Scrooge to play host at some holiday parties

The holiday season has long been the time for companies to reward employees with a festive year-end bash.

Employees of some firms can expect to find coal on that Christmas party dinner plate this year, while other companies refuse to let economic gloom dampen holiday spirits.

"We cancelled it," says Peter Blakely, president at BJG Architecture and Engineering in Reno. "We were going to fly everyone down to Vegas for a big party. We decided instead to do a potluck lunch and give people time off instead. We're not that busy anyway during Christmas week. Other years, we flew Las Vegas people to the larger Reno office for the party."

At Metcalf Builders in Carson City, owner Tom Metcalf says, "Last year we held the party at Genoa Country Club. This year it will be at my house and I may make it a potluck." What does his wife think about scores of people descending upon her home?

"My wife's on board; she's cost-conscious," says Metcalf. "We'll put heaters out on the patio."

CB Richard Ellis Office Manager Teresa Carr says she expects the company will gather for a potluck supper at an employee's home instead of the restaurant affair of years past.

Another company planning a house party is Kimmie Candy of Reno but the company's growth means it's getting difficult to get everyone into the president's house.

"At end of year we like to bring our family of employees together and have a nice little Christmas party," says Joe Dutra, the candy-maker's president. "But we've grown quite a bit in this past year and may not fit."

NAI Alliance Office Manager Monica Quain says she'll be singing karaoke at a fellow employee's home. In past years, the commercial real estate company has gathered at a restaurant or a spot such as Rancho San Rafael Park's Wilbur D. May Museum for a catered dinner.

Other companies, however, plan to lock the door and leave old Scrooge out in the cold.

"Q&D Construction will again hire Pinocchio's to serve our employees a steak and chicken buffet with all the trimmings for our company Christmas celebration," says Sheila Hlubucek, communications director. "When company leaders considered the lean economic times, we decided to scale back on gifts, but go all out for the party."

"While our volume of work is down over the previous two years, we still have a lot to celebrate," added Paul Olivas, senior vice president finance. "We look forward to telling employees we appreciate their efforts in 2008 and that we are in good shape to seize opportunities in 2009. It's vital for us to gather all of our people into one room at least once a year so they can reconnect and rejoice. We think an annual celebration is a good investment in our people."

Amy Lessinger, owner of RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, says, "It's no secret that the real estate market has been tough." Yet, she adds, even in these tough times her staff has managed to gain market share.

"They've absolutely worked their tails off and they absolutely deserve it," she says. "You have to celebrate along the way as well as maintain fiscal responsibility. There are other ways to save that don't hurt morale."

So this year she plans to maintain tradition and treat staff and spouses about 125 total from the offices in Reno, Carson City and Gardnerville to dinner and dancing at Arrowcreek Country Club. "It's a tradition in our company," says Lessinger.

Traffic Builders, a directional signage company in Reno, once again will rent a horse and carriage and take employees and their guests on a caroling tour of lighted homes at Hidden Valley.

"The neighbors love it," President Valerie Rothe says. "Everyone loves the horses."

International Game Technology spokesman Rick Sorensen says the company will hold its Annual Winterfest.

The company expects 1,000 employees and significant others to attend an event with a buffet dinner, dancing to live entertainment and door prizes.

Robert Payne, marketing director at Twelve Horses in Reno, says the company plans parties similar to previous years, including flying employees from remote locations to Reno.

"While the economy is suffering, we are still very busy," Payne says. "It seems that while many companies are decreasing their operating budgets in certain areas, they are not cutting their online marketing dollars."

Angie Smith, real estate advisor at Sperry Van Ness' Carson City office, says the company plans its usual party dinner and dancing at the Gold Hill Hotel in Virginia City.

"The company takes rooms for an overnight stay," she says.

Season Lopicollo, co-owner of Noble Studios in Carson City, says the company's employees haven't yet decided what they want to do.

"Last year we went to the mall by limo," she says. "Everyone had lunch and went shopping with bonus money."

Publicly funded agencies such as the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada can't funnel money into parties.

"Typically it's a low-key affair. We have a potluck lunch and afterward go ice-skating or to a movie matinee," says Julie Ardito, the agency's director of public relations.

And at Nevada Commission on Economic Development, Marketing Director Kimberly Elliott says past parties have been potlucks or hosted by employees. When staffers of the state agency have gone out for a holiday party, they've paid $35 a head for their fun.