Celebrating 15 years of the Ernest Brand Council

Back in 2011, a group of Ernest-loving E-Teamers got together to form the Ernest Brand Council (EBC). As the official ambassadors of Ernest culture, this all-volunteer group gives people from all of our divisions the opportunity to develop leadership skills, strengthen our culture, and have a voice in our activities. The EBC is all about making connections with one another, our divisions, and our culture, and making sure we all understand that the only way we go forward is by always giving back. And that’s exactly what the council does, every single day.

At the end of each year, we bring the EBC together to look back at all we’ve accomplished and plan for the year ahead. It’s a great opportunity for people from different divisions to meet and get to know each other. This year’s gathering took place at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas with some events at Area15, where attendees played games, participated in growth-focused group activities, and even had a dance party. Plus, we got to celebrate the council’s 15-year anniversary—which just goes to show that time really does fly when you’re having fun!

During the event we welcomed the new EBC leadership, appointing new committee leads and overseeing the changing of the guard. Huge thanks to Jose Ibarra, Staff Accountant at our corporate headquarters and outgoing EBC Chair, who says that being on the EBC has been a great experience. “I wanted to be part of EBC leadership to challenge myself,” he explains, “and it definitely gave me an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. At the beginning, I didn’t realize how much of an impact the EBC makes on our culture, but it’s HUGE.”

Stepping into the EBC Chair role is Danielle Garza, Office Manager in Houston. For Danielle, joining the EBC was an opportunity to improve the culture at her division. “I just wanted everyone to love it and get involved,” she says, adding that lots of people have reached out to do just that. Danielle bravely took on the role at the same time she was transitioning to Office Manager, and plans to continue learning as she goes. “I’m so grateful for the experience,” she says. “When you’re uncomfortable, that’s when you grow.”

Check out the sizzle reel for highlights from this entertaining and productive event. It definitely pays to be Ernest brand ambassadors, but mostly in fun!