Dad let me borrow his crown for a photo.
On October 23, I had the honor to be among some real celebrities–none of those tabloid types who pretend they are somebodies. I’m talking people who have accomplished great things in the real world. It was the 25th anniversary celebration of Torma Communications and 2d-a design collaborative. I have had the privilege of working at Torma for the past 10 years. To show you how this IABC networking thing works, Tracy and I were introduced to Ellen Custer, graphic designer and principal of 2d design about the same time I joined Torma. The client was Transocean. Our contact was Susie McMichael, ABC. We were working with Susie to develop a magazine for the company. In search of a designer, Susie asked fellow IABCer Ben Wheatley, ABC, APR, who he would recommend. He suggested Ellen, an active member of the chapter’s ESIG.
It was a good match. Ellen and I still work with Transocean even though Susie has gone on to other companies. But there you have my testimonial. Tracy spoke briefly at the monthly luncheon that Torma sponsored and said more than 90 percent of her business has come through networking and referrals in IABC. Now that’s results!
Back to the dancing part. Ellen, Tracy and our Torma colleague, Susan Diemont-Conwell, all attended my wedding a coule of years ago. It was held in the Czech and German tradition of entertaining reception guests with a polka band, barbecue and cold beer. In fact, I never knew there was any other kind of wedding reception until my family and I attended a punch and cake affair when I was 10 or so. I kept asking, “When’s the band gonna get here?”
Anyway, they loved it so much, it was a unanimous decision that the Torma/2d design celebration would be a polka party. Cheers to 25 Years was a blast. It was held at the same hall as my reception. Same band, same caterer. Plenty of Shiner beer and an infusion of dancing by the Polka Lovers Klub of America (Po.L.K. of A.) Texas Chapter 1, of which my parents are the prince of princess. They wore their red and white costumes and performed traditional Czech and German dances. These folks are in their 60s, 70s and 80s and they can outlast anyone, any age on the dance floor. Their love for the music and dance is contagious. Our guests felt comfortable venturing onto the floor to learn more.
As my dad says, “It’s just hard to be sad or worried when you’re listening to such happy music.” I think that was his stress relief and I think that’s why he’s still dancing at the age of 83.
The stars of the evening were many. My husband, John, who wasn’t sure about the polka thing when we first started dating but who has come to love it as much as I do. My two sons–Will, who came in from Austin and has made music his profession, and Alec, who at age 14, is already quite an accomplished dancer. My dad and his fellow Klub members. Most are WWII vets who have a strong sense of family and country. I may not agree with their politics, but they are shining examples of what hard work and sound moral character can achieve. My employer and friend, Tracy, and colleagues and friends Ellen and Susan. They are stars in their profession, family and communities and I have learned so much from them. Our clients, family and friends and IABC colleagues. Each one shines brightly for their companies, families and communities.
All in all, I would have to score the evening a 10 with no one being voted off!
We had a great time doing the Chicken Dance, which according to IABC colleague Gretchen Weis, is also popular in mainland China.
IABC colleague Pegge Bogle, ABC; me; BHP Billiton client Teresa Wong; and Torma colleague Susan Diemont-Conwell make a grand entrance.
Tracy says Cheers to 25 Years as guests arrive.
