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Hitting the coast for the annual Crab Feed

By Brock Huffstutler

April 11, 2023

ARA of Oregon Crab Feast 2023The annual ARA of Oregon-hosted Crab Feed returned to the Hallmark Resort in Newport, Ore., on Saturday, March 18. This year, the happening was all about comfort food and stress management.

Attendees of the event enjoyed the tasty crab feast along with a session from Annie Ricci, Master Certified Coach and co-owner of Bigfork Rentals, Bigfork, Mont. — “From Stressed Out to Stressed Less: Practical Ways to Reduce Stress.”

“They knocked this Crab Feed out of the park,” says Billie Carlyle, sales manager, Essex Silver Line West, who represents product lines for the independent manufacturer representative across the region. “It was a great educational seminar and a wonderful, tight-knit group of individuals.”

The event kicked off in the afternoon with Ricci’s presentation, which covered strategies to manage through stress in the workplace and channel energy for positive results. Those in attendance say the techniques shared would be beneficial in coping with their day-to-day grind.

Annie Ricci

Annie Ricci

“Ann was right on and to the point, providing videos and slides, and she had us do a few exercises that showed by example what relaxation is all about,” says Dennis Cabatic, owner, Philomath Rental, Philomath, Ore.

Geoff Zellers, an ARA Insurance preferred agent with Zellers Financial and Insurance Services, Rexburg, Idaho, says Ricci’s presentation was “perfectly timed for our current economic and employment situation. There were some good nuggets that people could take back into their business and personal life.”

Nathan Manning, manager of Portland Rent All, Portland, Ore., and ARA of Oregon president, also offered some his key takeaways for managing stress. “Slowing down and taking a break, the breathing techniques and asking others a question then leaving it open ended for them to answer. Don’t tell them what you observe. Sometimes people may just want to vent, which can help reduce their stress,” he says.

OR Crab Feed 2023Following Ricci’s presentation, it was all about the peer networking, the pleasant weather and, of course, the crab.

“The dinner and venue was on the edge of fantastic,” Cabatic says. “The crab was so good I wish I had room for more. The room had windows that extended the whole length of the wall and faced west looking out at the ocean — what a view. The fire pit was another addition to the great time that was had by all and lasted until the hotel curfew, around 10 p.m.”

“The Crab Feed was a great time like always. We lucked out having sunny weather once again. I would highly suggest other members attend,” adds Manning.