Former NFL running back, Derrick Moore, addressed the group on Friday afternoon where he discussed some analogies of his experiences as a NFL player to working in a corporation. During his speech, Moore encouraged the Bennett team to “Get Dirty – Deliver it regardless of the yards.”
The 40th celebration event included a welcome reception Friday evening in the Pavilion at Chateau Elan Winery and Resort. Theme for the reception was a Throwback to 1974, reminiscent of the time when Bennett began. Attendees donned 1970s attire, and during the evening, people discoed and hustled to the sounds of Yacht Rock Schooner, an eight member band featuring the smooth sounds of the 1970s. There was also a surprise visit from a few of Bennett’s family dressed as 1970s music icons such as Elvis and members of the makeup and costumed-clad group, KISS.
The Saturday morning general session was opened by Lee Gentry, executive vice president of Bennett International Group, who introduced President and Founder of Bennett International Group, Marcia Taylor.
As Taylor addressed the audience, she recalled several memories during the company’s first 40 years.
“I’ve got so many memories of everybody that is in this room,” Taylor said. “You all just touch my heart with all those memories, and whether you have been with Bennett for 40 years or only two years, you’re are a part of the fabric, the heart, and soul that make up who we are as a company today…we are celebrating our 40th anniversary, but we’re really also turning a chapter and beginning to look at the future and what it holds.”
Taylor also expressed her love and gratitude to those who have contributed to Bennett’s success.
“We are so very blessed,” she said. “God is good and faithful. He has had this company in the palm of his hand for the last 40 years. I could not be here without knowing I have had His support and love…I’m very thankful for 40 years’ worth of memories. Thank you very much. I love you all.”
David Salyers, vice president of national, regional, and local marketing for Chick-fil-A and coauthor of Remarkable, spoke to the group about what it takes to be “Remarkable,” which means looking beyond the numbers.
“The gravitational pull of business forces us to think about extracting value,” Salyers said. “It’s what we’re taught in school. It’s all about P and L statements and profit margins. But remarkable companies see business as an opportunity to create value.”
Afternoon workshops were held for each company/business unit and service awards were presented.
The 40th anniversary celebration continued Saturday evening with a banquet and a special awards ceremony to recognize the achievements of those individuals who contributed to Bennett’s success. Also during the banquet, showman, musician, and actor, John Morgan, entertained the crowd with his Texas drawl and presidential humor as former President George W. Bush.
The event ended on Sunday with a morning worship service led by Camp Bennett leaders and a golf outing at Chateau Elan Golf Club.
Bennett International Group began in 1974 as George Bennett Motor Express from humble beginnings with just 15 trucks, 30 trailers, and two contracts. Since then, the innovative transportation and logistics company has grown to include a comprehensive suite of specialized logistics services: open deck trucking, drive away, manufactured housing, recreational vehicle delivery, 3PL/4PL Logistics, brokerage, warehousing. In addition, the company has a network of more than 3,000 owner/operators, agents and employees.
During the past four decades the family-owned company has been recognized and received several industry, community, and business-related accolades and awards, including The Number One Women Owned Business in Atlanta by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in 2005; Georgia Family Business of the Year in 2012; and most recently in 2013, the company was recognized as one of The Top 100 Workplaces in Atlanta, just to name a few.
About Bennett International Group
McDonough-Ga.-based Bennett International Group is a woman-owned, Women’s Enterprise Business Council (WBENC) certified, diversified transportation company. Through its seven affiliated operating companies Bennett International Group delivers integrated transportation and supply chain management solutions worldwide. For more information, visit www.bennettig.com.
