Influential Heroes and Icons of 2009.

2. Roy Halladay’s classy farewell

Before pitcher Roy Halladay left Toronto to play for the Philadelphia Phillies, he wrote his former team and his fans a thank you note in a Toronto newspaper. This sincere thank you reinforced his love for the city and the fans: “”I am sincerely grateful for the incredible support and compassion the Blue Jays fans have always shown me,” he wrote. Philadelphia is one lucky town!

While we are on the topic of public thank you notes, we wanted to give President Barack Obama an honorary mention. When Obama resigned from the Senate to become the President in late 2008, he published a thank you note in Illinois newspapers thanking the residents of Illinois for their support. Since it was in 2008, this public display of gratitude doesn’t qualify for this year’s list, but we thought Obama deserved some recognition.

3. Tony Hsieh expresses his appreciation for Twitter

On his CEO blog, Tony listed the ways Twitter helped his company build personal connections with both their employees and customers, which landed them on Fortune Magazine’s annual 100 BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR for the first time. A CEO giving recognition in a very public way. We love it!

4. Susan Boyle wins praise around the world

Singer Susan Boyle stunned judges and audiences alike with her performance on Britain’s Got Talent. They went from ridiculing her to praising her: “It was a complete privilege listening to you”, said one judge.  After her run on the show, Susan went on to release an album, which was the largest ever female debut.

Share your top recognitions of 2009 with us. Happy New Year from all of us at I Love Rewards!

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