OCHOS RIOS, Jamaica - The mornings were always the same. The sun, a burnt orange, would rise above the Caribbean Sea over waters that Christopher Columbus had sailed in 1494 and within seconds the air would heat up and another day would have begun. 

The mornings were always the same. Around 5:30am, a solo Jamaican would row his boat out of the harbour and into the sea, stroking his way to the places he instinctively knew the fish were. Some days the stillness of the sea would be interrupted by huge cruise ships, some of them six and seven stories high, first appearing as blips on the horizon and then growing larger and larger as they slowly moved into the dock. They would moor there for the day, these giant floating hotels, while the thousands of passengers would go to land, walk a few blocks, and shop for the day.

As the day woke up, the tourists would head out into the sun. Some would snorkel just off the beach of the hotel, seeing things they had never seen before. Others would ready themselves for trips in glass bottom boats, or head in land to stare in awe at water falls in what is surely one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Ochos Rios is the first Jamaican town to have been developed specifically as a resort in the history of Jamaica, which did not become a country until 1962. It is about two hours east of Montego Bay on the north side of the island. It is a place where the mountains meet the sea.

There are all-inclusive resorts here, and in May one of them was visited by a band of happy people from Exit Realty Fusion in Regina. About two dozen of Exit Realty Fusion staff descended on Jamaica over a two-week period, one group of about 11 one week, and another group of 11 the next week. They were sent there by EcoBroker© Loretta Hughes as a reward for a fabulous job they had been doing in selling. Exit Realty Fusion is obviously the fastest growing real estate company in Regina. Two years ago, Loretta started the company with two agents. Now, the figure is over 30 and climbing.

Everything about Exit Realty Fusion is unique to the Regina real estate market. From a sensational and never-ending training program to the way they serve their customers has been fast catching on with both those selling and buying homes and businesses and those who make their livings in real estate.

But sending your agents on a week-long holiday to an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica is something that nobody could remember any real estate company in this province ever doing.

"We care about our people, and it's not just talk," Loretta said. "If somebody decides to come work with us, they will feel a sense of teamwork and friendliness they have likely never experienced before. And we are there for them. And, if somebody leaves our company, we wish them nothing but the best and will help them in any way possible."

The time in Jamaica was a welcome respite from the daily rigors of real estate. And, the agents and front office staff who went had their eyes opened every day at the things they saw and did. They deserved the break.

But, there was an added bonus. It gave them an even greater opportunity to get to know each other on a daily basis away from the office. And, the bonding that went on was incredible. Suddenly, they became true friends.

They came back to Regina rested and raring to go, their enthusiasm contagious and inspiring.

Good thing. Because now they are gearing up for one of their biggest shindigs of the company's young history.

This is the 100^th anniversary year of the storied Saskatchewan Roughriders. Sensing there was something big on the horizon; Exit Realty Fusion lunged at the opportunity to become a Game Day Sponsor. "We have always said we will work hard at becoming a part of the community and doing everything we can to help charities," Loretta said. "But becoming involved with the Riders took us to another level. They are Saskatchewan's Team. And our team wants to become Saskatchewan's Real Estate Team."

Exit Realty Fusion is all over the board when it comes to charity work. From breast cancer to prostrate cancer to heart and stroke to the Food Bank, supporting local artists, the folks at Exit have been and will continue to be there.

Exit Realty Fusion also will be front and centre at the first annual George Reed Golf Tournament in support of Special Olympics Saskatchewan. A high-profile tournament with former Rider George Reed as its Honourary Chairman, this event will be unlike none other seen in Regina. Celebrity players include Mayor Pat Fiacco, Olympic gold medalists Jan Betker, Marcia Gudreit and Ben Hepner, former Riders Matt Dominguez (an Exit Realtor®), Roger Aldag, Cleveland Vann and Bob Poley, current Riders Jim Hopson and Steve Mazurak, entertainer Rory Allen, provincial women's curling champion Amber Holland, FM 92.1 morning host Lisa Greene, and News Talk Radio's Dave Arnold.

The tournament banquet will feature entertainment by renowned guitarist Jack Semple and Rory Allen and some Special Olympic athletes. Honoured at the banquet will be members of the Canadian Armed Forces, who have just returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Of course, Loretta is on the committee that is organizing the tournament. And Exit Realty Fusion will be front and centre at the Wascana on Tournament Day.

But before that, there's the ongoing activities with the Rider Game Day Sponsorship.

First up is The Ultimate Kickoff Party. That comes Saturday June 12th and Sunday June 13th. The weekend starts on Saturday with a barbecue dinner at the Saskatchewan Science Centre, with access to all Science Centre activities. George Reed will be among a bevy of former and current Riders who will be there. There will be door prizes and a silent auction will be held to raise funds for Special Olympics Saskatchewan.

Everyone attending will be given copies of two Roughrider books - one which covers the first 100 years of the Roughriders, the other a tale of the 1966 Saskatchewan Roughriders, the first Rider team to win a Grey Cup. Members of that team and authors of the books will be on hand to sign them.

On Sunday, there will be private pre-game barbecue and then it's onto the Riders' first home game of their 100^th year. All of this for $225 per ticket. For more information, you can call the dynamic Carmen Rollins 306-353-3948 (Extension 117) or email her at marketing@exitrealtyfusion.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mayors from throughout Saskatchewan have been invited to attend what is clearly An Event Not To Be Missed. But, it's open to anyone who wishes to buy a ticket and support Special Olympic athletes.

Sigh, just another busy period at Exit Realty Fusion, the company that clearly shows how much it cares about its people and the community it is a part of.