The concept of Corporate Team Building has many interpretations.  What we strive to find the answer to is: How do I get my team to be more productive in the work environment through encouraging a greater team effort?  Our philosophy at Lehigh Valley Grand Prix is that creating a Team starts with building relationships.  In a fast paced work environment stress, conflict and urgency can play roles in our inabilities to bond at deeper level.  Relationships are key for trusting our fellow team members and without trust it is challenging to reach our peak performance level.

At Lehigh Valley Grand Prix we use indoor kart racing to create an experience that encourages people to get out of the comfort zone and into an atmosphere that is fun and exilerating.  Some participants are jumping up and down for the opportunity to drive a high speed go kart while others have a feeling of hesitation and fear.  In all teams there may be extremely different dynamics and that is why it is great to do an offsite adventure to bring the team members together.

“It is great to see people with so many different personalities come together through the common ground of go karting.  The programs that we have established encourage team work and participation by all the members of the group.  It is a true pleasure to see the intense look on the racer’s faces as they strategy and execute to achieve that victory,” said Mike McCreary partner at Lehigh Valley Grand Prix.

Recently Phillips Pet Food & Supplies utilized Lehigh Valley Grand Prix’s venue to break up a week long meeting held locally.  Here are a couple pictures from their event.

Lehigh Valley Grand Prix has become one of the top destinations for Corporate Outings in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey markets.  The popular karting facility has just completed a new renovation that brings a new level of excitement and product offerings.

Octane-adrenaline bar is the new bar and grill located at Lehigh Valley Grand Prix.  The bar and grill offers and beer, wine and liquor as well as great bar food menu.  ”In the past we were limited on what we could offer groups when they visited the facility in terms of food and beverage.  Now the groups can hang out at the bar and enjoy a beverage after the racing as the continue the trash talk and bonding experience,” said Mike McCreary, President of Octane.

Lehigh Valley Grand Prix is now offering new products such as Happy Hour packages where the groups can do a few races after work and then enjoy some appetizers and drinks at the bar.  ”The ability to do happy hours is great for groups that look to break away and reward the team at the end of the work day.  It is also great for the smaller companies on a budget,” said Kristine McCreary, President of Lehigh Valley Grand Prix.

The new bar and grill accommodates seating for 40 and has five 42″ televisions to enjoy sporting events.  If your company is looking to reward the team and give them a unique and exciting experience look into Lehigh Valley Grand Prix and Octane.

For more information you can contact Kristine McCreary at 610-432-RACE(7223) or kristine@lehighvalleygrandprix.com

The holiday season is fast approaching.  You are in charge of the party.  Everyone is giving their input on what you should do.  You don’t have the energy or time to deal with it…..Let Lehigh Valley Grand Prix be the solution!

Lehigh Valley Grand Prix is quickly becoming a popular destination for holiday parties.  We provide; planning, catering, setup, cleanup, and most importantly a fun atmosphere for the group!  You have plenty to worry about this season, don’t make planning the company’s holiday party one of them.

LVGP is running a special promotion up until Nov 10th.  Book your party date prior to Nov 10th and receive 10% OFF.  Contact kristine@lehighvalleygrandprix.com or call 610-432-RACE(7223) x1001 for details or more party information.

Check out the companies who have chosen LVGP to host their event!!

Lehigh Valley Grand Prix is proud to announce that our very own, Kristine McCreary, has been featured in Lehigh Valley Style’s, “Women in Business!”  Kristine’s is Vice President of the track.  Her job involves all corporate and group sales as well as keeping the company finances.  She is key to the company’s success and we are happy to see her be recognized for all of her hard work!!

Remember the days when you used to go outside and rev up the go-kart in street or backyard?  Flying down the yard going 20 mph was a thrill that you would remember for a lifetime!  Times have changed, the toys have gotten bigger, faster and more technical.  The era of the backyard go kart is a thing of the past.  Homes are closer together, safety and liability linger and now the new age of electronics and entertainment have hit.

The go kart industry has kept pace with the ever changing demands of consumers.  What was once the backyard activity has now spawned facilities nearing 100,000 sqft and holding corporate teambuilding events, birthday parties, competition races and more.  What was a dream to many has now become a reality.  For roughly $20 a ride you can get the thrill of a lifetime.

Indoor karting facilities offer an experience like none other.  Road course style tracks, high performance karts, beautiful fit outs and high tech scoring systems make for an exciting afternoon.  To be a 10 year old kid or a 100 year old kid, it is amazing that racing has become so available.  No requirement for experience or investments, just the need for speed.

If you haven’t looked up go karting lately you might want to Google it and see what you can find in your neck of the woods.  I promise it will give you and adrenaline rush!

Teambuilding is vital for any group working together, playing together or interacting together with a focus of reaching a common goal.  This is something we have preached at Lehigh Valley Grand Prix for the past 4 years.  A couple of months ago it came to our attention that we were talking the talk but not walking the walking.  Last night LVGP held it’s first ever holiday party.  We used the night to celebrate our victories of 2010 and to get everyone excited for a fresh start in 2011.

To celebrate we chose to take everyone to a local bowling alley (couldn’t do go karting ;) ) and do a secret Santa gift exchange.  It was a great experience seeing everyone out of the working environment and enjoying each other’s company.  Not to pat myself on the back but I was very excited to see how strong our team has bonded here at the facility.  There was not one individual who did not show up to the event or was not engaged throughout the evening.  Bowling is not for everyone but the fact that everyone participated shows that they care more about the team interaction then they do their individual preferences.  THAT IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS!!

We will be posting our holiday pics on Facebook so if you are not a fan of Lehigh Valley Grand Prix you should be!!

The holidays are past us at this point but the holiday hangover cloud still looms.  You cannot afford to wait to get everyone “ON TRACK” for 2011!  Lehigh Valley Grand Prix offers some great packages to give your team a boost of adrenaline as well as getting the team focused on first quarter goals.  Team building programs are crucial to get everyone on board with the organizational programs.  It is a must to make sure that everyone is awake and energized so that you can hit the new year full speed ahead!

If you are interested in learning more about how we can get your team to the next level call our Event/Corporate Events Planner, Kristine, at 610-432-RACE.

2010 has been a year that Lehigh Valley Grand Prix has learned a lot about itself and it’s customers.  In an environment where economies were collapsing and consumer spending was tight, LVGP was able to find success.  Through investments in key products such as new karts and timing systems LVGP was able to enhance the racing experience to deliver a high quality racing experience.

The new karts were a major investment for the company.  The new Sodi GT5 karts are arguably the top performing kart in the industry.  You want the best and that is what we deliver.  These indoor racing karts are designed for the every day consumer with advanced bumper systems and chassis but do not sacrifice agility, handling and speed for the enthusiast.

Our new timing system now allows customers to link up their facebook accounts for automatic posts on their profile pages.  It also enables customers to receive emails of their results and check their race results on our new website.  We felt that all of these features were critical in today’s world of social media and that it took the racing experience to a new level.

One of our key findings this past year was that we have an extremely loyal customer base.  We cannot give enough thanks to all of our customers for keeping our business alive through what was challenging times.  We know and understand that your dollars were tight and you chose to spend with us and for that we are grateful.  It has been our focus to keep giving back to our customers through reinvestment in the products and working hard to deliver a high level of service.

Not only have we invested in products at the track but we have also invested in our people.  We have added some key people in positions that are striving to make your experience memorable.  Our goal is not to fill positions but to fill positions with a team that will make you feel special and add to your experience.

LVGP has now set itself up to add some new and exciting products in 2011 as well as some new things to enhance the racing experience.  Again, a BIG THANK YOU to all of our customers for a successful 2010 and we look forward to delivering another year of racing excellence for 2011.

Thank you!

Mike McCreary, President

It is that time of year when the company is hosting it’s annual holiday party.  This is a great time of year to enjoy the festivities but be careful because it can also be a dangerous season for job security.  It is easy to forget the work place boundaries when alcohol is thrown into the mix.  Be sure to read these helpful tips before you dive into the conversations, open bars, and a more relaxed atmosphere at the company event.

1)  Indulge in the free bar-  It is very easy to get excited about a free bar!  Been there and done that!  You need to remember that this is a work event.  Alcohol changes judgement and behavior.  This is not a wedding or bachelor party, this is a work event.  Professionalism is key for survival.  Limit yourself to 1 or 2 drinks period.

2) Be a Debbie Downer-  Nobody likes a negative attitude.  Don’t be the person who is complaining about the food spread, decorations or the music.  Remember that this is not a requirement for the company to throw a party.  Also, remember that the economy still stinks!  Revenue and profits could be down and your complaining might strike some real nerves with the boss or owner.

3) Mention raises or bonuses-  If you receive a nice raise or bonus and mention it to a coworker who did not then you are a jerk.  If you complain about not receiving a raise or bonus then you are the loser.  Either way you can’t win!

4)  Make Moves on Coworkers-  The environment is loose and friendly.  You have had a drink or two and now you have gained the courage to make a move on a coworker.  Not only are you asking for a lawsuit but you are not exactly sending the right message in your workforce.  Who wants the sloppy drunk from the office??

5) Gossip- My final recommendation is to not gossip.  Not only does it put you in a bad position but nobody likes to be around the gossip queen.  Enjoy yourself, keep your thoughts and comments to yourself and enjoy the party!

Have a Happy Holiday from your friends at Lehigh Valley Grand Prix!