Marcia Taylor, president and chief executive officer of Bennett International Group, said it’s always nice to bring everyone together one time a year so we all get the opportunity to see those coworkers we don’t normally get to see very often.
“It not only gives us the chance to network, we also get to celebrate each other’s accomplishments, and recognize those who have had great achievements during the past year,” Taylor said. “We learn about where the company ended for the year and where we are headed in the future as well as how we intend to get there.”
Expectations for the company in 2015 include strong revenue growth driven by increasing Bennett’s driver count by hiring new drivers, the retention of current drivers for each business unit, and the addition of two new ventures.
The celebration of patriotism continued into Saturday morning during the Symposium’s general session, when retired Gen. William (Jerry) Boykin, who spent 36 years serving in the U.S. Army and is known for his leadership in the Delta Force, said in a video played for the audience that he commends the company for its core values, especially its newest one, Patriotism.
“Wow, that’s very impressive,” he said about the full list of Bennett’s core values that includes integrity, loyalty, spiritual commitment, and more. “You list patriotism at a time when I’m hearing on the news that a state sponsored university in California wanted to take down the American flag…You still believe old glory still means something.”
And professional humorist and motivational speaker, Dr. Charles Petty, who was keynote speaker for the event, had the group laughing as he explained with his quick wit and southern drawl that it’s important to bring a healthy you to work. And while perhaps many others may say that feelings don’t matter, according to Petty, they certainly do.
“Feelings determine your attitude and your attitude determines your performance,” he told the audience of company leaders, agents, and employees.
The company continued to “Be Remarkable” offering training for those who had not already participated. Randy Ross, Ph.D., and founder and chief executive officer of “Remarkable!,” led the training that emphasizes the importance of leaving a positive wake.
The event culminated Saturday evening with the 2015 Awards Banquet where many were recognized for their exceptional performances during the past year.
Other meetings were held during the event such as the Advisory Board meetings for each business unit. On Sunday morning a church service was held, led by Bennett’s chaplain, John Dewberry with music led by the praise and worship team from Camp Anderson, and a golf tournament on Sunday afternoon rounded out the Symposium activities for this year’s event.
