Merchandising

Saturday, December 16th, Wilsonville-based employees gathered at the local Holiday Inn for our annual Houston’s Christmas Party. Upon arrival, employees were handed their usual gambling “funny money” and goodie bag, but this year the baggies contained an extra gift for attendees – a Houston’s branded Fifty-Fifty drink bottle. The bottles proved to be a big hit with both Wilsonville and Kansas City employees (who were also given bottles at their Christmas party), as we’ve seen many of the bright blue bottles traveling around the office and warehouses.

The familiar atmosphere and many of the activities of past Christmas parties returned for 2017, including the bar, casino games, bingo, and earning tickets to put towards a variety of raffle prizes. Jose Coral was the big winner of the night, and took home the annual cash prize.

Inside Sales

This year also saw a host of new entertainment activities in the form of air hockey, shuffleboard, basketball, and the very popular photo booth. Provided by David Efaw Productions, along with the casino and other games, the photo booth was accompanied by an assortment of funny hats, glasses, other props for employees to pose with. The booth provided fun for all employees, including the Board of Directors and those who chose to sit or stand nearby and take in the action throughout the night.

Many employees also dressed for the occasion, donning extra festive attire. As the man who inspired this tradition with his festive suit last year, Greg Estes was sure to wear his holiday best again this year – a bright blue suit with Santa and gift box print.

As always, the food provided by Holiday Inn was delicious. The hors d’oeuvres selection was comprised of a variety of cheeses, fruits & vegetables, and meats (including two different kinds of shrimp)! Salmon, roast beef, prime rib, chicken, and turkey were served as the main entrées, accompanied by three different salads, mashed potatoes, rolls and more. The decadent desserts were all by wiped out by the end of the night, which was to be expected when there was carrot cake, flour-free chocolate cake, pecan pie and an assortment of small bite-sized treats.

Employees enjoy casino games at the Wilsonville 2017 Holiday Party

Throughout the night as attendees enjoyed their meals, a rousing game of bingo, or just sat and chatted with their coworkers a slideshow of the past year’s events and accomplishments played on large screens highlighting that we have a lot of to be proud of as 2017 comes to a close.

The afternoon of the Christmas party, some Houston’s employees engaged in a friendly bowling competition between Outside Sales and corporate employees at Wilsonville Lanes. Despite the extreme difference in bowling experience, both teams were good sports and there were many laughs.

The post Familiar Fun: Celebrating the Holidays appeared first on Houston's Blog.

Maureze, Tony, and Marsha enjoy the festivities

Houston’s Kansas City facility employees came together in 80’s prom style, on Saturday, November 18th, to celebrate the holidays. The party started off right with some delicious hors-d’oeuvres and great conversations.

The delicious Italian buffet was provided by Trezo Mare. From stuffed chicken and roast beef, to salmon and a potato bar, the food is always a favorite! Casino games and a photo booth entertained employees between the meal and when annual awards were given. Games included craps, blackjack, roulette, and poker and the photo booth had many fun props that to take pictures with; which, seemed to be the most popular activity of the night as the area near the photo booth was always very crowded.

Enjoying some casino games at Kansas City’s Holiday Party

To add an additional element of fun to the evening, “superlative” awards were given to deserving employees. What are “Superlatives” you may be asking? Given the high school prom theme, a set of honors were created, just like back in high school (i.e.: best looking, most athletic, most likely to succeed, etc.). The 2018 Duct-Tape Award was given to Ken White for being able to fix just about anything. Marsha Batiste won the Pom-Pom Award for having the most team spirit. And The Lochness Award went to Marley Stephenson, for being least likely to be found.

Robert Jones, KC Warehouse Manager

The most anticipated event of the night came after the “Superlatives,”  in which Leo Forman was awarded the grand prize cash award.

Written by Jacob Dick and Sherman Dodd

The post Totally Rad Holiday Celebration in K.C. appeared first on Houston's Blog.