It’s not every day that one gets to meet an Olympic sailor, let alone race with one.  On February 4, 2010 in Naples, Fla., AlphaGraphics, the title sponsor of the US Sailing Team, took its sponsorship to the next level with a pioneering event that intertwined world-class sailing with corporate relationship building.

AlphaGraphics brought its top franchisees out to sail and race with US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics (USSTAG) team member Graham Biehl, a 2008 Olympian and 2012 Olympic hopeful, in an event organized by fellow sponsor, Group Experiential Learning (GEL), the country’s premier provider of experiential outdoor and sailboat-based leadership development, team building and corporate entertainment programs.

Ninety-five percent of the participants had never sailed, let alone raced, prior to the afternoon on the home waters of the Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club, but tight racing ensued, facilitated by a highly experienced coaching team from J World Annapolis, a sailing school partner which powers many GEL programs.

Participants were divided into four teams on J80s, with each team guest-coached by Biehl during one round of the four races which comprised the regatta.

“Our role as a title sponsor of US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics has really evolved into a greater and greater relationship year-after-year,” said Kevin Cushing, CEO of AlphaGraphics.  “Our event was a great example of how the members of the team are more engaged with our franchisees and our franchisees are engaged with them.  Graham Biehl was present on every boat giving us tips and having a blast with our franchisees.  It was a once-in-a-life experience.”

Added Dan Cooney, Commercial Director for US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics, “We were thrilled to have our team-building partner GEL lead our title sponsor AlphaGraphics and their top franchisees through the paces on the water, culminating in some competitive but friendly racing.  It serves to deepen and add value to these relationships.”

The day’s outcome?  Sixteen key franchisees and AlphaGraphics employees experienced an unprecedented opportunity to compete with and against a young Olympic athlete, and got a glimpse into the teamwork required to battle wind, currents and competitors in the intense world of sailboat racing.  Several teams won individual races and the regatta did award trophies, but as Kevin Cushing pointed out, the victories are truly measured in the smiles of the participants and the deepened relationships between AlphaGraphics and its vital franchisees.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
Marni Lane, US SAILING, 617-671-8332, marnilane@ussailing.org

Donna Berry, InkSpot PR for GEL, 415-608-0355, donna@inkspotpr.com

Group Experiential Learning Joins US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics as Bronze-Level Partner,

Official Supplier of Team-Building and Leadership Development

November 4, 2009 (Portsmouth, R.I.) – Group Experiential Learning (GEL) has joined forces with the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics (USSTAG) as a new bronze-level partner, US SAILING announced today. The relationship marks the first official team-building partnership for USSTAG, under which GEL will deliver high impact team building and leadership training experiences for current and future USSTAG sponsors. As part of the partnership, GEL will introduce some of USSTAG’s non-endemic sponsors to the sport of sailing, while offering sailing veterans the opportunity to sharpen their skills and enhance their teamwork on the water. Many GEL events will feature participation by USSTAG’s Olympians and Olympic hopefuls.

“Sailing is an extremely team-oriented sport,” said Jay Palace, President of GEL. “Because sailboats won’t move without coordination between a helmsperson and the sail trimmers, it’s the perfect platform for improving communication, collaboration and developing leadership capabilities needed by high performance teams. The challenges GEL participants face on the water literally mirror what happens inside the office.”

USSTAG’s title sponsor, AlphaGraphics, has tapped GEL to organize a special introduction to sailing and racing, during which AlphaGraphics’ franchisees will sail side-by-side with USSTAG members in Naples, Fla. in early 2010. The afternoon of racing will strengthen relationships and give participants a unique glimpse into the training, preparation and focus required to win medals at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

”We are excited to welcome GEL to the team because they are terrific at what they do and they will contribute a new element to our program,” said Dan Cooney (Marion, Mass.), USSTAG’s Commercial Director. “We are constantly thinking about new ways our partners can leverage their investment in the team, and GEL provides a truly unique opportunity for a sponsor’s employees and clients. Introducing new people to the sport through this sponsorship is a welcome bonus.”

About Group Experiential Learning

Group Experiential Learning (GEL) helps businesses forge high performance teams and enhance working relationships with clients and key partners through active, outdoor experiential programs. GEL is based in San Francisco, California, and delivers consulting services and its industry leading BoatWorks program across the U.S. and in select international locations. GEL’s founder and president is Jay Palace, a former technology executive who has combined his passion for sailing with his practical experience leading sales and marketing organizations to create GEL’s unique on-the-water experiences. Via these programs that mirror the challenges faced by today’s corporate leaders and knowledge workers, GEL has enabled teams to break down silos, communicate more effectively, make better decisions, and increase overall team performance. www.gelcorp.com

About the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics
The US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics (USSTAG) is managed by the United States Sailing Association (US SAILING), the national governing body for the sport of sailing and sailboat racing. The top boats in each Olympic and Paralympic class are selected annually to be members of the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics. US SAILING supports these elite athletes with funding, coaching and training. The title sponsor of the team is AlphaGraphics; other sponsors include Rolex Watch USA, Atlantis WeatherGear, Sperry Top-Sider, LaserPerformance, Harken, Team McLube, Bow Down Training, New England Ropes and Group Experiential Learning. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, US SAILING is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. US SAILING offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country. For more information about US SAILING, please visit: www.ussailing.org. For more information about the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics, please visit: http://sailingteams.ussailing.org.