INDEvents

The Independent Weekly's Corporate Challenge '09 ' Bigger and Better!

For many the event this Friday is the culmination of months of training programs, gym memberships and lifestyle changes.

Mike Landry and Guy Guidry, Rehab Solutions, return in ’09.

Rhonda Guidry, Neurofeedback Clinic, and Anne Rachel, AT&T

Jill Dugas, Shannon Hagan and Brittany Eskridge, Enlyten

Mike Landry and Guy Guidry, Rehab Solutions, return in ’09.

The Corporate Challenge @ River Ranch, now in its second year, has already become a fixture on many company calendars, encouraging lifestyle changes among the business community of Acadiana. Companies and businesses, large and small, have worked out for months in training groups together. Cubicle neighbors have inspired each other by going to the City Club gym after work, and the Corporate Challenge newsletter has given people insight in how to change their exercise, cooking and eating habits.

Now for the grand finale: the fun-filled main event this Friday will bring Acadiana’s business world together in good-natured competition. If last year was any indication, there will be some hot running going on. With temperatures promising to be considerably lower that last year’s blistering triple-digits, chances are the course record set last year by Dan Vollmer (Wells Fargo Home Mortgage) is in danger. A very close race in the fastest CEO category is also anticipated; many of the top contestants having been spotted doing speed-stimulus workouts. And both the best legs contest and the best CEO excuse promise to bring down the house once again. Some of last year’s events have been improved and some surprises await; you don’t have to be fast to win an award.

If you plan to come just to support your friends and be part of Acadiana’s biggest office party, to listen to Roddie Romero play a great set or bring the family (there is a kids area, too), don’t forget to make some noise for your favorite runner and walker. Once they’ve crossed the finish line, join them in checking out our large wellness expo – the only show of its kind in Acadiana. From eye exams, BMI (body mass index) tests and free massages to fitness equipment, you’ll leave the expo feeling in better shape already.

Registration closes at midnight tonight (Wednesday, May 6). If you haven’t registered yet, sprint to the Web site right now, (www.mycorporatechallenge.com ). Would you rather spend this Friday afternoon in front of your spreadsheet or at Elysian Fields doing something good for you, for your business and for the community?

Top 4 reasons for being at Corporate Challenge ’09:

4. Because the competition ran circles around you last year.

3. So you can beat your CEO (or, if you’re a CEO and are affected by the federal salary cap at $500K, you go and show them that you’re worth more).

2. Cause you didn’t win the golden paddle award and can’t go on living without it.

1. The weenies at the office BBQ always get burnt anyway — so what have you got to lose?

See you at the starting line!

The Independent Weekly’s 2009 Corporate Challenge — At a Glance

When: Friday, May 8, 2 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.; Race starts at 4:30 p.m.

Where: Elysian Fields @ River Ranch

What: 5K run/walk with fun special events, giant outdoor office party and wellness expo

Music by: Grammy nominee Roddie Romero & the Hub-City All Stars

Last Chance! Registration closes tonight at midnight (Wednesday, May 6). NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION. Register your team now! Info and registration: www.mycorporatechallenge.com, [email protected], 337-769-8609

Awards/event:

Standard awards: fastest male & female, masters; fastest large, mid-size and small business; fastest by category (law enforcement, firefighter, military, oil & gas, medical, education, legal, financial, real estate)

Highlights of ‘special’ events/awards: overall participation award (The Corporate Cup); centipede division (5 runners tied together); fastest spouses (as a team); fastest CEO (best CEO excuse); best legs (male and female); gator crawl; costume contest; paddle-less kayak challenge; Community Spirit award (charitable donation)

This year’s new additions:

• The AT&T cellphone toss at main stage

• The Happy Feet 30-second dance contest

• The team T-shirt design contest

• The BackPacker 40 yard backpack dash

• The CoolCompanyContest (you sell your company to the crowd)