Changing Up the Retreat--and Keeping Some Things the Same

Note: I'm so sorry! I thought I had posted this last night; I did everything but click the "publish" button. It wasn't until tonight that I realized I hadn't published it. Better late than never, right?

Well, our Advisory Board Retreat is over for another year—and it was a wonderful couple of days! We changed things up a bit—six board members instead of eight, our focus, our objectives, etc. With that in mind, we also changed the format of the retreat, doing things quite a bit differently. We involved more people from the home office and spent a lot of time focusing on our specific objectives for the board this year. The whole retreat was fabulous. . . at least I thought so, and I’m hoping our board members thought it was time well spent too.

Of course, while we changed things up a bit, there are few things that remained the same. Monday evening, board members headed to my house for a jammie party, dinner, and My Favorite Things. This year, we stopped for a quick tour of an empty Brick Canvas building, and then the driver dropped them off at a church house near our home, where they were greeted by our four oldest grandsons, dressed up in suits and new red ties. The boys presented each board member with a red rose and helped them into a horse-drawn carriage.

The carriage took them to our house (along the way some neighbors even came out and waved at them, welcoming them to Alpine), where the grandsons “magically” appeared again, helped them out of the carriage, and escorted them to the front door. Inside, Sara and I greeted them, and we sat down to a delicious meal. The boys were joined by Sidney and her friend, and they all served us dinner.

And what a dinner! Shanna made a delicious caprese salad; our good friend Mindy cooked up a wonderful pasta-and chicken dish, along with poppyseed braid bread and Caesar’s salad; and we finished off the meal with Shanna’s to-die-for carrot cupcakes. It was truly an amazing meal.

After that, we took a quick tour of the house and shared our favorite things.

Sterling is, of course, always one of my favorite things, and after Monday night, I think our board members  saw a glimpse of why. He was the one who planned the entire evening, and he really went the second and third mile, paying such attention to details. The red roses, the neighbors waving a welcome, a banner at the house, a fantastic floral arrangement . . . every little thing was perfect. And he had some great help from our grandchildren, Megan (she chauffeured the kids and helped out in the kitchen), and friends; I was so proud of and grateful for all of them!

On Tuesday evening, we headed to dinner at The Roof Restaurant in downtown Salt Lake City, another time-honored Advisory Board Retreat tradition. The food there is incredible, the atmosphere is awesome, and as always, the company was delightful. I’m thrilled with this year’s board and am so excited about working closely with them in the coming year!

Comments

[Mary Fish]

It was a productive, fun and a life changing experience. I'm still pinching myself when I think of all the special new memories!!

[Debi Pippin]

Shelli I can tell they had a good time from the smiles on their faces. What handsome grandsons you have and it was nice to hear about the carriage ride and the dinner at your house. I think I would have to pinch myself if it were me. I am so proud of each of these girls and the responsibilies they have taken on in addition to running a successful business themselves. It is a tough role and one I am sure they don't take lightly. Each is an inspiration to all of us and I know they are working for our best interest. I pray that God will richly bless our company this year and some of their decisions will be well thought out and help the company as a whole. God bless you Shelli as you spend time with them.
With Love
Debi Pippin

[Patty Bennett]

I know these girls will have an amazing year, and what a great "kick off" to their year! Sterling and your entire family are all so special.. what a neat treat they planned!!!

Thanks for an amazing time in St. George last week!
Patty

[Patsy Waggoner]

The retreat was amazing, rewarding and our time at the home office was a great learning experience. Everything was more than perfect! The group really connected, it is going to be a great year!

[Sue]

what a great start to what looks like, an amazing year, of new input, friendship & leadership; the smiles tell a story; I truely love a man in a suit & these 4 are well on their way to being fine young men; thank you for sharing your inspirations, thoughts & the best for last, Sterling & family!