DUI'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

DUI'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

After 50 years, DUI could not just have a 50th anniversary party … we had to have a 50th anniversary EVENT! The event consisted of two back-to-back dive trips to the beautiful Southern Channel Islands from San Diego and a giant party with 300 of our closest friends at the DUI factory right in the middle. Monday, November 11 Arrival of Group 1 Dinner at Faith’s House (Faith’s 50th birthday, too!) Our first DOG Dive Trip had a large contingency from the East Coast because Faith, Dick and Jeff were leading this group. It was particularly fun as Faith was turning 50 at the very same time and still she insisted on making dinner for all of our guests along with 20 of her closest friends in San Diego. She was even serenaded by a 7’ lobster with a Boston accent that evening. Starting the trip with a group dinner was the perfect way to kick off the festivities. Tuesday, November 12 DUI Factory Tour All Company Barbecue Lunch Afternoon Off (Seaport Village and La Jolla) Group Dinner Board the Horizon The group arrived at DUI by 9:30am and was split into two groups for a factory tour. These are not your typical tours from a window above but a walk-through-the-factory-and-see-everything-up-close-and-personal! Guests got to see how the suits are cut, sewn, sealed, tested, inspected, packaged, etc. They also got a personal tour of Engineering to see some historical products and programs, what goes into product development, the rigorous testing products go through as well as some new products on the drawing board. After the tour we had an all company barbecue lunch so that all of our guests could become better acquainted with everyone in the DUI family. Following this everyone got their own DUI 50th Anniversary jacket! People took off in two groups to see and shop beautiful Seaport Village or to walk around La Jolla and visit La Jolla Cove, Children’s Cove and La Jolla Shores. Prior to boarding the Horizon at Fisherman’s Landing, the group got together for a great Mexican dinner at Miguel’s in Point Loma. Wednesday – Saturday, November 13 – 16 Group 1 dives the Southern Channel Islands (Catalina, San Clemente) Group 2 arrives 50th Anniversary “Block” Party 6pm-11:30pm at the DUI Factory There were 4 dives plus a night dive each day. On the final day you got to do one nice, long dive then the boat had to head back – there was a party to go to! During this time Group 2 arrived at the hotel. The party set up was being done in the parking lot at the DUI factory – that’s why we called it a “Block Party” because it was here! We transformed our usual parking lot into a glamorous party with 15 tables with beautiful linens and lighted centerpieces, elaborate buffet tables, cocktail tables adorned with lights, a stage with twinkle lights, and more. Every guest who came got a personalized name tag with their relationship to DUI and a lighted, logo wine goblet. The parking lot was lit up as it has never been before! 60 of our employees came with a guest, everyone from both dive trips and our nearest and dearest friends from all over. We even had guests from Europe! Guests enjoyed a fantastic menu and then, at 8pm, we had a fashion show! We had a 40 year old wetsuit, a 35 year old drysuit, a hot water suit and then our more current models of drysuits and divewear insulation. We even had a USCG Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Drysuit modeled by a Rescue Swimmer from Air Station San Diego! Our final model was wearing the future – our BlueHeat Heated DiveWear Insulation. It was fantastic! At 8:20pm, Dick Long, DUI’s Founder, took the stage to welcome all of our guests to such a momentous event. What do you say after being in business for 50 years and being part of an industry that you love? You can read his speech here. Next, Susan Long, DUI’s President & CEO, made a few of her own remarks. You can read her speech here. At 8:45, the speeches were over and the dancing began! We had a very spirited group as the folks from Trip 1 were taunting those who had just arrived that day for Trip 2! By 11:30 the final bus was on its way back to the hotel. We had more things to do tomorrow! Sunday, November 17 Both groups enjoy land excursions including the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, Temecula Wine Tasting and the San Diego Maritime Museum. We all met at the hotel to say good-bye to our new, best friends from Group 1. Monday, November 18 Group 1 Departs Group 2 DUI Factory Tour All Company Barbecue Lunch Afternoon Off (Seaport Village and La Jolla) Group Dinner Board the Horizon Here we go again! We had a great tour of the DUI factory and another all company barbecue lunch. Off for some sightseeing (or shopping for our European guests) before a Mexican dinner and then board the Horizon and off to Catalina and San Clemente! They got their own DUI jackets, too. Tuesday – Thursday, November 18 – 21 Group 2 dives the Southern Channel Islands (Catalina, San Clemente) Group Dinner at Faith’s House Group 2 was also treated to a wonderful evening of great food, drinks and camaraderie at Faith & Jeff’s house. Friday, November 22 Group 2 goes home We put together a few photos from the event. We hope you enjoy them! [nggallery id=42] We wish to thank all of the amazing people who participated in the DOG Dive Trips, the Saturday evening party, our wonderful employees who joined us that night and more. We are honored to call you friends. Here’s to the next 50 years!
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