Behind the Scenes of Mercer’s Annual Chili Dinner: A Labor of Love for Our Fleet

On a mild, windy evening at Mercer Transportation, the aroma of chili simmering in massive pots filled the air. Laughter, chatter, and the occasional cheer from a prize giveaway punctuated the atmosphere. A fire crackled in the yard, providing a warm focal point for drivers gathering to eat, relax, and connect. The scene was joyful, but behind every smile and every steaming bowl was the labor of a small team of dedicated women who make it all possible.

At the heart of Mercer’s annual Driver Appreciation Chili Dinner are three members of the Contractor Relations team: Shelby Corum, Cheryl Cox, and Valarie Simms. Shelby has been orchestrating the event the longest, her experience setting the tone for a tradition that has grown into one of Mercer’s most cherished gatherings. Cheryl and Valarie, each bringing their own mix of expertise, energy, and heart, round out the team. Together, they carry the weight of planning, prepping, and executing an event that’s as complex as it is rewarding.

“Every event has a lot that goes into it,” Cheryl explains. “From the menu to where we get the food, making sure we have enough… we never know exactly how many will be here. Somehow, we are always prepared.” She laughs softly, remembering the delicate balancing act of ordering enough chili, sides, and hot dogs without knowing precisely who would show up. Valarie adds a lighter note, recalling that even something as seemingly simple as noodles can spark debate. “Who knew noodles could be so controversial?” she says.

The planning starts well in advance. The team selects the caterer, picks desserts, gathers supplies for the fire pit, and secures gifts for the prize giveaways. Cheryl and Valarie coordinate quantities, timing, and logistics with Shelby’s guidance and years of experience, making sure every detail is accounted for. It’s no small feat, and the weight of the responsibility is clear. “The most challenging part is making sure we have enough food,” Cheryl admits. “We sometimes second-guess what we’ve ordered, but in the end, with Shelby’s experience, the quantity is never an issue.”

Even with meticulous planning, the day of the dinner brings its own tension. For Cheryl, seeing everything come together is both a relief and a reward. “We want each event to work out perfectly,” she says. “We can kind of look at each other during the event and breathe a sigh of relief.” Valarie echoes the sentiment: “Very rewarding!”

But the true payoff comes in the faces of the drivers. The smiles, the laughter, the stories: it’s what makes the hours of planning worth it. Cheryl beams as she recalls watching drivers pull newer members of the fleet into their circles, sharing a meal and stories. “It shows that Mercer truly does appreciate the drivers,” she says. “They feel they are more than a number here.”

Valarie, experiencing her first chili dinner in the Contractor Relations role, was equally moved. Her favorite moments came during the prize giveaways. “Seeing people’s faces light up as I called their names… pure excitement! It reminded me of a bunch of big happy kids in a way,” she says, chuckling. One driver, Jimmy Lane, particularly stood out. Having won a Mercer knife, the same kind he’d once owned but left at a hospital far from home, he was tickled to receive it again. “It’s the small things,” Valarie says, “but seeing him happy about that knife made my whole night.”

The energy of the event was palpable. Music played in the background, the fire pit crackled, and drivers lingered long into the evening, swapping stories and sharing laughter. Hot dogs disappeared quickly, chili both with and without noodles was devoured, and the bonfire provided a cozy gathering point for the mild, breezy evening. Drivers even called the next day to express their gratitude, recounting conversations around the fire pit that lasted until the early hours.

For Cheryl and Valarie, moments like these encapsulate the meaning of the chili dinner. “It makes me feel that we have adequately showed the drivers what they mean to Mercer,” Cheryl says. Valarie agrees: “It comes back to feeling that pride of working for a company that cares, and puts people first.” It’s an event built on love, planning, and a desire to show appreciation, a labor that’s sometimes stressful, always detailed, but deeply rewarding.

Ultimately, the chili dinner isn’t just about chili, prizes, or fire pits. It’s about the fleet — Mercer’s drivers — and showing them, in every way possible, that they matter. And thanks to the tireless efforts of Shelby, Cheryl, and Valarie, that message is felt in every smile, every story shared, and every lingering moment around the fire. They are the unsung heroes of a night that celebrates the people who keep Mercer moving, mile after mile.

To find out more about who we are and how we celebrate the people who make Mercer who we are, click here.