There’s just something about the iconic Oreo™ that everyone loves. But in Marissa Templet’s kitchen, the classic cookie gets even more irresistible. Templet transforms Oreos into tasty truffles, shaped traditionally or in fun holiday themes, such as footballs, pumpkins, and even Halloween-themed monsters.
“They’re so, so good,” said Templet. “I can do so many fun things with them.”
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Templet loves sharing her sweet treats as much as she likes making them. Eventually, she’d like to start a side baking business. But for now, the team at POET Bioprocessing – Alexandria, where Templet is the Senior Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Specialist, definitely benefits. “I really enjoy randomly bringing in treats to share at work, especially around the holidays.”
Sweet treats are a good motivator for her co-workers, too. Homemade baked goods are often a highly sought-after prize for the friendly workplace competitions she’s organized over the years. “If your team wins,” she said, “you get to choose whatever you want, and I’ll bake it.”
“Marissa has always been a champion of pulling together people and events at the plant,” Dan McMahan, General Manager of POET Bioprocessing – Alexandria, said. “She’s full of energy. She definitely has a lot of passion for her role in EH&S, but the safety world can be monotonous at times. She tries to keep things fun and interesting while still holding her team accountable.”
And, of course, no one can resist great food, McMahan said of the cookie bake-offs, burger feeds, and holiday parties Templet helps organize for the staff. As with the rest of the POET organization, team-building and community outreach are important parts of the POET – Alexandria culture.
“We spend as much time at the plants with each other as we do with our families at home,” he said. “It’s important that we get along and enjoy each other. Marissa is such a high-energy individual who helps bring joy to the team. We just all love her to death.”
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Building connections isn’t just something Templet does at work. Her spirit extends outside of the POET facility, too.
“Whatever we’re doing in the community, Marissa is directly involved in,” McMahan said. “She’s a true community champion.”
“Her positive attitude is standard operating procedure for Templet,” said Dan McMahan General Manager of POET Bioprocessing – Alexandria, IN.
In the spring, for example, Templet played an integral role in the Alexandria Toy Drive’s golf fundraiser. “I’ll do anything for a good cause,” she said. “It was pretty competitive. People really got into it — and we raised a good amount of money, too. I’m hoping to be even more involved with it next year.”
Finding involvement in the community has helped Templet, who is originally from Louisiana, feel at home in Indiana.
“It’s fun to immerse yourself into a community, and doing so is a really great way to get to know new people,” she said. “Alexandria is such a small town, and I want to see this community thrive. It’s so much fun to get out there and see what you can do to help. It’s what’s helped make Indiana home for me.”
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“Marissa is such a high-energy individual who helps bring joy to the team.” Dan McMahan, General Manager of POET Bioprocessing – Alexandria, Indiana
But nothing’s better than getting creative in the kitchen, Templet said. Black forest cake, cheesecake, peanut butter fudge, and zucchini bread are all new favorites to make.
“I love trying new recipes. It’s so much fun,” she said. “It’s such a nice way to relax and unwind after work.”
More than that, however, baking brings her closer to others. “Sometimes, if I’m going somewhere and I don’t think I’ll know anyone, I’ll bring a dessert,” she said. “It always helps start a conversation. It’s a great way to get to know people. I like being a part of the community, and baking is a great way to help me get involved!”
