End of Summer Fun

Recently GE Capital's Retail Finance business held "Celebrate You" week. It was a chance for our business to recognize the accomplishments that the employees have achieved. The business arranged a Senior Leader Networking Breakfast, Signature Scavenger Hunt, a barbeque, and a number of other activities. For IMLPs, it was also a great time to meet seniors leader and people on other teams. The barbeque was a fun way to unwind at the end of the day and we even got a chance to watch a Magic Comedy Show. Here is GE Capital IMLP, Amanda, participating in the show:

GE Aviation IMLP's and EEDP Go Camping in the Smokey Mountains

This past weekend, 6 Aviation IMLP's and 1 EEDP (Edison Engineering Development Program) took a road trip to the Smokey Mountains to go camping! It was my first time there, and it turned out to be a great experience! We got in late Friday night, so it was interesting setting up our tents in the dark. But soon, our fire was made, and we were able to take in the beautiful mountainside sky.

The next morning we went hiking around the mountains. We got to enjoy some great scenic views of the rivers and waterfalls within the nearby forest. After lunch, we wanted to go the highest point of the mountain where we could get the best view. However, the local ranger informed us there would be a huge rainstorm coming our way and quoted a "100% chance of rain."  Three IMLP's got nervous and stayed back at the camp, but the rest of us drove to the top of the mountain and were able to hike to our viewpoint before it rained. 

Unfortunately, the view at the top was quite foggy, but it was still amazing being that high up in the Smokey Mountains. The trails at this elevation were beautiful and we snapped a lot of great pictures.  The rainstorm did come, but during the next morning when we were packing up to head home.  All in all, though, it was a great experience, and I would love to go again next year!

Imagination Cubed

Imagination CubedOnline collaboration is fun, but it's sometimes hard to "talk through" an idea over the phone without a way to visually display it.

GE has created an online whiteboard for instantaneous screen-sharing without the need to register or create an account. Also, you don't have to wait for your friends to register either, as you can just email them to join your session.

The tool allows you to add text, change the background, add shapes, lines and stamps - it's wonderful in it's simplicity.

And when you're finished creating your online artwork (or a diagram for class), all is not lost- you can print, save, or send.

As lifehacker mentioned in their post, this site would be awesome if you have a tablet PC- as you have that whole pen functionality.

The next round of IMLPs head to Shanghai

With their 2nd rotations completed, the next round of IMLPs will soon head to Shanghai, China for Senior IMLP Bootcamp. 

They’ve gotten their passports, had their immunizations, and packed their luggage.  Now it’s just a matter of days before it’s destination – Shanghai.  In fact, a few IMLPs have already headed off to the orient for some pre-bootcamp travel. 

After all, what better way to prepare for bootcamp in Shanghai than with a couple of days or more of vacation in Tokyo, Sidney, Hong Kong, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, New Delhi, Beijing, or one of the many places nearby? 

So, how will bootcamp turn out?  Well… having been part of the last bootcamp in Shanghai and knowing the IMLPs who are headed there this time around, I’m sure it’s going to be another amazing time.  I can’t wait to hear the stories they bring back!  But rest assured, when I hear them, so will you.

Best of luck to all the IMLPs headed out. Have a great time.  It really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget.

And for those of you waiting on the edge of your seats to hear more… you’ll just have to stay tuned to see what they’re up to.

IMLPs Head to Paris for a New Years to Remember

How great would it be to spend New Year’s in Paris with all of your friends?  Well, this past New Year’s, 10 IMLPs decided to find out.  Flying in from all corners of the world for the event, these IMLPs traveled the distance in an attempt to end the year in style.  And did they ever!  Talk about a trip to remember! 

The festivities began just days after Christmas, as the group gathered on the 27th in the great city of Paris, France.  Wasting no time, these IMLPs moved all about the city, seeing historic sites like the Bastille, the Arc de Triumph, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower, going to amazing places like Montmartre, Opera, the Latin quarter, and the Louvre, and tasting all of the local faire like Parisian crapes, wine, champagne, and cheesecake.  Not only this, but, sparing no expense, they treated themselves to a front-row French Cabaret show at the famous Lido Paris, took a twilight champagne cruise on the Seine River, and indulged in a series of dinners at the finest restaurants Paris has to offer.

Culminating with a night of wining and dining at La Bastide d’Opio, where 2009 was ushered in by shouts, cheers, toasts, hugs, and kisses, and continuing into the wee hours of the morning with drinks at Le Cab, this New Year’s was definitely something special for these 10 IMLPs.  But there was more to their New Year’s Eve than just a twilight cruise, amazing dinner, and crazy night on the town.  IMLP Joel Turcotte proposed to his long-time girlfriend, Kristy… and she said “Yes”!  So, Congratulations to the happy couple!

But all good things must come to an end and all too soon it was time for the IMLPs to head back home again.  So, with a handful of souvenirs, a camera full of pictures, a head full of memories, and a full stomach, the IMLPs returned to their respective corners of the world.  Until next time…