The sun coming over the horizon as a heron soars over the lake. No, it’s not a turn-of-the-century period movie. It was the scene for the MPI Foundation Players Golf Tournament, where East Coast versus West Coast wasn’t a reference to 90s rap music but to the Ryder Cup-style friendly competition between chairs Richard Harper, Executive VP of Sales with MGM Resorts International and Margaret Moynihan, Director with Deloitte.

The game began with the shot-gun start from all 18 holes at 7:30 a.m.,  and continued as teams played through, with sponsored holes and a long drive competition, keeping the action and conversations going. Players discussed the ways that MPI Foundation helps the community, referencing scholarship and grants, as well as research, and the sense of community they feel in associating with their peers who value investing in the industry.

When the dust settled, the East Coast won in points but everyone gained through the networking, sharing and sportsmanship experienced on the beautiful greens at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando. Thank you to all sponsors who contributed to the event; check out players’ feedback on the tourney through the WEC Live Online experience, where pictures and social media are constantly adding to the discussion around WEC 2011.