Waterloo manufacturer's generosity gains international acclaim

WATERLOO — A Waterloo cabinet manufacturer's plan to treat its hundreds of employees to a Caribbean cruise next month is receiving international attention.

Gary and Becky Bertch of Bertch Cabinet Manufacturing announced plans two weeks ago to take workers on a week's vacation for meeting production and income goals. They leave Jan. 8 aboard four charters from the Waterloo Regional Airport.

The Courier initially reported Dec. 19 that company President Gary Bertch told employees they'd stay in a five-star Miami hotel, then depart on a Carnival Cruise Lines ship for an excursion that includes a stop in Cozumel off Mexico.

The story was picked up by the Associated Press and, since then, the trip has gained attention from media outlets across the United States and London.

'It's pretty crazy,' Bertch said this week. 'I just a did a phone interview with the 'Today' show' on NBC. 'I got one from a station in Toronto last Friday, and just got a request for an interview from CNN this morning.'

The company began offering trips to employees in 1989. The first was to Acapulco, another to Hawaii. But the perk lapsed in 2005 after a downturn in the economy. The company's situation has improved in recent years.

'With all the trips we've done in the past, we've gotten some local coverage, but this has caught like wildfire,' Bertch said. 'It's surprising.'

Other media outlets carrying the story include the Washington Times, MSN.com, Yahoo News and the Omaha World-Herald. The Courier received an inquiry from a Portland, Ore. radio talk show, and Bertch said he spoke with a Tampa, Fla., television station.

'All I can say is it must be social media,' he said. ' ... We're getting calls just from random people, calling us and congratulating us and the associates — just that it's nice to hear some positive news.'

Company co-founders Becky and Gary Bertch offered the cruise to more than 800 employees. More than 600 have signed up for the trip, the balance taking a cash option.

Bertch said he has had calls from other employers interested in offering a similar incentive. He said he 'absolutely' would consider offering the trip again, depending on company fortunes.

'Companies are trying to get outside of the norm, trying to find something different and creative ways to engage people,' Bertch said. 'This has been one that has worked pretty well for us.'