Warrenton employees celebrate integration at Virginia Gold Cup

Employees at the former Athena Technologies in Warrenton, Va., have been celebrating successes at the historic Virginia Gold Cup steeplechase race on an annual basis. It seemed only natural, then, to celebrate the recent integration of Rockwell Collins and Athena during this year's long-standing tradition.

Held at a 250-acre park in The Plains, Va., the May 3 event attracted attendees donning seersucker suits, derby-style hats and a myriad of other fashions. To signify the acquisition by Rockwell Collins, a tent on the prestigious Members Hill overlooking the finish line was decorated in a terra cotta color scheme.

"In a region like Virginia where the community shares a deep love and respect for both business and equestrian sport, the Gold Cup is an exciting event for our employees," said Dave Vos, the former CEO of Athena Technologies and now the senior director of Control Technologies at Rockwell Collins. "This year, it was a tremendous honor for us to join Rockwell Collins and celebrate our new relationship."

Joining a crowd of about 50,000 people, our Warrenton employees and their guests watched Bubble Economy and jockey Chip Miller capture the $100,000 purse during the marquee four-mile, 23-fence steeplechase event.

Inside the company tent, our employees dined on sushi boats, beef tenderloin, crab cakes, Virginia ham and grilled salmon, followed by chocolate meringue kisses, strawberry shortcake cupcakes and lemon blueberry tarts for dessert.

"The Gold Cup is our annual holiday party," said Rodin Lyasoff, a controls engineer in Warrenton. "It's an opportunity to socialize away from the lab and office environment, and to enjoy the excitement of the horse races."