AUBURN - Coworkers that play together, stay together.

That is the idea behind the annual chili cookoff held by employees of Auburn Memorial Hospital.

“We are a team at work, and it's nice to be able to relax as a team,” said Marcia Mizro, a respiratory therapist at the hospital, during the second annual chili cookoff held at Tinker's Guild on Franklin Street Sunday afternoon. “It is nice to be able to get together without the pressure and stress of work.”

In December 2006, a group of employees got together and formed the employees events committee. The idea behind the committee was to host a variety of activities outside of the work environment.

Once, every other month, various events and outings are planned for all of the hospital's employees.

“These events enhance teamwork both in and out of work,” said Roz McCormick, AMH vice president. “It is a chance to get to know each other in a social situation and away from the stress of work.”

Many employees said that they have created lasting friendships through their time at the hospital.

“You work closely with the same people everyday and you really get to know them,” Mizro said. “It's nice to be able to relax and get to know each other in another way.”

Mizro said that through the activities, employees have a better work environment.

“The better you know someone, the better you are able to work together in a stressful environment,” she said.

The cookoff included 14 different chili entrants, each with its own secret family recipe.

Voters paid a fee to sample each recipe and then vote on their favorite.

In addition to a year filled with bragging rights, the winning recipe also included an $100 prize.

Although the chili cookoff is one of the larger events, it is not the biggest. According to Mizro, who is also a committee member, all proceeds from activities throughout the year will go to offset costs of the annual employee picnic held each August.�