An interesting thing happened today

[rabernet]

I have to say - I really do work for an awesome company!

Today there was a mandatory meeting called for all employees. It did explain that anyone already on PTO (Personal Time Off) did not have to change their plans to attend the meeting.

We have two offices in the metro Atlanta area - our Corporate Office and our Manufacturing/Service Warehouse a few exits north of our Corporate office. Both locations were having this meeting at the same time today.

It was with a little bit of trepidation that I went - even though the meeting invite stated that it was "important and good news". Many of thought that the news was that we were being acquired, even though we've been the ones acquiring other companies over the past few years.

So - as we're headed into the lobby, they were handing out raffle tickets to everyone. So - we're thinking, can't be too bad if they're going to be drawing a raffle afterwards.

Our Director gets up and tells us how 2007 was our record year before the economic down turn, but how through this, we've maintained important clients and we've just won some big contracts this year. We're on track for 2010 to be a HUGE year, bigger than any year in the past. And when the economy turns around, who knows what the future holds for us. And thanking us for all our sacrifices, taking on additional workloads and making sacrifices for the company, etc, etc. So this next review period (in February), our raise pool has been increased, so we'll all get bigger raises than last year, and that in July our 401K match will be increased.

Then he goes - ok - does everyone have a raffle ticket? And then he pulls a ticket out and goes...ok - you know what? How many of you have a BLUE raffle ticket? (we all did). He says "everyone who has a BLUE raffle ticket is going to be getting $1000. Then he just stands there and waits for it to register for all of us. Then there were a bunch of whoops and hollers and thank you's. Every single employee in my company is getting $1000 - worldwide. We'll get it as a separate check in the next few weeks. Then they had some laminated $1000 bills printed up and gave each of us one with a message of thanks on the back.

It was really cool. I've known that I work for a remarkable company and appreciated it during this economic downturn - because I was out of work for a year after 9-11, so I did NOT take this job for granted, nor ever forget to count my blessings each day that I was able to go into work and draw a salary when so many others have struggled - and I've felt their pain.

This is our vision statement:

To be a remarkable company first to work for; then to buy from; and finally, to invest in.

They really do put employees first.

So yeah - today was a good day!

[JLC]

What an encouraging and happy thing to read, Robin! I'm THRILLED for you!! It's SO refreshing to hear good news!!!

[RichsBallPythons]

Well, now whats the next snake purchase.

[mpkeelee]

wow, that is awesome, im so happy for you. so ya, whats going to be the next snake you purchase??? LOL

[steveboos]

Awesome news!! If only every job was like this! Hopefully everything continues and your company soars into the big leagues even more so, with practices like that it's only a matter of time.

[ed4281]

Wow that is a great company especially considering most companies don't bonus anymore.

P.S. are they hiring?

[rabernet]

Wow that is a great company especially considering most companies don't bonus anymore.

P.S. are they hiring?

As a matter of fact, we are - and we have an office in Dallas!

Sent you a PM.

[rabernet]

Awesome news!! If only every job was like this! Hopefully everything continues and your company soars into the big leagues even more so, with practices like that it's only a matter of time.

Thanks! For our industry, we are one of the top 2. We're also publically traded and have had a good year in the market as well this year.

[dembonez]

one thousand dollars do you know how many crickets you could buy with that?!?!?!? lol

[rabernet]

Well, now whats the next snake purchase.

wow, that is awesome, im so happy for you. so ya, whats going to be the next snake you purchase??? LOL

Well, I was already working with Louis Kirkland on the purchase of two snakes (Fire male, Albino female).

Most of this will be banked. However, it won't stop me from looking. After taxes, not sure how much it will really be.