If cash-strapped companies can't afford a holiday party on their own, the Reno Sparks Chamber of Commerce figures a community party might work just as well.
The chamber expects several hundred people to attend The Office Party 2009 Friday at the grand ballroom of Atlantis Resort Spa Casino.
Doug Kurkul, chief executive officer of the chamber, says the new event recognizes that companies long have used holiday parties as a way of building camaraderie among staff members and saying thanks to employees and customers alike.
"In today's economic climate, a lot of companies can't do that any more," Kurkul said. "But the need to say 'thank you' still is there."
The chamber traditionally has scheduled a salute to support personnel luncheon during the holiday season, but decided to recast the event this year as a cost-effective holiday event.
Tickets are $35 for chamber members and $45 for non-members. They're available through the chamber's Web site, www.reno-sparkschamber.org.
The party, which runs from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., is designed as an open house with lunch. A Hawaiian band will provide music, raffle prizes have been donated by chamber members, and attendees will each receive a gift bag sponsored by The Summit.
