This past Saturday was a day we all look forward to here at Lifetime all year long - it was our semi-annual corporate meeting. Yes, it requires us giving up a couple hours on our Saturday, but it's worth it! First of all, it's always great to see about 1,000 of our employees gathered together at one time. But, more importantly, it's also when we get to hear how Lifetime as a company fared during the previous year and we get to hear where we are headed for the new year. And, the owner is gracious enough to share a portion of the company's profits and gives all employees a bonus check at this meeting for helping in the company's success - just one of our many fantastic employee benefits at Lifetime Products!

We started this year's meeting by recapping some of the past year's highlights. As part of the recap, Lifetime President Richard Hendrickson showed a clip of Utah Governor Herbert's recent State of the State address where he mentioned Lifetime as an example of a "thriving business" in Utah. We are so proud and honored to be mentioned in his speech. If you haven't seen the address, you can watch it here, or you can read the speech by clicking here. (Listen for Lifetime to be mentioned at about 8:55.)

After recapping some 2011 sales and production accomplishments, as well as internal LEAN manufacturing achievements, it was time to get a sneak peak at what's in store for 2012 at Lifetime.  This is always one of the most fun parts of the meeting.  Let me just tell you, it's definitely going to be another exciting year!  Here are  just a few of the things we learned that we'll be telling you about in more detail in future blog posts:

• Over 30 new products will hit store shelves this year - watch for new kayak models, composters, and folding tables to name just a few
• New Lifetime Plastics Facility to open this Spring
• New medical clinic for Lifetime employees to open this Spring
• New Lifetime corporate tagline and corporate video unveiled

Thank you to all of you, our customers, for believing in Lifetime and our products.  Without you, Lifetime couldn't be here today - 26 years and counting!  I look forward to keeping you updated on our 2012 accomplishments throughout the year!