With each passing year, the Improving Enterprises’ Holiday Party gets better and better. It is certainly a credit to Improving’s leadership and organizers to pull off unique experiences for the holidays. And this year, they have out done themselves by having it at The Hall of State!
In this monumental building of Art Deco architecture we feel dwarfed by the immense statues and 80-foot tall pillars casting forth the impression of importance. Indeed, tonight, something great is about to happen as 150 or so Improvers assemble to celebrate the season.
Although Improving’s leadership may not have intended this correlation but The Hall of State rose out of the ashes of the Great Depression. For me, Improving exemplifies a great company flourishing in the face of a global financial recession. This resonated with me and I am proud to be an Improver.
It is often said but never truer than at Improving of the saying, “People are a business’ most important asset.” I am impressed by them each and everyday as colleagues and also as friends. And under the gaze of Texas heroes and historic figures, we greet each other and share holiday cheers. There’s a sense of camaraderie and grandeur (history even) as we mill about sipping wine and nibbling hors d’oeuvres.
Alice and I enjoy these types of gathering because we get to meet old friends as well as make new ones. It often surprises me that even though Improving hosts and have numerous company events each month, I still meet new Improver faces all the time.
This evening, we dine in the Great Hall. The name is appropriate. As I admire the scale of the cathedral like ceiling, the ornate marble pillars and detailed artworks on each wall, including the ceiling, I start to comprehend the enormous $1.2 million price tag, in 1936 dollars.
As I look up at this massive lone star, radiant and emblazoned in bronze, I couldn’t help but imagine the inspirations and the aspirations of a people that are Texans! It’s true: Things are bigger in Texas because Texans and their dreams are bigger than life.
This holiday, I stand shoulders to shoulders with my fellow colleagues, friends and their spouses celebrating Improving Enterprises’ outstanding 2011 year to the thunder of fireworks. Happy Holidays!
Join me on
Posted on December 19, 2011
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