The Sprint to the Beach incentive trip happened this past weekend in sunny Punta Cana. Hear about the fun stories in the words of the hard-working Associates and staff who personally got to enjoy the trip... and try not to be too jealous:

 

 

 To have 4 glorious days in one of the most beautiful resorts in the Caribbean, sipping exotic drinks and soaking in warm turquoise waters, and to share to all with my wife, was incredible. Throw in the fact that Viridian covered all the costs... priceless!

 

I thoroughly enjoyed playing 18 rounds of golf with Bob Ulrich. What a great time we had in the sun and sand (traps). With 82 degree temps and palm trees everywhere, it was easy to think "green" and be thankful for Viridian helping us GO GREEN.

 

 

We began the trip with a nice welcome dinner recognizing all of our winners and presented them with great resort gifts: a Viridian beach tote bag, towels and Maui Jim sunglasses, along with the much-needed sunscreen!

 

The Associates had a blast. We enjoyed fabulous dinners, drinks, laughter, building relationships, and enjoying the relaxing resort activities: spas, golf and lobster boat tours. The funniest moments were Gigi flying and screaming on the trapeze, James Leonhardt doing a cannon ball off the boat into 3 feet of water (OUCH!), Herb throwing his "$50 business cards" onto the dance floor and creating a frenzy, and Norman playing some golf (well, we think that was what he was doing...)

 

The Associates have a message for the Viridian nation... NEVER MISS A VIRIDIAN INCENTIVE TRIP!

 

 

My favorite part of Punta Cana was the boat trip we took on Saturday. When I arrived to the launch everyone was amazed to see me since I had stayed out a little late the night before. Feeling a bit under the weather, I wasn't sure how this adventure would go, but I wanted to experience as much as I could while we were there.

 

After taking a short ride down the coast, we came to a huge sand bar in the middle of the ocean. I wasn't entirely sure what we were doing but soon everyone was jumping in the water, along with a floating rum and wine bar. With my stomach already not feeling up to par, I had decided to stay on the boat, but after Bob Ulrich jumped in, he suggested it might make me feel better. As I stood looking down at the water trying to make my final decision, I heard someone say "Cannonball!" Now, I'm not sure if it was a suggestion or a warning, but a cannonball is what I did: into 2 feet of water! I immediately hit the bottom and popped back up (OUCH).

 

The worst part was that my brand new Maui Jim sunglasses (thanks, Viridian!) had come off during the splash. After several minutes of search and rescue in the water, I stepped on something sharp: my sunglasses! We completed the boat trip with great conversations and lobstertails (I think Bob had 6). I can't wait to go on Viridian's next incentive trip and meet more new members of Generation V!

 

 

 

Between windsurfing, the trapeze, gorging on food, dancing with Herb and James, swimming, and getting a nice/tan burn, I also took note of how the resort was contributing to sustainability. Club Med is part of the Green Globe Program, an Eco Label based on the United Nations Principles for Sustainable Development. As part of the program, the resort focuses on four main points: water conservation, saving energy, managing waste, and the local eco system.

 

I was most intrigued with their efforts toward energy conservation. The rooms had light controllers which were only activated by the room key, thus ensuring the lights were not left on when guests left the room. What a simple and easy way to make a difference!