A burgeoning Korellis tradition returned to Lemon Lake Park on Sunday afternoon, as the company hosted its annual picnic for its employees and their families.
Combining a summer cookout with all kinds of games and activities for kids and their parents, the picnic served as a celebration of Korellis' accomplishments throughout the year and a chance to bond with co-workers new and old.
“It’s a great way to get our group together, with their families,” said Debbie Wargo, office administrator at Korellis. “When you’re working with people, you get to know that person. When they come here, you get to meet all the kids. They tell you about them, but actually getting to meet them in person is special.”
Korellis started hosting the annual picnic in 2016 and it quickly turned into one of the company’s most popular events, with well over 100 people RSVPing each year. With great food, a bags tournament, a face painter for the kids, and a scenic location – there was plenty to offer at this year’s picnic.
“A lot of people pitched in to put this together, it’s a team effort,” Wargo said. “It brings us closer together as a company.”
Kim Butler, office manager at Korellis, worked with Wargo to lead the effort in organizing the picnic. She joined the company this year and was immediately impressed by its culture.
Everyone is close, and are always available to help each other,” she said. “Since I’m new, I don’t completely know everyone per se. The Family Picnic gives me a chance to meet everyone along with meeting their families and putting faces to names. I know for me, it’s a show of appreciation that the company does this for us.”
Working in the construction business, many of Korellis’ employees are scattered throughout the Region and beyond at different job sites on a day-to-day basis. Wargo finds that the picnic is especially helpful in bridging the gap between those out in the field, and those in the office.
“Even now I’m meeting people that I talk to on a daily basis, or see their names on a daily basis, but they’re out on a roof,” she said. “Today I get to meet them and it’s like, ‘You’re the guy I’ve been working with all this time!’ That’s the best part, getting to meet all the people that work out in the field.”
Another popular part of the annual picnic is its giveaways, which include gift cards and various other goodies, including two $2,000 vacation packages. Featuring a $1,500 travel voucher and $500 cash, the winner can use it to take a trip anywhere in the world – Wargo was last year’s winner and used the package for a trip to Cabo San Lucas. Besides the vacation packages that Korellis sponsors, many of the event’s raffle prizes are donated by their vendor partners.
To learn more about Korellis, visit korellis.com.
