When the Ducks are Away...

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the A-team will play! When JT went on vacation for New Year's, Julie could not wait to take his prime window seat and cool dual monitors. She made sure he could not tell when he returned. All in good fun, JT. All in good fun!

Four years on the Chamber Board and all I got was this wall plaque

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Acutally, the plaque is the perfect momento that reminds me of all I have learned. Thanks to outgoing chair Jeff Buckingham for the thoughtful gesture. So what did I learn from the four years I served on the board, and the final year on the executive committee?
I learned that just like the world, San Luis is flat, but smaller. There are always less than two degrees of separation between you and any issue in the county.
I learned how our Chamber is the respected, perfect vantage point overlooking the happenings in our county, connecting people on issues and serving as the voice of business in doing so.
I learned things are always more complicated than they seem.
I learned to appreciate our civic culture, sense of community and special resources and met many people who work hard to keep those going despite a world that does not always value those things.
I learned that business and other interests often have a lot in common, but fail to communicate.
I learned that Jeff's stories about cows can be fascinating and anyone in ag has my full respect for all their hard work.
I learned that Dave Garth is an amazing leader for our Chamber. It was a pleasure to watch him. How does he do that with his budget? And will I ever learn his secret?

Thanks for the plaque, learning and the memories. It was an honor and pleasure to serve with some very strong and wise fellow board members.

I am going to miss those 7 am meetings. This is certainly a board where early birds can shine. And I am pleased to accept the assignment of chairing the Chamber's Leadership program in 2008. See you around the Chamber!

Girls just want to have fun

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Okay, so girls do just want to have fun. With flowers. Making Christmas centerpieces was the centerpiece of the appreciation event I put on for the special women who help me all year: Bonnie, Caroyln, Jennifer, Julie and Jessica. I love you guys and was really impressed with how well all our arrangements turned out. Of course, Bob Gordon is a fabulous teacher and host at his floral design studio just up the street. Let's do it again next year. I even learned a new word: ting ting. It's the glitter fabulous, sparkly, curly reed-like accent we used.
Thanks again girls for everything you do to make us Ducks fly - and look like Martha would like us to! Merry Christmas!

Cooking for Christmas

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It's a tradition at Clever Ducks to kick the traditional Christmas party up a notch and cook it ourselves with Debbie Duggan at Central Coast Culinary Academy.
This years theme was Tuscan, with a malted chocolate milk creme brulee for dessert.
Bon Appetit!

Clever Ducks Christmas 2007

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Thanks to Simon Jones, the star photographer for this fun shot. It's a company tradition and next year we are going to get him a reflective vest so he can run across the street safely when taking the photo.

Jonathan's first day

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Welcome to our new intern, Jonathan. We have had a select few wonderful interns over the years: Sheldon, Matt and Kevin started that way. Thanks to Leslie McKinley from the College of Business for introducing us.

His hometown is Petaluma, he's a first year at Cal Poly in MIS and the oldest of four boys. He'll be getting hands on experience in IT with us, and we are honored to be his first employer. He's work previously for his family's chicken ranch. I have asked him to write a blog entry on his first impressions of ducks versus chickens. Expect that soon. Welcome again, Jonathan. You are a delight to have in the office.

Clever Duck Days Launch

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I heard this week from a consultant hired by the City of San Luis Obispo on succession planning say "The War for Talent is won on culture." How true. Our Days at Clever Ducks are now going on over 15 years and it is clear to see that good people and a great place to work attract more great people and making it a better place to work every day.

This blog is dedicated to these Clever Duck Days, chronicling our adventures and keeping a scrapbook of memories. It is long overdue and now takes the place of our beloved company baby book, leather bound and embossed with the years of memories. It is time to go digital and make this experience easier to share.

Maybe I will scan in those pages for grins. Prepare for flashbacks.