| May 19, 2009 | Past Issues | Printer-Friendly | Advertise |
Work is for the DogsTRUFFLES
In the Advance Group Conference Management office, work is for the dogs -- and the team like it that way. In the life of a conference management company working late is very normal to service the association client, Natasha Kuratz, Director, Business Development doesn't mind spending extra hours away from home. That's because on most days and especially when she knows she'll be working late, Natasha brings in her companion: and Advance Group's official mascot Truffles, a Chinese Crested Powder Puff. "Truffles is like my daughter," says Natasha. "I feel guilty if I leave her home alone for too long. Having Truffles with me gives us both peace of mind." Related Results The Advance Group team enjoys a unique benefit that's being offered by more and more companies: permission to bring pets to the office. In a recent survey of 1,225 Americans and Canadians by the American Animal Hospital Association, 24 percent of the respondents reported that they bring their pets to work. In today's labor environment, a company that goes to the dogs, cats and other creatures may have an advantage in hiring and retaining their human owners. Moreover, the attraction of a pet-friendly workplace can extend beyond employees who own pets. Non-owners find that they, too, appreciate the informal, flexible environment that often characterizes a company that welcomes animals. Many of our clients are animal related associations and they really enjoy visiting our office and Truffles is always the centre of attention. Natasha believes that her company's tolerance of animals contributes to its relaxed atmosphere and boosts morale at Advance Group, a company that has fostered to create a family type feeling. Truffles presence has become a catalyst for camaraderie which is extended from staff to clients I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals. -- Winston Churchill Advance Group Conference Management Inc. is one of only 95 worldwide and one of five Professional Congress Organizers (PCO) within Canada certified by the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers (IAPCO). Carol MacKenzie |
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