The energy in the room is palpable, almost electric. Sage Ventures has come together for our annual company appreciation event, and we know how to throw a party. Elegantly arranged tables decked in black are scattered throughout the room, with bright playing card centerpieces decorating them. Team members mill around with greetings of “Good to see you again,” and “How are things going at your property?” Sumptuous aromas waft from the buffet at the far side of the room, and people line up for flavorful chicken marsala, spicy poppers, and a rainbow assortment of fresh salads. Dealers stand at their posts, fingers resting against the brushed green felt, waiting for takers.
As we finish up lunch, some of us head over to the casino tables to try our luck while others opt to mingle some more and taste dessert. The noise level intensifies as people begin exclaiming over their lucky draws, or close calls. Some just wander from table to table as observers, cheering for their friends or edging the competition on. In one corner of the room a fierce game of UNO takes place, with higher stakes than any of the casino games. In this game it is solely pride that is on the line. After everyone has a chance to accumulate some chips and enjoy some time with their colleagues in a lighthearted atmosphere, it is time for the highlight of the event, the award ceremony.
We settle into our seats and direct our attention to the front of the room where Gil Horwitz, Sage’s founder, and CEO, stands. Gil empowers the team with a lesson on the core values of an effective leader, highlights Sage Ventures’ major achievements in 2023, and recognizes the teams and team members that made noteworthy contributions this year. There is a sense of camaraderie in the air as everyone cheers each other on, and even once the ceremony ends a feeling of pride and contentment lingers. People begin to slip away to play a few more games, get a few more drinks, spend a few more minutes enjoying each other’s company. The day ends with Julie and Diamond raffling off prizes to some lucky winners. We leave with a profound sense of accomplishment, a renewed sense of purpose, and a steadfast determination to make 2024 the best year yet.
