Monday was Baudville's annual company picnic, an event in which employees bring their significant others, friends, and family. It is a great opportunity for everyone companywide to mingle and meet the families and friends that they hear so much about at the office.

This year Baudville took us out to the ol' ball game! They rented out the Pepsi Stadium at 5/3 Ball Park so we could have a great view of our local minor league baseball team, the Whitecaps. I love baseball so I was excited that the picnic was at the ball park this year!

Baudville provided us with food and refreshments along with entertainment for the kiddos. There was a balloon animal artist off to the side constructing whatever their little hearts desired. I saw everything ranging from ninjas and snacks to flowers and hats being made. There was also face painting, which is always a hit with children—the  trick is getting them to sit still long enough to construct a masterpiece.

Just after the start of the ball game several items were raffled off. I was lucky enough to win a $10 gift card to John Ball Zoo. I was thrilled to win because I usually never win anything! Other winners received casual days, lotto tickets, and gift cards to local restaurants and other local retailers. Baudville never skimps on the giveaways.
I had a great time and it looked as though everyone else was having a blast as well. Baudville also brought some luck to the Whitecaps and they won over the Burlington Bees 2-0! I think I can speak for the whole company when I say Baudville knocked this year's company picnic out of the park!

--------------------------

Krista is the 'ville's Web Marketing Coordinator. She came to us in 2012 as part of our stellar Sales team.
Using her experience with Baudville customers, she helps create an online experience we're sure you will enjoy! Being the chatterbox she is, she truly misses talking with all of you so don't be shy and drop her a line!

We are advocates of celebrating new hires, however we have never given much insight on what to do when someone leaves the company. We recently had one of our most charasmatic employees leave the 'ville and  couldn't let her leave without throwing her a little shindig! Readers, meet Brenda: she wanted to share with you what her and her fellow team members did to celebrate their manager's last day!

July 20-26, 2014 is National Independent Retailers Week. This is a fancy name for the locally-owned businesses in your town. It's the general store down the street, the bakery around the corner, your favorite boutique or gallery to visit for just the right gift. Oftentimes you can count on speaking with the owner or seeing him or her getting their hands dirty to bring you the best product and experience you could hope for when you visit. 

Baudville is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan . If you've never been to Michigan's west coast in the summer, I highly recommend it as a summer vacation destination. We've got some of the best fresh water beaches, great dining, and some fantastic boutiques!

Given that it's so awesome outside, it's not easy to spend the few weeks of sun and fun that we have sitting behind our desks! Much to our surprise, a few weeks ago our CEO announced that we are going to pilot a summer hours program in order to enjoy a little more outside time with our friends and loved ones!