During the month of August Greg Cole received a special award from Dollywood. He was chosen by personnel to receive a "Smile Certificate". These certificates are given by personnel to employees of Dollywood who exemplify courtesy, customer service and "smiles". Greg was awarded the certificate because he does these things and more.

When an employee, "host’ as Dollywood calls them, receives a Smile Certificate, his name is entered into a monthly drawing. Greg’s name was drawn that month and he was awarded $250 from Dollywood. The check was presented to him in November at the annual Dollywood Appreciation Luncheon hosted by DCI. Greg received his check from Dollywood and was congratulated for his great attitude and work performance. As his peers and the manager of Dollywood watched him accept the award, Greg cried tears of joy.