University employees might find that a few good ideas can earn them more than a paycheck by submitting those ideas and suggestions to Illinois’ State Employees Suggestion Award Board.

Richard Leatherwood, director of mail services for NIU, recently was awarded $625 by the state board for his idea which will save the university more than $42,000 this year. Leatherwood’s idea of using a pre-sort mail service saved NIU two cents on every letter mailed out by the university, adding up to the $42,000 in savings.

However, Leatherwood originally was told by the board that his idea could not qualify because he “had implemented the program before I wrote the letter (containing his suggestion) to Springfield,” he said. Leatherwood then had to submit his suggestion a second time, after which the board gave its approval.

Diane Strand, editor of Northern Today for the Office of Public Information, said the awards are “pretty difficult” to get. Application forms for the awards are available at the public information office, located in Lowden Hall.

According to Illinois state guidelines for making a suggestion, there are 10 qualifications a person must meet in order for a suggestion to be considered.

Marilyn Jackson, a clerk for the state board, said five awards have been given to state employees so far this year, and range from $25 to $5,000, depending on the suggestion and what benefits it will have for the state.

“The person must be a full-time employee of the state, and their suggestion has to save the state and taxpayers’ money for it to be considered,” Jackson said.