This fall (2003) Fisher Design completed the initial phase of a development process for all employees. Fisher employees all completed the program entitled Foundations in Leading. The goal is to equip all employees with the tools necessary to lead from all levels and departments within the organization. Bracken Ridge has been a key factor in the success of this process.

"We did one on-site and the impact was just not the same. Those participants were distracted by being to close to work. At Bracken Ridge everyone is free to focus on the material and how to go back to work and use the material to make a difference".

"Bracken Ridge provided a comfortable, safe and energetic setting for learning the new material and addressing difficult workplace relationships challenges."

Bill Fisher
President
Fisher Design

“Bracken Ridge has provided a great venue for GBBN Architects’ Advances.  It adds a special relaxed rural and caring touch which has helped us make our meetings much more productive – our folks love it.”

Bob Gramann
President
GBBN Architect

In late October the Management team of Beiersdorf Inc.'s, Cincinnati manufacturing site returned to Bracken Ridge. The group of 5 spent two days working on their Gameplan for next year. In addition they spent time imagining how their operation may look in the next 5 years.
 
In addition they spent every free minute with a fierce "cornhole" competition that went well into the night. (In prior years Beiersdorf used Bracken Ridge for a 2 day leadership development program sending over 5 groups of 10 to 15 employees, including their union's officers). 
 
"The Ridge has always been a great place for us to build our team. It was time for some renewal and taking a hard strategic look at our business in the short and long term.  We just cannot do this as well at the plant. Bracken Ridge is an excellent location for any team to discuss current issues as well as future opportunities.  Creativity is in the air!  The staff at the Ridge is very customer oriented and make sure that everyone is comfortable and definitely well fed.  Beiersdorf will continue to use the Bracken Ridge facility as we chart our course towards continuous improvement."

Les Anderson
Plant Manager
Beiersdorf Inc.

Cognis Corporations Cincinnati Manufacturing Plant spent two days at Bracken Ridge with its Union/Management Steering Team. Cognis is a global chemical manufacturer with a production facility and its North American Headquarters in Cincinnati. The group of 14 spent their two days developing this team through use of the ROPES course tools, a personality/behavior assessment and revising/improving their process for working together to effect positive results in their plant. Cognis is no stranger to Bracken Ridge as they have brought over 15 offsite here in the last 3 years. 

"Bracken Ridge provides a setting that all our employees can be comfortable in. We have discussions on challenging issues that seem to go so much easier here. We are relaxed, more open and the great food sure doesn't hurt at all.

Last they have all the tools we need to do our work with no hassles around extra charges. They don't charge extra for the views either"

Rich Wagner
HR Manager
Cognis

The Superintendent of the Batavia School System brought his administrative team to Bracken Ridge. Their agenda was to "build the team" through some facilitated activities, to craft the beginnings of a vision and mission for all the district and to define a clear strategy for driving all departments to insure that all actions they take, fiscally and programmatically improve student achievement. By the end of the day they had gone further than they thought, had an extensive set of action items and were talking and moving together.

"Bracken Center is the perfect setting to really bring a team together. The pastoral atmosphere coupled, with great food and outstanding process/meeting facilitation from their staff enabled our team to focus on core instructional issues. Unburdened by the distractions of the daily tasks, the team has started to build meaningful work relationships that will improve our work. While underscoring our interdependence, we highlighted personal responsibilities to the organization. We made more progress toward our goals in one day than the organization had seen in a long time, and had a fabulous time while doing so. I highly recommend both Bracken Center and their professional staff for any group looking to improve their performance" 

Dr. Gary Brooks
Superintendent
Batavia Local School District

“Bracken Ridge was the perfect place for our team building program.  The outdoor initiatives challenged our team and the indoor sessions provided opportunities for our growth.  The evenings around the firepit and under the stars really helped to unify the group. Bravo Bracken Ridge!”

John E. Morley
Executive Vice President - Travel
AAA Cincinnati

“Bracken Ridge is a great place to bring teams to focus on change.  The location is quiet and peaceful, allowing the team to focus on the task at hand instead of being disrupted by the day-to-day activities of business.  The accommodations and food are terrific and the care you receive from the staff is second to none.”

Dave Palm
VP – Education & Career Development
Fifth Third Bank

“Bracken Ridge is the ideal location for strategy and leadership sessions.  Great location, outstanding service, wonderful facilities and delicious food provide the foundation for a productive retreat.  You will leave wanting to return again!”

Tom Heuer
Partner
International Leadership Associates

• Beautiful and Relaxing!
• Great location, conducive to bonding as a team, sharing experiences, etc.
• Very comfortable and open.
• Excellent learning environment!
• Great staff!
• Food was great!

Comments from LensCrafters participant feedback forms