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Pioneers' prelude to the 2002 Olympics
Number of Qwest Pioneers in Utah:
UTAH'S TOTAL MEMBERSHIP: 3,369
ACTIVE EMPLOYEES: 1,384
RETIRED LIFE MEMBERS:
1,985
1998-99 VOLUNTEER HOURS DONATED FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS: 21,493
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In February, two-time world champion Michelle Kwan of Torrance, Mich.,
claimed her third U.S. ladies' singles title at the 1999 U.S. Figure Skating
Championships in Salt Lake City. Just as Kwan's performance was hopefully a
prelude to the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, the volunteer efforts of the
Qwest Pioneers scored points with the International Olympic Committee, as
well as the company as they continue to ramp up their support of the event.
"This was an official test event for one of the venues for the 2002 games,"
explains Qwest Olympic Public Relations Director David Goldberg. "We are in
an evaluation stage for not only Qwest's approach to operations, but our
volunteer component as well. During this event, the Utah Chapter Pioneers
helped solidify our efforts in that process."
More than 120 Qwest Pioneers staffed the transportation desks, which
according to Marlice Fisher, volunteer coordinator, 1999 U.S. Figure Skating
Championships, was a complex assignment. Pioneers coordinated schedules and
drove shuttles between three venues and four hotels. Some Pioneers also served
as on-call drivers for the skaters as they hurried to get from a practice or
social event to the right venue for their competition.
Fisher says, "The Qwest Pioneers were instrumental in ensuring the entire
event went well. They were, by far, the most flexible, accommodating and
enthusiastic of all of the volunteer pools."
Project Coordinator and Utah Pioneer Chapter President Tracy Adams says this
was a key event, in which members of the IOC were looking to evaluate the overall
volunteer effort. Adams says he was happy that he received very positive
feedback about the Pioneers' effort from a member of the International Olympic
Committee.
Utah Pioneers who volunteered also had a positive experience. Retiree Rex
Maughan says he and his Pioneer Partner Shirlene had a great time volunteering.
"I hope I can also participate in a similar effort during the 2002 games," he
says.
This year's U.S. Figure Skating Championships served as a great example of the
Qwest Pioneers continuing effort to align their volunteer activities with the
business goals of the company. If you'd like to find out about projects
happening in your community, contact your local Pioneer leader.
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