TA End of Year Party

Yesterday was the TA end year party, and I was asked to make a speech one day ahead of the party. About a half hour before we left for the party, I remembered that I had to do this and quickly scribbled some notes, which came out as below (approximately):

Gosh, this is a hard act to follow. It was always Paul's job to make a speech at parties; and Senta told me that she had done her first and last speech at Paul's farewell. Anyway, here we are. It's December and it must be a Transammonia party.

It's great to have a party each year, the only problem being that as I get older, I cannot remember the last one. Did we have a party last year? Does anybody remember? Well, the good thing about a party is that if you have had a great year you can celebrate; and if it was not such a good one, then you can still have something to cheer about. Because TA NEVER has a bad year, right? TA NEVER HAS A BAD YEAR!

The TA family is growing. I am not a great one for socializing but it's wonderful to see everyone here. It's great to have spouses here since they often make us what we are and their understanding helps us in the long hours that we put in the office and the travel that we have to do. Sometimes they even provide lunch everyday.

Chris spoke about Zurich and Prime Tower and we have indeed come full circle. I understand that some of you have seen the premises and I am sure it will be nice to be there. Of the original office in Zurich, we only have Angela, Hans-Jorg and myself left now. But the spirit of Peter is with us. I always valued my interactions with him and the memory of my last meeting with him is still fresh in my mind.

A word for the girls of Trammochem. They are absolutely wonderful and the gasoline which keeps the engine of Trammochem running. Please take a bow Patricia, Hedi, Sybille, Sylvie, Senta, Jackie. It;s also great that we have a young team now. I remember when Paul and I used to meet customers we always said how much longevity there was amongst the employees of Trammochem. Now the team is young and I am sure will take Trammochem to the next stage of evolution and development.

Thanks to Cees and his team in IT for the wonderful organization and the Rockin' Hillbillies for the music. Thanks to everyone for coming and I wish all of you a wonderful Christmas!

(And as is typical for me, I forgot to say the punch line that I had written down: Oh yes, one last thing. Can someone please remind me on Monday if we had a party this year?)