Events - Catalyst Parties
Catalyst Spring Ball: May 12th, 2007 by: Susie Kleiner
A week before the event I spoke with two Catalyst employee’s and got words of anticipation: “I hope Cassie makes it until midnight.” “Tim will never sit down, he wants everyone to have a great time.” “It’s an event you will never forget.” “Take some aspirin before you go to bed.” “Good food, good booze, good music.” “I feel very lucky to work for Tim & Paul.” I am not sure about Cassie making it until midnight, because I did not, the other statements, I think are pretty accurate.
At the inception of our company newsletter, I sat down with Tim to discuss various topics for the entire year, it was right after the Catalyst Christmas party, and we started talking about teamwork. Innovation, Quality, Efficiency & Growth we have all heard those words. The innovation that goes into this event is spectacular, starting with the band, and the constant sound of familiar music, the Catalyst logo on all the stands, down to the napkins in the washrooms. The quality, I couldn’t find anything that did not fall into this category, from the people, to the food, to the drinks, to the wild dancing crowd. I hear, but am not certain, if any of you are familiar with Dirty Dancing and “THE LIFT” I understand that Elke has that down pat, was that the red bull and vodka? Or do we have our own female Patrick Swayze in house? Efficiency, did any one have to wait long for a drink or for a clean ashtray? Growth, well, I think my waist line grew, from what I understand the entire event has grown leaps and bounds.
Laughter helps people communicate in social situations, and provides and emotional level to conversation. Laughter helps signify individuals as a part of group, it signals acceptance and positive interactions.
I have read that laughing helps the heart, how, I found studies are not quite sure, but they explain as follows: “Mental stress impairs the endothelium, which is the protective barrier lining a person’s blood vessels. Once the endothelium is impaired, it can cause a series of inflammatory reactions that lead to cholesterol build up in a person’s coronary arteries, which can ultimately cause a heart attack.” Psychologist Steve Sultanoff, Ph. D., who is the president of the American Association for Therapeutic Humor, gave this explanation: “With deep, heartfelt laughter, it appears that serum cortisol, which is a hormone that is secreted when we’re under stress, is decreased. So when you’re having a stress reaction, if you laugh, apparently the cortisol that has been released during the stress reaction is reduced.
Not only is the Catalyst Spring Ball time to show our clients our appreciation, it allows our clients to see us as a whole and get an understanding how we work together, not only in the office, but to see the camaraderie we have with one another on a personal level. It also allows our Catalyst team time to mingle with each other, giving them a chance to get to know fellow employees that they may not have day to day dealings with.Appreciation of employees and thanking them for things that are done right & done well. This is the first time I have attended a Catalyst Spring Ball, standing back and watching Tim & Paul, knowing the names and faces of all the employees, and having genuine concern that everyone was enjoying themselves. Catalyst is a place where you don’t spend 5 days a week just waiting for the weekend.
Some of the comments from attendees:
“Dan and I had an absolute blast!! Thank you so much for the invitation — I really needed a mini break. Dan is still talking about you (once he emerged from his coma Sunday morning). We both slept like logs on the plane!” Stacy Hollowell—Siemens 1
“Thank you again, for a wonderful party and your generous hospitality. Dave and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and were privileged to share a table with Richard from Catalyst and his wife Martha. Both were very fun and it was nice to meet another member of the Catalyst team. Everything was spectacular - the food, the band, the venue - all perfect as usual. We look forward to this event every year we can’t wait until next year! The Union League Club renovation was fantastic - what a great bed!!! I didn’t want to leave :).” Kris Reid—Stiles Machinery
A final closing remark from a Catalyst employee: “I did not know they were Paul’s sisters.”