Tag Archives: Christmas

Guidelines for Government Gift Giving

By Black Mountain Software | Published December 10, 2015

‘Twidth="300"is the season of yuletide, carols, and…regulated gift giving?

It might seem like there’s a tiny heart “two sizes too small” in the office of Government Compliance and Ethics when it comes to gift giving guidelines set for government officials. However, these policies exist to prevent the potential of a token of appreciation becoming an incentive, bribe, or obligation.

That’s not to say you can’t show appreciation for your fellow government officials and coworkers; gift giving is perfectly acceptable as long as the laws, regulations and gift giving guidelines are followed.

The basic theory behind government gift giving is this: if it can be conceived as a bribe, or sway a government official to make a particular decision, it’s ILLEGAL. Read more >

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Happy Holiday Cards

By Black Mountain Software | Published December 4, 2014

Mike-UB Favorite_MG_8019“That time of year” rolls around so quickly.

Time to haul out the boxes of holiday decorations. Time to bring out the winter attire. Time to look at schedules and figure out dates when everyone can get together. Yes, I’m talking about … September!

“September?” You say. Yes, that’s when the Black Mountain Software holiday prep begins. That’s because Black Mountain Software has a fairly long (both in years and preparation) tradition of mailing holiday cards featuring staff photos to our clients, prospective clients, business partners, and vendors. We are a friendly, small-town company and many of our staff members work one-on-one with our clients, so a stuffy corporate holiday card just doesn’t seem to fit our style very well. Read more >

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5 Unique Holiday Office Party Ideas

By Black Mountain Software | Published November 18, 2013

Think you can’t possibly cram down one more wiener wrap while sitting around listening to Let it Snow at another office party this year? Or, maybe you are the one tasked with planning the perfect office party, and are sweating like a snowman in front of a fire trying to figure out how to make this year’s party fun.

Either way, you and your co-workers can have a blast at the next holiday office party by “freshening up” your traditional Christmas or holiday event.  Here are five unique holiday office party ideas that are inexpensive, unique, and fun. Time to think outside the “gift” box! Read more >

Posted in BMS Events, City Clerk Cafe, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

How to Throw an Office Party that Sizzles

By Black Mountain Software | Published December 3, 2012

Oh yes, it’s that time of the year.  ‘Tis the season of peppermint mochas, ugly reindeer sweaters, and office parties.  Since we know that a lot of our municipal clerks and school and utility personnel are in charge of throwing their office shindigs, we thought we would provide some tips for creating a holiday party that sizzles–not fizzles–this holiday season.

How to Throw a Sizzling Holiday Office Party

Review the Policy on Holiday “Spirits.” For government offices and schools, make sure to check policies about serving alcohol on the property well in advance.  You might decide to hold the party off-site if that’s an important factor for you. Read more >

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