The calm of sunrise on the water. The thrill of reeling in a catch. The laughter of friends and family gathered on the dock. These are the moments that came alive during RYAM’s 3rd Annual Fishing Derby—now, a cherished tradition at our Témiscaming site.
The Engagement Squad in Témiscaming plays a vital role in keeping employees connected and inspired. Their creativity turns simple ideas into traditions that foster pride and belonging. The Fishing Derby has grown from a fun concept into a highlight of the year, blending friendly competition with the community spirit that makes RYAM unique.
Record Participation
This year’s derby was our biggest yet. One hundred employees registered, and 79 photos were submitted, from trophy-sized catches to family fishing adventures. Beyond the playful rivalries, the photos told a bigger story: one of connection, laughter, and shared memories.
Growing with Employee Feedback
A hallmark of the derby’s success is its evolution. Each year, feedback leads to improvements—from clearer measuring tools to new prize categories—making the event fair, inclusive, and fun. Looking ahead, the idea of a retiree category is being explored, ensuring the best fish stories continue beyond the workplace.
Thank You to Participants
Every participant received a sign-up bag with an official RYAM fishing ruler, candies, jigs, and event instructions. While the rulers helped settle a few “fish size debates,” the thoughtful touches built excitement and made everyone feel part of the experience.
Celebrating the Winners
Winners were crowned, but the true highlights were the smiles: kids holding their first catch, proud grins from coworkers, and tall tales of “the one that got away.” These shared moments are what make the derby so special.
What’s Next
With another successful derby complete, the Engagement Squad is already planning more community-building activities, including:
- Community Movie Night – a family-friendly evening with popcorn and drinks.
- Pumpkin Giveaway – featuring a carving contest and a coloring contest for children.
- 12 Days of Holiday Giving – annual tradition employees eagerly anticipate.
The Fishing Derby shows how a little friendly competition brings out the best in us—bigger smiles, stronger connections, and lasting memories. Thank you to everyone who made this year’s event a success. At RYAM, our people are our greatest strength, and traditions like this keep our community thriving.
