Team members from Continued and Simucase recently gathered to celebrate accomplishments and friendship at an all-company meeting, held this year in Asheville, North Carolina.
This event brings the entire remote workforce of 160+ team members to one location to recognize milestones and enjoy time together through a variety of special events.
The company celebrated the successes and growth of the past year, including new initiatives and an enduring commitment to its culture.
A highlight of the meeting was an AI-focused hackathon. Team members split into groups to identify a real-world challenge and develop a solution using generative AI platforms. Three winning teams were selected from the presentations.
To celebrate the spirit of innovation on display, the company donated $10,000 to a scholarship fund supporting students in the communication sciences and disorders program at Case Western Reserve University. Lauren Calandruccio, PhD, CCC-A, professor of communication sciences and disorders at Case Western Reserve University, was present to accept the check, and she spoke about the impact the donation will make toward student scholarships.
Team members heard from a special guest speaker, change expert Robin Arthur, PsyD, who led the group through a session exploring the psychology behind change and shared practical exercises for navigating stress.
The meeting was also an opportunity to honor some significant milestones. The team celebrated its first-ever retirees for their contributions to the company:
Anne Charpentier- Amy Natho
- Joanne Slater
- Carolyn Smaka
Work anniversaries were celebrated to recognize those marking five, 10, 15, or 20 years with the company, with one team member celebrating 25 years.
The Heart of Excellence and Spirit of Innovation awards were presented to honor team members who go above and beyond to exemplify Continued's core values and create measurable impact.
Also recognized was the inaugural cohort of the EDGE Leadership Program, a six-month initiative designed to equip emerging leaders with the tools, mentorship, and cross-departmental experience needed to drive both personal and organizational growth.
"Celebrating our first retirees, honoring years of service, and watching our newest leaders step forward made this year especially meaningful."
This year's meeting carried an extra sense of meaning, as the Asheville area has been working to recover from devastating flooding. As a gesture of support for the community, the company made a $5000 donation to Eblen Charities, a local organization that provides assistance to those in need.
Aimee and Bill LaCalle, the company's founders, owners, and interim co-CEOs, have hosted these special company gatherings since the company's inception and say there's nothing quite like being together in person.
"Celebrating our first retirees, honoring years of service, and watching our newest leaders step forward made this year especially meaningful," said Aimee LaCalle. "Our people are our greatest asset, and these moments are a powerful reminder of the legacy we're building together."
Special team events gave everyone a chance to unwind and connect, including a welcome reception at Packs Tavern in the heart of Asheville, a barbecue dinner with live bluegrass at Highland Brewing, and a “Neon After Dark” celebration featuring a live band and themed costumes.
On the last afternoon, team members chose from a selection of excursions, including a visit to the Biltmore, a walking tour of Asheville, a brewery tour, and activities such as mahjong and charm making.
"Gatherings like this one remind us what we're capable of together," said Bill LaCalle. "The energy, the laughter, the connections, the brainpower—it all reinforces just how bright our future is. We are incredibly proud of the company and the people we’ve built it with.”
The next all-company meeting will be in 2027 in Fort Worth, Texas.