MSP’s Carbon footprint just decreased—by a lot. I bought a Toyota Prius and joined the ever growing club of Hypermilers! Currently I have been holding steady at 60 miles per gallon!
My wife gave birth to our 5th child, and I returned to work from my paternity leave wearing a new Stetson Fedora and driving a new Prius. I mentioned to a co-worker how I was driving past her house in my new Prius and if she would like to car pool. She agreed to meet up at a nearby park and ride.
It seemed we were trend setters, because during that same week, two new sets of co-workers who lived near each other began carpooling! Adding in Julie and Angela, who have been carpooling for over a year, that brings the grand total to 4 carpools! 4 cars off the road during rush-hour!
It is beautiful that MSPs carbon footprint has dramatically decreased and we all have more money in our pockets from saving on gas—but in addition to that we are developing a deeper sense of office community. At MSP, we pride ourselves on our work ethic and efficiency, but that doesn’t allow for too much time to interact in a casual manner.
We celebrate birthdays, occasionally eat lunch together and more recently work-out together (see Nancy’s post)—but the chance to chit chat about non-work related topics in the car is refreshing and it helps strengthen the office community—helping us all work more smoothly and happily together.
The success of any business ultimately depends on the people who make the business run. When those people can form a pleasant and healthy community, the greater likelihood that the business will continue to succeed.
Don’t forget there are many other benefits to carpooling, such as HOV lanes and Pool Rewards.
Jamie Notter
Beth W. Palys, CAE, FASAE
Heidi Zimmerman
Jon Benjamin
Angela Pike
juliesuehill
nancycopen
Shannon Sperati, Member Services Manager
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