Where to go & when...spare no expense

[RootDKJ]

So I got a call from a vendor of mine today that I've done quite a bit of business with this year and they want to arrange a ski trip to kick back and relax after all the work and BS we've had to go through getting this project off the ground, implemented and updated. In all honestly, they did a great job supporting our ridiculous requirements.

So they are up to going anywhere, but want to stay in the East for 5 to 7 days. They seem to like the idea of coming to Vermont (from Toronto, Canada). They mentioned Killington, but honestly, I'm really kind of Killington'd out and the season hasn't even started. I was thinking more along the lines of Stowe. I usually book my ski vacations around what's convenient for me and my wife, but these guys want to go when conditions usually good. I was thinking last week in January / 1st week in February.

So where would you go and more importantly when? All expenses paid.

Also, would you have concerns on taking such a trip knowing you will have to do business with this company in the future?

 

[Highway Star]

Ski Sundown, of course.

 

[Puck it]

So I got a call from a vendor of mine today that I've done quite a bit of business with this year and they want to arrange a ski trip to kick back and relax after all the work and BS we've had to go through getting this project off the ground, implemented and updated. In all honestly, they did a great job supporting our ridiculous requirements.

So they are up to going anywhere, but want to stay in the East for 5 to 7 days. They seem to like the idea of coming to Vermont (from Toronto, Canada). They mentioned Killington, but honestly, I'm really kind of Killington'd out and the season hasn't even started. I was thinking more along the lines of Stowe. I usually book my ski vacations around what's convenient for me and my wife, but these guys want to go when conditions usually good. I was thinking last week in January / 1st week in February.

So where would you go and more importantly when? All expenses paid.

Also, would you have concerns on taking such a trip knowing you will have to do business with this company in the future?

What about Jay or the Bush?

 

[RootDKJ]

What about Jay or the Bush?

I was thinking Bush also. Jay isn't a bad idea, but that's like an 8 hour ride from NJ.

These guys are not avid or experienced skiers, if that helps any.

 

[riverc0il]

Are you kidding? Is this even a question? STOWE!

/thread

 

[kingslug]

Stowe or Bush...nuff said.

 

[playoutside]

...

So where would you go and more importantly when? All expenses paid.

Also, would you have concerns on taking such a trip knowing you will have to do business with this company in the future?

Stowe hands down.

As for concerns...hate to put a damper on this but check company policies about accepting gifts/trips/stuff from vendors. Most places I've worked would not allow this...does that mean no one ever took advantage, of course not...but I'd personally exercise caution in this economy. Can you afford to deal with any retribution if the company found out? Are you in a position to approve future commitments to them? Nothing in life is free...be careful what you set yourself up for.

 

[crank]

Nice boondoggle. Stowe for sure.

 

[Puck it]

If they pay then Stowe gets my vote.

 

[RootDKJ]

Stowe hands down.

As for concerns...hate to put a damper on this but check company policies about accepting gifts/trips/stuff from vendors. Most places I've worked would not allow this...does that mean no one ever took advantage, of course not...but I'd personally exercise caution in this economy. Can you afford to deal with any retribution if the company found out? Are you in a position to approve future commitments to them? Nothing in life is free...be careful what you set yourself up for.

Lots of people are Stowe-ked for this...I like that. I too had HR & Company policies on this, so I looked it up.

From our Code of Conduct Policy

A conflict of interest may exist when employees, officers and directors are involved in activities for personal gain (whether measured in tangible or intangible benefits), that might interfere or appear to interfere with the objective performance of their duties and responsibilities. A conflict of interest also may exist when employees, officers or directors are involved in activities that could reflect negatively on the reputation of the Company.

A conflict of interest may exist when employees, officers and directors are involved in activities for personal gain (whether measured in tangible or intangible benefits), that might interfere or appear to interfere with the objective performance of their duties and responsibilities. A conflict of interest also may exist when employees, officers or directors are involved in activities that could reflect negatively on the reputation of the Company.

Making payment in any form, directly or indirectly, to or for anyone for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or obtaining any other favorable action or terms.

Engaging in any other outside activity that influences or appears to influence the objective decisions required of employees, officers or directors in the performance of their duties or service.

So I talked to my dad about this. After all, he spent 38 years, 11 months 2 weeks and 4 days working for a company just as ridiculous as mine. His thoughts are to offer this company to pay for some of the trip. Let them pay for the house and some meals/bar tabs, and but pick up the cost of my own tickets. This way if my company ever said anything, I could just say I stayed with some friends, oh here and look...I even have a receipt for my lift tickets.

Paging Glenn...:idea:

 

[deadheadskier]

Stowe, but I'd lean towards the 2nd week of February, week before school vacay. The last week of January is typically the coldest of the year and I mean BRUTALLY cold.

 

[RootDKJ]

Stowe, but I'd lean towards the 2nd week of February, week before school vacay. The last week of January is typically the coldest of the year and I mean BRUTALLY cold.

They are from Canada...they should be used to it We usually go away for Valentines day (weekend) which kinda starts the 2nd week in February which is why I thought earlier might work out better.

 

[deadheadskier]

Toronto doesn't know cold like Stowe. In my off and on time of living there for a decade, there was usually always a week straight in January where the temp didn't rise above zero at all and the typical evening temp was 25 below. Summit wind chills of 80 below. Let's put it this way having lived there, outside of holiday weeks, the final two weeks of January would be the last two I'd pick if I had to plan a trip well in advance.

 

[riverc0il]

As for concerns...hate to put a damper on this but check company policies about accepting gifts/trips/stuff from vendors. Most places I've worked would not allow this...does that mean no one ever took advantage, of course not...but I'd personally exercise caution in this economy. Can you afford to deal with any retribution if the company found out? Are you in a position to approve future commitments to them? Nothing in life is free...be careful what you set yourself up for.

That is a really good point. If the company putting you up on this trip is in competition to acquire business from your firm, this would a substantial financial pick up in an effort to earn your business. Definitely advisable to consult HR before accepting this type of trip. Even with partial expenses, a week at one of New England's top resorts is not going to be cheap no matter if a few things are purchased out of pocket or not.

But... if no business ethics allowed for this type of thing to happen, I suspect there would be a lot less business being conducted as greasing the wheels seems like it has almost come to be expected. Though business ethics has been a hot topic for the past few years due to the numerous scandals.

 

[RootDKJ]

That is a really good point. If the company putting you up on this trip is in competition to acquire business from your firm, this would a substantial financial pick up in an effort to earn your business. Definitely advisable to consult HR before accepting this type of trip. Even with partial expenses, a week at one of New England's top resorts is not going to be cheap no matter if a few things are purchased out of pocket or not.

But... if no business ethics allowed for this type of thing to happen, I suspect there would be a lot less business being conducted as greasing the wheels seems like it has almost come to be expected. Though business ethics has been a hot topic for the past few years due to the numerous scandals.

The thing here is I've already spent the money (around 1.5 mil so far). There will be some follow up next year (< 300K) and the year after.

Of course when they come up with the next technology...In all honesty (get it), I know I'd make the right decision. On this years project, it came down to two vendors. One NJ based, just a few towns over from me and one based out of Toronto. Initially, I had every intention of going with the NJ based company. I was more familiar with their work and I knew how their product worked already. A co-worker highly suggested I evaluate the product from the Toronto based company. It turned out to be a much better hardware design, and easier to implement. Torn between the decision to keep the $$$ in the local economy or go with the better hardware, I chose the latter. Would I do the same post-ski trip. You bet.

Based on the last 10 years of experience, I find that my company's HR people are full of lazy ass people, who will just print me out the policy and tell me to read it over. You are correct however. They should interpret the rules and make a decision if or how they apply to my situation. I think my HR department has lost the ability to look at an individual situation anymore. The company has grown so large, while their department has downsized. I'll run it past my old boss, and if he receives the idea well, then I'll run it past my current boss for approval.

 

[wa-loaf]

Stowe

 

[trtaylor]

Based on the last 10 years of experience, I find that my company's HR people are full of lazy ass people, who will just print me out the policy and tell me to read it over. You are correct however. They should interpret the rules and make a decision if or how they apply to my situation. I think my HR department has lost the ability to look at an individual situation anymore. The company has grown so large, while their department has downsized. I'll run it past my old boss, and if he receives the idea well, then I'll run it past my current boss for approval.

It's not just your company's HR department. I think it is characteristic of HR at everyone's company. Best of luck. Hope it works out for you.

 

[RootDKJ]

It's not just your company. It's everyone's company. Best of luck. Hope it works out for you.

Not everyone's company, but there are 2,869,794,561 shares of stock out there.

 

[trtaylor]

Not everyone's company, but there are 2,869,794,561 shares of stock out there.

Not sure you followed what I wrote. See my edit. Or maybe I am not following you?

 

[eastcoastpowderhound]

Toronto doesn't know cold like Stowe. In my off and on time of living there for a decade, there was usually always a week straight in January where the temp didn't rise above zero at all and the typical evening temp was 25 below. Summit wind chills of 80 below.

bah, a week, that's easy to handle, my junior year in college at u maine farmington it never got above 5 for the entire month of january...figure at least 10 deg colder at the loaf plus the wind. ski industry classes were brutal that winter