Phelps, NY
6:42 PM
It’s nice when people appreciate your work. I gave a talk to a company’s management staff a few weeks ago and I thought we made good progress. They had very open discussion about the direction they were trying to move. Not too long ago I opened an email with an invitation to their Christmas Party. I was honored and attended last night.
Mackenzie and I made the hour drive to Phelps, a small town east of Rochester. I love Main Street of small towns and this one fit the bill. The Phelps Hotel stood out as the main bastion left from the 1800′s. The three story building had a large patio on the second floor and a huge porch on the main floor. A picture taken from the 1800′s hung in the lobby and showed a bustling Main St. There were women in their poofy dresses and men in suits. Many people wore hats of different sizes and shapes. There was the local drug store, clothing store, wall paper store, and law office.
A few people were smoking outside in the 25 degree night when we arrived. We hung our coats and found the bar. I was honored by the invite, but did not want to intrude on the employee time. It took ten minutes until a recognizable face saw us, but then we made our way into the main room. I was surprised to see a group of 80 people, with a 5 piece band, and a big buffet. We sat with a few of the people I had met at the talk and their wives. Everyone made us feel real comfortable and everyone I met thanked me for the talk I gave. That put a smile on my face.
It was great to see the owner of the company and their HR person, who was the reason I gave the talk in the first place. I see bright things for them in the future as they forge ahead towards growth opportunities.
I enjoyed the prime rib, chicken Kiev, mashed potatoes, salt potatoes, mixed veggies, and chocolate dessert. We didn’t stay as long as everyone else because I felt it was their night to enjoy their success. I am glad they asked me to be part of it.