Local HEROES Clean Water

Eco AdventureProgram Reenergizes Corporate ProfessionalsBy Jim Skiba, CMPIt was a November mor n i ngwhen two motor coaches arrived atArmstrong Redwoods State Reservewith 63 eager city dwellers from atechnology company based in Boston.They were staying at a hotel in SanFrancisco for four nights, and thiswas the kick-off team-building eventbefore they continued with three daysof indoor meetings back in the big city.Though only in the Russian River areafor ten hours, they would retain lastingmemories of the eco-destination - andcontribute over $50,000 in local revenuefor the one day trip. This single eventprovided work for 35 local people on aslow day in the off-season.The technology company hadenjoyed rapid growth and successduring the past two quarters. A smartmanagement decision was made tobuild on the company’s strengths. Theyencouraged the full time staff to takethis opportunity as an introductionto working with outside consultants.The primary goal was capitalize onthe teamwork dynamic. This first dayof team-building activities had beencustomized specifically as a jump-startto the entire California trip.Incentives to Intrigue (ITI), theevent’s creator, had designed theunique event so the whole programcould also serve as an incentivemodel for the attendees, rewardinggood performance for the past yearwhile concurrently reaching for newgoals. Additional incentives were tocreatively protect the environment ininnovative ways. ITI could have keptthe group in San Francisco, but decidedto recommend the Russian River –where the group could be outdoors ina completely different environmentfrom the structured indoor meetingschedule. They were told they mayhave rain, mud, and cold weather inNovember – but people were educatedin packing layers of clothing for allweather types. On the actual day, therewas plenty of sunshine and around 70degrees.A month before the program, ITIdid an extensive survey of the tripattendees to assess the physical abilitiesof the group. Activities such as hiking,biking, and water sports were optionsif the group’s stamina was suited tothese exertions. The group assessmentwas thorough enough to determinethe level of challenge forthe event, but details ofthe activities were notrevealed so to maintainan element of surprise.Guests were assigned tovarious teams based onskill levels throughoutt h e d a y w i t h t h eadditional goal of havingpeople experience fourdifferent teams with anew mix of people eachtime.Upon a r r iv i ng atArmstrong RedwoodsState Reserve the eleventeams were pre-assignedwith colored bandanas.The teams launched intoa 90-minute GPS & photo treasure hunton the floor of the forest. This activitywas both physical and adventurous,invigorating the group after the scenicdrive into the Redwood Empire; a firstfor many new to Northern California.Being in the heart of the Redwoodforest set an exciting stage for the groupactivities.An elaborate lunch followed. Itincluded options for vegetarian,low-sodium, gluten-free and otherspecialized dietary needs ascertainedthrough ITI’s group survey. The buffetwas displayed on large platters andalso offered small easy-carry bags fora dozen snack items that guests couldchoose to take for the rest of the day.After the feast, reassigned teamsrode bicycles from the picnic areathrough Guerneville and across thebridge into Mays Canyon, circling backto the beach near Odd Fellows Road.The bicycles were parked at the beachthen kayaks were paddled down riverto the Highland Dell in Monte Rio.18 - www.westcountygazette.com - 1/15/09Guests then took showers and changedinto detective outfits, reuniting at theoutside bar on the deck for a receptionfeaturing local wines and cheeses,German beer and sausages. Once thefinal stragglers arrived at the reception,ITI hosted a spirited Murder Mysterydinner featuring six professional actors.Detective teams were seated withnew associates at four-top tables. Themystery continued while dinner wasserved and savored. At the conclusionprizes were awarded to the teams thatdid the best job in cracking the case.Cordials and cigars followed on thedeck and at 9:30pm it was time to headback to San Francisco in the motorcoaches.As Certified Meeting Professionals,consultants such as ITI, have a greatdeal of research experience in creatingcustomized adventure programs forcorporate clients. There are many levelsof development, such as the overlay ofEco-Adventure that seeks to bring aboutawareness to the activities in a subtlemanner. During this program, ITIhelped the tech company accomplish allthe goals they contracted for, and more.ITI laid the template and confidencefor future successful programs. Theprogram was inclusive of many localvendors – some of whom neededspecial encouragement to meet highsustainable standards throughout theirrole to be included for participation.Business owners had to agree to mentorstaff members through continuingawareness training about Eco-relatedlocal issues. In addition, many suppliersneeded to understand the importance oftiming and infrastructure when dealingwith a corporate client in a highlyplanned, tightly paced group event.Sustainable elements that helped usto be 98% Eco-Friendly and promoteprinciples of sustainability and resourceconservation:• Choosing motor coach companythat is monitored by Green RideGlobal Program.• Recycling all packaging andcontainers.• Name tags, plates, utensils, andeven the bags to hold wet clotheswere are all made from compostablevegetable matter.• Foods and beverages purchasedlocally.• Leftover food later donated to FoodFor Thought.• Research into local communityfundraisers scheduled for later thatweek to donate surplus reusablesupplies.• Attendees made to be responsiblefor their own impact on the areasthey visited – leaving no trace oftheir presence.• All garbage, decoration and propsremoved from the area and takenwith the event host.• 63 redwoods trees were donated(one to represent each corporateattendee) by the corporate group as ashow of gratitude and appreciation.As professional meeting plannerssuch as Incentives to Intrigue continueto develop more quality programs – useof the Russian River region can becomemore widely viewed as a great resourcefor many outdoor group events – yearround. ITI has been involved withcorporate meetings, incentive rewardprograms, and Eco Adventures for 25years in the Bay Area, Latin America,Europe, and Asia. ITI is a member of theRussian River Chamber of Commerceand also serves as a consultant toEcoRing. ITI’s professionals live andwork locally and use sustainablepractices at home and in the office.Jim Skiba, CMPIncentives To Intriguejim@incentivestointrigue.com(707) 869-8205Park Side SchoolHelps theEnvironment!On December 6 and 7 Park SideS c ho ol s p on s or e d a n E -Wa steRecycling Event to raise funds for theirInternational Baccalaureate PrimaryYears Program. 19,583 pounds ofE-Waste (TVs, computers, cell phones,monitors, and other electronic surplus)was kept out of the landfill! This wasa free service and the discarded itemsraised money for the school. Park Sideis working with Neuwaste Recycling,an environmentally responsiblecompany that dismantles and recyclesall materials. Nothing is shippedoverseas or dumped into landfills.Park Side will be sponsoring anotherE-Waste Recycling Event on February 28and March 1 at the front of the school,facing Bodega Avenue. So help us, helpyourselves and help the planet- bringyour electronic junk to Park Side onFebruary 28 and March 1!Contact:Jude Kreissmandjkreissmanibo@sebusd.orgPark Side School8929-7400