Get Ready for CABO!

 
There was one last piece of business to take care of before closing our festivities -- the announcement of where we're headed for Clubbing2014.

And as the headline of this posts tells you, we are heading for Cabo San Lucas in the Baja Peninsula of Mexico!

We'll be staying at the Hilton Los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort, the number one ranked Hilton in the world!

Halfway between Cabo San Lucas and the beautiful Mexican city of San Jose, this hotel offers us the perfect location to wine, dine and pamper our guests for Clubbing2014.

If you've never been to Cabo -- the destination of the rich and famous -- before, you don't want to miss it.  If you have, you know what an incredible experience we'll be enjoying in just twelve short months.

So get busy, work hard, and we'll see you in CABO!

A Magical Trip Comes to a Close

No matter how much we try, we can't keep Saturday from arriving...and with it comes the last few hours of Clubbing2013.

Showing just how tough we are at Supplemental Health Care, the crew was bright eyed and ready to go after the killer island party on Friday night.  And when the doors opened for our closing session at 9:00 a.m. all 100 employees danced their way in to the Crystal theater for closing comments from Janet and the SMT.


The theme was simple. After three days of learning, talking and brainstorming about our new Supplemental Standards, the discussion focused on what each of us can do to make these standards come to life.  The SMT shared their personal commitments to the standards and discussed what they were going to do, beginning next week, to make them a reality.

Janet closed by asking each attendee to let her know over the next week or so what they are going to do as well to continue to bring these standards to life -- in the end, she reminded everyone that it's not the words on paper, or what the SMT does that will make our Standards the moral compass we want them to be -- it is how well they are accepted, and embraced by each SHC employee.

That is true of every attendee in Aruba and each of you reading this at home.

Partying Island Style

As the sun began to set over the Caribbean Ocean, the Supplemental team began gathering at the Renaissance dock to start an incredible evening of great food, terrific music and some serious fun at our own private island Aruba party.
The night began with each guest being greeted by the SMT as they arrived at the island.  Once they received their infamous green Iguana welcome drink, it was on to an incredible island banquet featuring a variety of Caribbean cuisine. 

After dinner, the partying got serious -- and so did the dancing -- as Party Posse (the best party band in the Caribbean) kept the music pumping and the dance floor rocking.










It was a night that won't be forgotten anytime soon!

SHC Standards Workshop

After a morning of island adventures, the crew settled in for an afternoon of work...well, ok, maybe not hard work...but important work; breaking down into small work groups to discuss our new standards and brainstorm on how to bring them to life within the company.

A few hours later, every one left with a better understanding of our new Standards while the team leaders left with pages of great idea.

Work Hard, Play Hard

We know everyone at SHC works hard, and now we have proof that we truly do play hard too -- as we begin day three bright and early after a short night of sleep (at least we hope there was some sleep involved) with an outdoor breakfast followed by a quick exit for excursions.

Be it by catamaran for a sail and snorkel adventure or by Jeep for some hard core off-roading, the groups were all smiles as they went their separate directions to see, explore and shop the island! 

Of course, it did make us a little nervous when we noticed the name of the catamaran as it pulled away from the docks...The Rumba.   Hope that means they're dancing...

A Gala Affair

Our Thursday festivities continued throughout the evening as we celebrated our 2013 winners during
the annual Awards Banquet.  The night began with a cocktail party for all employees, which was culminated by a winner's toast from Janet.

From there it was on to the banquet itself held in the fabulous Grand Ballroom at the Renaissance Convention Center.  As you can see from the

pictures, this crew cleans up pretty well!

After dinner came the awards presentations for our 100+ Club, President's Club and Chairman's Award winners: all 60 of them!

By the time all victories were toasted and photos taken, Thursday had slipped into Friday...so I guess this was also the first event of the day today!


Congratulations to all of our 2013 Clubbing Winners!!

Your Supplemental Standards

Yes, as you can see below, the surprise birthday party was a Rock & Rollin' good time, and like any good birthday party, it ended with the opening of presents -- in this case, presents to the entire company.

Opened by our four 2013 President's Club winners (Diane, Rick, Ashley and Carrie) and this year's Chairman's Award winner (Marcus), we officially unveiled our new Supplemental Standards -- our revised, and in some cases new standards for the company: Our Vision, Our Mission, Our Culture, Our Values and Our Service.

These five new standards will be the focus of a lot of discussion for the group here over the next few days and a topic you'll hear much more about over the month's ahead. 

Happy Birthday!!

Happy birthday everybody!  That's right, starting with our fiscal new year in July, Supplemental Health Care officially turns 30!

And what better way to celebrate the company's birthday than with a surprise birthday party -- which

is exactly what our SHC group did during the morning yesterday.  And what a birthday party it was. 

Complete with goodie bags, birthday games, cake and presents, it was a great celebration and a serious party 1980's style -- after all since we were "born" in 1984, it was only fitting that the entire party was 80's themed..

Just to give you a peak into the action, we thought you might enjoy some pictures of your colleagues in action...

 

Good Morning Sunshine

OK, after a crazy busy day yesterday, we're doing  a little catch-up this morning on yesterday's news!

The day started with breakfast on the beach for our team.  With clear skies and a panoramic view of the the white sands and blue waters of the Caribbean in front of us, it was a spectacular way to start the first full day in paradise for our crew of island visitors.

And, good thing every one had a hearty breakfast, with all that lay ahead of them they were going to need the energy!

Dawn Breaks Over Paradise

It's easy to understand why Aruba is considered one of the most stunning Caribbean destinations. From white sand and crystal blue water to dessert terrain and crashing surf, the island has it all.

As day two of Clubbing2013 arrives, today's agenda has it all too.  We begin with a group breakfast followed by a surprise celebration that you'll definitely be hearing more about!  After lunch, all guests have the afternoon to shop, swim, sun -- whatever strikes their fancy.  To top it off, the day ends with our annual Awards Banquet.

Be on the lookout for updates and photos throughout the day.

A Welcome to Remember

The first day of Clubbing2013 came to a close with the kick-off welcome dinner. All 157 guests gathered on the Festival Plaza to enjoy a delicious sunset dinner while gazing out over the Carribean Sea.

It was the perfect end to our first day on Aruba. More to come tomorrow!

SHC Is In The House

For the last four hours, Aruba has been saying Bon Bini (welcome) to members of the Supplemental Health Care family as 157 SHC employees and significant others have invaded this small Caribbean island.

From flights as short as three hours to a few that technically began yesterday, it has been a long travel day -- but all that seems to fade away as guests are greeted with a cold rum punch and their official Clubbing2013 gift bag. 

That being said, this day is far from over -- next up: a quick dip in the pool, a short shower (we hope!) and it's off to a welcome dinner under the stars.

Stay tuned for more!

Keep Up with Clubbing2013

Welcome to the official Clubbing2013 blog!

We'll be updating this site over the next few days to keep up to date on all of the happenings in Aruba!

Of special interest, be sure to check in on Saturday to learn where we'll be headed for Clubbing2014 -- we guarantee you'll be excited.
you up-to-date on everything that is going on here in Aruba!

Plan on Doing a Little Shopping?

If you're thinking that a little retail therapy could be part of your future in Aruba, you might want to give your credit card company a call before leaving home. 

Many credit cards will deny your efforts to use the card internationally if you haven't informed them that you're planning on leaving the country.  Though it's a great safeguard for your financial safety, it can be pretty irritating if you're standing in a store with an armful of goodies you're looking to take home with you.

So, a word to the wise, give your credit card company a quick call and let them know that you're headed to Aruba -- you might save yourself some grief.

Don't Forget!

Stuff happens.  It's the reality of traveling.  But, there are two things you can have that will make things go a lot smoother: a sense of humor and the phone numbers of people to call when it all hits the fan.

So, in case you didn't write these numbers down after reading the earlier blogging message, here they are again:

For any hiccups in air travel, call Chris Rambo at:

- Office Phone (8 am – 5 pm MST): 801-327-7724
- Cell Phone (off Hours): 801-580-1619

For ground transportation issues once in Aruba, contact Ryan Richards at 435-640-4836. 

For our guests traveling directly to the Renaissance Hotel, ground transportation has already been arranged for you. As you exit the luggage claim building, look for our Ambassadors and/or representatives from our transportation company, ECO. They will be easy to find, they will all have on orange shirts. 

If you are arriving before Wednesday and traveling to a hotel other than the Renaissance, you are responsible for your own transportation to that hotel and to the Renaissance on Wednesday.

Perfect Weather Awaits

With only three days before the start of Clubbing2013, it's time to see what the weather holds for our trip.

And, it couldn't be better!  Plan on blue skies, hot days and perfect nights.  Highs should be in the low 90's each day and lows around 80.  No rain is predicted but there's always a chance of the occasional shower -- normally late at night.

As always, and thank goodness, the trade winds will be blowing....and though it might be a little hard on the perfect hairdo, it helps keep the island feeling cool and the humidity away!

So, start packing and see you in a few days!

Internet and Cell Phone Reminder

As we mentioned in our July 16th blog below, cell phone charges and Internet fees can add up in a hurry when you're out of the country.

Wireless Internet is iffy at best on the island and very expensive. However, high speed wired Internet in your room is complimentary and should be used for all Internet access.

Cellular service is pricey too. If you have a 3G phone, you need to update your roaming services by dialing *228 and choosing option 2 before you leave for Aruba. If you have a 4G Verizon phone, it will update automatically.

If you don't use Verizon, please check with your carrier before leaving to check pricing and any actions you might need to take.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

A Sneak Peek

As we move into the last weekend before Clubbing, we thought you might enjoy a quick look at some of the highlights of next week’s agenda….and a guide to what to wear for each.

Wednesday Evening – Welcome Dinner:  Business Beach Casual – Shorts are fine, just keep it nice

Thursday Morning – A Surprise Celebration: Beach Casual – we’re not outdoors this year, but shorts and t-shirt are still fine

Thursday Evening – Awards Night:  Our formal event, think appropriate dresses and suits

Friday Morning – Excursions: Check out the earlier blog for what to wear based on the excursion you’re on

Friday Afternoon – SHC Workshop: Back to business beach casual

Friday Night – Island Party:  Keep it casual and cool for a party on the beach

When in doubt, dress for hot weather and fun times!

Wear Your Name Badge

When you check-in at the Renaissance Hotel, you’ll be met by our friendly ambassadors – not only will they give you all kinds of important information, but they’ll also give you your name badge! And, if you are bringing any Significant Others along with you, you’ll get name badges for all of them too.

Please be sure to wear your badges to all company events other than the Awards Night festivities. It’s a great way to identify each other and get to know everyone.

Also, please have your Significant Other wear theirs as well so we can get to know them too. That is even more important if they are signed up for our meal plan – the sun printed on their name badge is how we know they are on the meal plan!

Departing from Aruba

Sorry, it seems in bad taste to talk about leaving Aruba before you even get there, but this is good news.

Aruba is one of the few places in the world where you actually go through U.S. customs before you depart, rather than when you arrive in the states. In other words, you go through U.S. customs before you board your flight in Aruba -- so, when you fly into the U.S. you come back in as a domestic flight...saving you the time and hassle of having to go through customs at much busier American airports.

One more, among a very long list, of the great things about Clubbing in Aruba!

Make Your Travel Day a Good Day

So next Wednesday is travel day for Clubbing2013 -- and for most of us, it is going to be a pretty long day, but following a few easy tips will make your travel day more enjoyable.

First, don't forget, you're traveling internationally and there aren't many flights that go to Aruba each day. Don't be late. Don't miss your flight.

Most airports suggest you arrive 3 hours before your flight for international travel, and most airlines insist that you be checked-in at least 60 - 90 minutes before your international flight. Check with your airline for specific requirements.

Other suggestions to make your day easier: If checking your bag, pack important medications and other small essentials in your carry-on bag in case your luggage gets delayed, you might want to throw in a snack or two also.  Drink plenty of water on the fight to help fight-off jet lag, and pack a good book or deck of cards for entertainment! And keep this in mind, your next stop is Aruba!

Arriving in Aruba

When you fly into Aruba, you will be arriving at Queen Beatrix International Airport. Once you deplane, you will pass through customs then move to luggage pick-up. After you have your bags, you will exit the terminal through glass doors. 

For our guests who are traveling directly to the Renaissance Hotel, ground transportation has already been arranged for you. As you exit the luggage claim building, look for our Ambassadors and/or representatives from our transportation company. They will be easy to find, they will all have on orange shirts.

If you are arriving before Wednesday and traveling to a hotel other than the Renaissance, you are responsible for your own transportation to the hotel and to the Renaissance on Wednesday.

If you have any problems here are a couple of very important phone numbers for you to have, so write them down and take them with you.

For any hiccups in air travel, call Chris Rambo at:

• Office Phone (8 am – 5 pm MST): 801-327-7724
• Cell Phone (off Hours): 801-580-1619

For airport ground transportation issues once in Aruba, contact Ryan Richards at 435-640-4836.

The Renaissance Aruba -- The Best of Both Worlds

While in Aruba, we’ll be staying at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino.  Situated in the heart of Oranjestad, this stunning property includes two hotels, the area’s best shopping, an outdoor market, two casinos, a variety of restaurants and eateries, and the only private beach in Aruba. 

For our trip, we’ll actually be using both properties: the Renaissance Ocean Suites and the Renaissance Marina Hotel.  The Ocean Suites property is the more family oriented location, while the Marina side is their modern, adult-exclusive property. 

Regardless of which property you stay in, you’re only minutes away from any activity.  It is an easy walk between the two properties and the hotel also offers both guest cart rides and boat shuttles between the two.