Corporate Games E-News: March 30 - April 4, 2008
A Message From Eric Burton
Every year it seems like the Corporate Games happens earlier and faster and I have less time to prepare. This year the timing of the Corporate Games appears to be even worse than usual, as the economic forecast, global unrest, college tuition, and March Madness weigh heavily on my mind and heart. Since the last Corporate Games, many businesses have downsized, and re-organized to cut costs and become more efficient. The City of Ventura is no different than those companies who are feeling the pinch of the recession. The Corporate Games is the perfect solution to the recession pinch and will act as a distraction to all the worries of the world. Please use the time you spend on the field, court, and gym to release the anxiety and stress of the world and focus on what matters most in your life.
Opening Ceremonies - April 9 - California Plaza
Opening Ceremonies for the 2008 Corporate Games will be held on Wednesday, April 9th. Teams should begin arriving between 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm. The City of Ventura provides FREE Parking in the structure adjacent to California Plaza.
Buena High School Jazz Band will entertain guests until 6pm. A 2-Mile Run/Walk/Jog will follow the lighting of the ceremonial torch. Crowne Plaza Hotel will be hosting a post Opening Ceremony Reception with wine/beer tasting, live music, art show, and much more, immediately following the Run/Walk/Jog.
Spanish Hills Hosts Corporate Games Reception
The Corporate Games Reception was held on Wednesday, April 2nd, at Spanish Hills Country Club. Over 200 employees from 52 companies attended. The reception had a dual purpose of acknowledging our generous Sponsors and thanking the Company Coordinators and Executives for their support. The night was full of excitement! People from companies throughout the county intermingled, the Mayor honored the Corporate Games Sponsors and Bo Jaxson from B95.1 motivated everyone to go out and have fun! A special thank you goes out to Bo for emceeing the night and to Spanish Hills Country Club for hosting the event. Also thanks to all of you that joined us to celebrate this event!
Practice! Practice! Practice
Now's the time to start getting your team in shape for the upcoming competition. Check the Rules Manual for a list of host sites. Many hosts offer discounts for Corporate Games teams including: Buena Lanes, Golf-N-Stuff, LazerStar, Sterling Hills, Ventura Disc Club, and Stiix Billiards.
To prevent injury make sure to warm-up properly before any activity. If you are running a 5K, before the start, run slowly with short strides to warm-up the muscles. Slowly increase your speed and lengthen stride for about 5 minutes. Cool down the muscles by walking.
Rain, rain go away, please come back another day!
Every year we struggle with the question, what happens if it rains? The general policy of the Corporate Games is to play games "if at all possible." Events may be played in inclement weather, as long as the safety of participants isn't in question. Please refer to the web site to determine if games will be played. If the square is green, then conditions are good and games will be played. If the square is yellow, conditions are questionable, but games are still on. If the square is red, outdoor games are cancelled and they will be rescheduled at a later date. Check for revised schedules on-line at www.venturacorporategames.org.
Company Highlight
Each newsletter we will highlight one of the teams participating in Corporate Games. This week we have chosen Advanced Motion Controls (AMC). AMC participates in Division C, and they are, as they stated, "Without a doubt, one of the best companies to work for in California!" AMC manufacture electronic components and their reason for participating in the Corporate Games is for the Company Teambuilding. In their first year of participating in the Corporate Games, Advanced Motion Controls won the Team Unity Award. That was their goal. The following year, they not only won the Team Unity Award but they also won the overall title for their division. They have won the Team Unity Award 4 out of the 10 times they have participated - quite an accomplishment! Congratulations Advanced Motion Controls!
Remember you too could win the Team Unity Award. This award is given to companies that display teamwork, sportsmanship and unity during the competition. Work together and get out your pom poms to cheer for your fellow employees - and always remember that this is a FRIENDLY competition!
