Border Puts People, Relationships, Inclusion at the Top at Annual Leadership Meeting

In mid-November, Border Foods hosted its Above Restaurant Leaders (ARLs) for the annual All ARL Meeting in Minnetonka, MN to shine the spotlight on its most important asset: the people.

At Border, the people are the prize! Approximately 60 company leaders flew in from across all our markets, including Area Coaches, Region Coaches, HR business partners, training personnel and Border Foods’ directors of operations.

“The entire meeting was built around people, our foundation, taking care of them throughout their experience with us,” says Gay Demaree, Director of Operations Excellence.

She and Sharla Hennek, VP of Human Resources, both agree that the significance of the meeting is making space for team bonding and collective learning. 

This year’s event brought in diversity and inclusion expert Nina Boone from Korn Ferry, who spoke to the crowd about inclusive leadership. Attendees were given the prompt to consider who they’re interacting with at any given time to help more effectively meet those individuals’ unique needs and, in turn, create more positive working relationships. These exercises were intended to better equip leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to work through difficult situations.

Border Foods reinforces its commitment to people, creating a positive work environment for all.

The ARL meeting also covered such topics as how to conduct effective interviews and utilize the company’s brand new orientation guides, as well as updates on compliance laws and policies. But it wasn’t all serious talk! Border Foods knows how to show its leaders a good time. Attendees enjoyed a social hour, team scavenger hunt at the local mall and came together for dinner, too.