Doggone employee celebration held

PALMER -- Just hours before the first community members entered the store during the pre-opening grand tour Tuesday, Palmer Fred Meyer employees celebrated the store's future success at a luncheon, complete with entertainment from the management and regional directors.

"The whole idea is just to have some fun before we open," said Rob Boley, assistant vice president of public relations.

The lunch started with a grand-scale entrance by store director John Mayer, who entered through the front doors via dog sled team, dressed as "Underdog Manâ" or, as some in the audience put it, "Underwear Man." Mayer's red tights, white boxer briefs and a towel/cape were a big hit and the employee audience cheered as Mayer gave his pre-opening pep-talk.

"I want to thank everybody who's played a role in getting this store open," Mayer said.

The entertainment continued for another hour, with skits done by each of the departments represented at the luncheon. In honor of the Iditarod, the management stuck to a dog theme throughout the skits; the audience chose the best skit by a "woof offâ" where the loudest audience barks won the gold milk bone award. The Home Electronics Department won first place for its rendition of "How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?," second place went to the regional food manager Jerry Sadness and the store food manager Casey Boss for their performance of Elvis' "Ain't Nothing But a Hound Dog."

"If you're not enjoying your job, you shouldn't be doing it," said master of ceremonies and vice president regional director Brad Smith.

Smith praised the employees for a job well done throughout the performances. He said he was especially impressed by the produce section.

"When I look at the produce area, it's unbelievable, it's like being in downtown Seattle at Pike Street Market," said Smith, who is stationed out of Seattle.

An employee appreciation luncheon is held each time a new store opens, and humiliation of the top managers and directors is always part of the fun, Smith said. The lunch ended with the Fred Meyer Fight Song, which the audience was invited to participate in.

"I've been to a lot of these," Smith said. "I don't think we've ever had so much fun."