CF Employee Recognition Event Honors Retiring Fixed Ops Director

The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center was rockin' (almost literally!) this morning when hundreds of Checkered Flag staff gathered for the company's annual employee recognition celebration.  It's the occasion when Checkered Flag honors outstanding individual and team performance, executives give a briefing on the company's achievements for the past year and plans for the coming year, and, very importantly, attendees enjoy a great breakfast and the opportunity to spend fun time together outside of the office. Win'sGal and I got to assist Checkered Flag's Tessa Schneider in planning and helping out at the event.

Mr. Ed Snyder (pictured here), Checkered Flag's founder and president, opened the occasion by welcoming the crowd and announcing that a key figure in Checkered Flag, fixed operations director Ray Carlile, is retiring at the end of Feburary. 

Ray has been with the company since the day it started in 1964, and "no one has done more to keep the Checkered Flag waving high and proud than Ray Carlile," Mr. Snyder said.  Speaker after speaker talked of Ray's impact  on the company as a whole and on themselves as individuals. He has clearly been a mentor and true friend to many. 

Afterwards, Ray (pictured here) was swarmed by those who wanted to shake his hand and thank him.  I got the impression the only reason Ray is being allowed to leave Checkered Flag is that he has agreed to be available by phone and in person to all who need him. Ray said he feels good about leaving the fixed operations director post in the more-than-capable hands of Jim Huber, who has been with Checkered Flag for 17 years, most recently heading Checkered Flag BMW's service department.

Ray's wife Linda and his son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Teresa, were on hand for the occasion.  Here is a picture of Linda and Ray.

Best wishes in retirement, Ray!

Comments

[Alex Snyder]

The employee recognition event is always a highlight of the year, and 2008's was one of the best yet! Thanks to everyone who put it together.

Congratulations Ray! We're all going to miss you.