VIEW - Belk - MY Belk (Associate Portal)

VIEW
vol. 60
no. 3
May 2011
MAGAZINE
Healthy Outreach
Programs Benefit
Customers and Associates
Community Votes Belk
“Best of the Best”
in Bluefield, W.Va.
my viewpoint
our mission
To satisfy the modern Southern lifestyle
like no one else, so that our customers
get the fashion they desire and the value
they deserve.
our vision
For the modern Southern woman to count
on Belk first. For her, for her family, for life.
our values
Be encouraging of growth and change.
Be proud of our rich heritage.
Be involved in our communities.
Be relentless with customer care.
Be committed to the success of our
associates.
Be the best at what we do.
table of contents
Store Profile: Bluefield, W.Va..............................................3
Pinnacle Award Winners......................................................4
Fashion Buzz: Summer’s Most Wanted..............6
The Belk Foundation Grants Awards....................8
Stores Honored for Safety Performance..........8
News of Note..................................................................................10
LP Awareness..................................................................................11
Summer Swim...............................................................................12
belk fast facts
Founded in 1888
304 Stores
16 States
24,000 associates
$3.5 billion FY11 revenues
3 Divisions:
Northern (Raleigh, N.C.)
Southern (Atlanta, Ga.)
Western (Birmingham, Ala.)
Recently, I had the rare and wonderful opportunity to
secretly observe my son and his friends eating lunch together
during a field trip I chaperoned for the 5th grade class at the
local children’s museum. I quietly sat to the side during lunch as
the girls and boys mingled over their meal. ‘What would they
talk about?’ I wondered. To my amazement, they began reading,
out loud, the nutrition labels on their food and drink products. There was
discussion about too much sugar and high calories. Whoa! Really?
Okay, so they still tried to pawn off their fresh fruit, but what a hopeful
example of how eating healthy has become more important in the lives of
our children and families.
It brings to mind the impact of Belk’s Breast Cancer Awareness
Campaign in October and Heart Health Month in February and how these
events inspired hundreds of associates to reconsider their health and make
some incredible changes. Read about the winners of the “Be Fit” contest
which rewarded associates who engaged in physical fitness activities. Read
the inspirational story of associate Barry Patton in Murfreesboro, Tenn. who
kicked a 44-year, one-pack a day smoking habit.
Ride the wave! Look good and feel good in the summer’s most wanted
fashions, as highlighted on our center spread, and ready or not, it’s time to
introduce the season’s swimsuit fashions (back page). Get ready for fun in
the sun!
Peace –
editor’s product pick
Cook’s Tools Cooking-for-One Non-Stick Frying Pan
This tiny four and one-half inch
round non-stick frypan is adorable
and perfect for a single-serving of
eggs or sautéing up onion, garlic
or other seasoning mixes. Coming
special thanks to the
following contributors
Johanna Anderson, Heather Boyce, Lisa Edwards,
Dianna Dix, Sydney English, Arlene Goldstein,
Becky Pinion, Janie Sellers, Darlene Starcher,
Bob Vranek, Darrell Williams and all the Belk
merchandise buyers and executives who provide
information for View Magazine.
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this fall, the line adds an equally
cute square five and one-half inch
version designed for grilled cheese
and other toasted sandwiches or
veggies. Available in black, blue,
red and green. $5.99 ea.
bluefield, w.va.
Community Votes Belk “Best of the Best”
Readers of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph have voted and the winner is…
Belk for best place to buy clothing! Sandi Sluss, store manager, says she
was honored to receive “The Best of the Best Readers’ Choice Award” and
finds it the highest honor to be chosen by the customers.
“Winning this award reinforces that we know what our customers want
and that we follow through by greeting them by name, smiling, engaging
with them, and always going the extra mile to satisfy their needs. We treat
customers the way we want to personally be treated and how we want our
mothers to be treated when they go shopping. It’s really simple.”
Sluss joined Belk 40 years ago – in 1971 – in the downtown Bluefield
store. With the exception a four-year stint as store manager in the
Beckley, W.Va. store, she has been in Bluefield her entire career. The store
is known for Sluss’ leadership, but also – it is said – that more managers have
been promoted out of the Bluefield store than any other store in the Belk
organization. Why? “We provide a very good foundation for area sales
managers because it is a middle-sized store where we gain knowledge and
practice in every aspect of the business and develop a well-rounded experience. There are also many long-term associates with 20 or more years of
service who work throughout the store. It’s a solid business environment.”
Linda Hager, Estée Lauder counter manager, attributes the growth of
her business and personal sales to Sluss’ leadership. Indeed, Hager’s sales
are the second highest among Estée Lauder sales consultants in the total
company. “Sandi always listens, has an open door, and is willing to help solve
problems,” said Hager. “She is adamant that if we are given a goal, we will
meet or exceed it.”
Belk has gained respect throughout the community as a caring
corporate citizen through the store’s support of breast cancer awareness
programs, particularly the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. It has also been
active in local recycling programs and in raising funds and collecting food
for Pet Haven and Rescue Shelter.
Mandy Mitchell, ASM, has been with the store for ten years and coordinates all the community events. “Anytime our associates are promoting an
event or cause in the store the customers respond very positively,” she said.
“They like that we’re active in important ways and help get the word out for
good causes in the community.”
store profile
Mercer Mall
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1 The Belk Bluefield team celebrates
winning one of the 2010 “Best of the Best
Readers’ Choice Awards” as voted by the
readers of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph.
2 Linda Hager, Estée Lauder counter
manager
3 From left, associates Jessica Carroll,
Bluefield, W.Va. #408
Division: Northern
Store Manager: Sandi Sluss
Number of Associates: 60
Selling Space: 56,000 sq. ft.
Angela Wiker, April Stilwell, Susan
Maninga and Mandi Mitchell participate
at Belk’s Relay for Life booth.
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FY2011 PINNACLE AWARDS
Congratulations to this year’s
Pinnacle Award recipients
VP of Merchandising Team Award
Buyer/Planner Teams of the Year
Store Manager of the Year
Western Division
Julie Matthews
ND – New Directions:
Paragould, Ark.
Store Manager of the Year
Southern Division
Darwin Saunders
Macon, Ga., River Crossing
Mary Tschetter
Mark Wells
Buyer Planner
Electrics and Luggage:
Morganton, N.C.
Mary Wallace Robyn Eagar
Buyer Planner
Update and Juniors Shoes:
Store Manager
Region Customer
Satisfaction Award
Texas Region
Jim Rose
Mark Boerio
VP & DMM, Shoes
SVP, Planning &
Store Process
Support Awards
Marty Anderson
VP, Project Manager,
Project IMPACT
Store Manager of the Year
Northern Division
Jonathan Savage
Store Customer
Satisfaction Award
Weatherford, Texas
Janell Garvin
Carl Scibetta
Catherine Bracey
Director, Accounting
Sue Curley
VP, Advertising Planning &
Analysis
Debbie Barnes
Lynne Ward
Rosie Murphy
Buyer Planner
Regional Visual Coordinator
Fayetteville, N.C.
VP & Regional Manager
Credit Solicitation Award
Kerrville, Texas
Wendy Rahn
Store Manager
Regional Manager
of the Year
Lisa Lassiter
North Atlanta, Ga. Region
Jeff O’Hanlon
Private Brands Award
Michael Leonard
Product Manager
Soft Home Basics
VP, Recruiting
Nancy Pierce
Division Human Resources
Manager, Southern Division
Charles Worthy
Director, E-Commerce
Fulfillment Center
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Team Excellence Award
Rebranding Team
Working Committee
John Thomas
Eric Guenther
Jon Pollack Chair
Rob Jordahl
Other Team Members
Katrina Streiner Co-chair
Eric Bass
Paul Kramlick
Jan Clevenger
Cat Brunson
Becky Pinion
Nicole Dean
Kevin Cramer
Jaimee Scott
Arlene Goldstein
Sue Curley
Margie Sigal
Les Satinover
Scott Delmar
Melissa Simmons
Eileen Shleffar
Duffy-Marie Ebel
James Ward
Darlene Starcher
War for Talent Award
Glenn Sellers
VP and Regional Manager
Mississippi Region
Randy Knight
Division Human Resources
Manager, Northern Division
Chris Eliason
Division Excellence Award
Western Division
Darrell Williams
William Henry Belk Award
Jon Pollack
EVP, Marketing,
Sales Promotion
and E-Commerce
Inclusion and Diversity Award
Jan Clevenger
Gary Siler
Chair
SVP, Director of Stores
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fashion buzz
By Arlene Goldstein,
Vice President,
Trend Merchandising,
Fashion Direction
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1. long skirt
2. shorts
3. peasant top
4. anything animal
5. fem tee
6. fashion cardi
7. flip-flop dress
8. arm candy
9. new neutral shoes
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women
Don’t be afraid to explore your
exotic side! You will want to warm
up your summer wardrobe with
a trove of cool tribal treasures –
many with a groovy 70’s feel.
Balance strong utility pieces
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with beautiful ethnic patterns
and textiles that reflect a true
global feel. Create a cross-cultural
collage with colorful statement
jewelry, strappy sandals, and
apparel in bright colors combined
with saturated deep hues.
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men
Hey, guys! We want you to be up to
speed and looking smart for summer.
This season is flooded with fashion items
that are easy and elegant, practical and
trend right. The season is a marvelous
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mix of tradition and innovation with fresh
familiar fabrics and bold colors and
patterns. These wardrobe-building
essentials focus on items that are
relaxed and easy, like a lazy summer
afternoon. Enjoy the season!
1. summer sportcoat
2. the new polo
3. slim ties
4. bold color dress shirts
5. patterned shorts
6. cargo shorts
7. sandal
8. preppy shirts
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“Our Heart to Yours” Campaign Raises Over
Together with customers and
associates, Belk raised $391,547 to
support healthy hearts during the
“Our Heart to Yours” campaign
during the month of February to
promote heart disease education,
awareness and prevention.
All funds raised benefited the
Foundation for the National Institutes
of Health, which pays grants to
community programs that help
women identify personal risk factors
for heart disease, the number one
killer of American women.
Associates Get Active In Fitness Contest
Associates participated during the month in a fitness contest in
which they earned chances to win prizes for logging 30 minutes of activity
each day during a four-week program. For each of the four weeks when
associates completed the recommended exercise routine, they could
complete one entry form, which was entered into a random prize drawing,
including a grand prize of free 2011 Belk benefits for the balance of the year
courtesy of the Belk Benefits Department. Other prizes included gift cards,
athletic shoes and apparel. The “exercise” proved to be life-changing for
many associates.
Grand Prize Winner:
Karen Sanderson, Deland, Fla. #234
Other Winners:
Katherine Briggs, Union, S.C. #3
Tramaine Coston, Raleigh, N.C. #458
Lindsay Eagin, Maryville, Tenn. #683
George Holmes, Pensacola, Fla. #657
Lynne Hutton, Greensboro, N.C. #25
Marilyn Michaud, Myrtle Beach, S.C. #244
Taymond Moore, Tallahassee, Fla. #627
Melissa Parscal, Huntsville, Ala. #607
Georgia Pierce, Athens, Tenn. #684
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Reasey Johnson, store manager (left), and Cindy Bresnehan with
Buzz-Bee Wellness.
$390,000
MURFREESBORO, TENN.
National Heart Month Inspires
Associate to Kick the Smoking Habit
Vendors offered healthy living tips and information at the
corporate office Health Fair.
WAYNESVILLE, N.C.
Belk Partners with Local Health
Agencies to Host Healthy Living Event
Belk in Waynesville, N.C. #562 celebrated its Healthy
Living Appreciation Day with the help of health professionals from Haywood County Health Department/
MedWest, Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center
and Haywood Parks and Recreation Department.
Haywood County Health Department/MedWest provided
free blood pressure screenings, conducted basic CPR
training and provided brochures and information about
food portion control and healthy living habits. Their
mascot “Buzz-Bee Wellness” was on hand to help
promote wellness to event participants.
Christy Prussia, a local licensed esthetician, provided
facial massages near the Lancôme counter, which was
pre-selling for its upcoming gift event. The events helped
generate an additional $400 in sales toward the beauty
consultants’ pre-sell efforts.
Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center and
Haywood Parks and Recreation Department provided
information about upcoming events and activities to
encourage everyone in the community to be more
physically active and maintain a healthier living style.
When Barry Patton, receiving
manager at Belk in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
#380, decided to quit smoking during
National Heart Month in February, his
manager couldn’t have been happier.
“I’m so proud of Barry,” said Mary Lucy
Yowell, store manager. “I challenged
Barry two years ago to stop smoking and he would laugh at me. When
Heart Healthy Month came around Barry said it was time.
After 44 years of smoking a pack of cigarettes a day, he
participated in the smoking cessation program offered
through Belk’s Health Assistance Program and quit his
smoking habit on January 31, 2011. “We were so excited
for Barry and we wanted him to be recognized in hopes
that his story might inspire others to quit,” said Yowell.
Patton said, “Those who think they can’t stop smoking can do it. You will truly feel better about yourself.
I can now smell things I have not smelled in years, and
I can breathe freely without coughing and I cut my
chances for a heart attack in half.”
Yowell says Patton seems to be more energetic,
personable and relaxed. “He looks healthier and is taking
better care of himself,” she adds. “He now spends his
breaks walking laps around the building instead of
smoking a cigarette.”
Belk customers in Franklin, Tenn. #629 learned to get their groove on during
a heart healthy exercise demonstration.
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news of note
keeping
in touch
with belk
associates
Thank You card from Montclaire Elementary School.
Katie Belk Morris, president of The Belk Foundation, with students from Glen Iris Elementary.
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C.
Students Continue Summer Program
Thanks to Grant from The Belk Foundation
A recent grant from The Belk Foundation will fund a
summer program through the University of Alabama at
Birmingham’s Children’s Creative Learning Center for
students at Glen Iris Elementary School. The $55,000 grant
will offer pre-kindergarten through third-grade students a
six-week summer enrichment program to help ensure that
students won’t need remedial work at the beginning of the
next school year. The program will focus on improving reading ability and teaching arts, science, math and technology.
Lynn Kirkland, director of the center, said research
shows students lose between 22 percent and 30 percent
of what they learn in a school year over the summer break.
“This is an enrichment program and it means kids are
not sitting in front of the TV,” she said. “Children will be
engaged in all kinds of activities—hands-on and minds-on.”
The program had run for two years at Glen Iris for
pre-kindergarten students only, Kirkland said. Last year,
budget cuts threatened continuation of the program for
these children. The Belk Foundation grant will allow the
program to continue this summer and also be expanded to
include older children.
Katie Belk Morris, president of The Belk Foundation,
presented the grant in February and also gave $15,000
to the Birmingham-based Better Basics program to fund
in-school reading intervention programs. The foundation
has also awarded $50,000 to the A+ Education Partnership
in Montgomery, Ala. to support its work improving educational quality across the state.
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“Education has always been at the heart of what
The Belk Foundation does,” Morris said. “We believe every
child deserves a quality education and we don’t want ZIP
codes to dictate the quality of education they receive.”
Source: Marie Leech, The Birmingham News, Feb. 4, 2011 Copyright 2011.
The Birmingham News. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.
CHARLOTTE, N.C.
SouthPark Belk Donates $10,000 to Fund
Summer School Program
The Belk Foundation often partners with Belk in
Charlotte, N.C #452, SouthPark Mall, to host children from
local educational organizations to help expand their knowledge base and real world experiences. Recently, associates
at the store independently helped lead a fundraising
campaign to raise $10,000 to fund a summer school
program at Montclaire Elementary School.
Randy Dell, store manager, presented a check to
administrators of Montclaire Elementary in March which
will help run the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom
School – a six-week educational program for school-age
children – which will be hosted at the school this summer.
The program is staffed by college-age interns and provides
a supportive learning environment for children with a
curriculum that emphasizes reading, writing, mentoring,
leadership, and conflict resolution.
Dell said that the store associates are eager to
continue supporting the students at Montclaire Elementary
School and that their next effort will be collecting 100
backpacks to donate for the next school year.
lp awareness
Associate and Loss Prevention Efforts
End Repeat Offender’s Shoplifting Spree
When Brittney Turner,
fashion jewelry sales
associate at Sumter, S.C.
#503, recently discovered
several empty watch cuffs
she immediately contacted
Adam Meyer, the store’s
loss prevention manager,
to inform him and begin an
investigation.
Several days later, while
assisting another customer,
Turner observed a gentleman
reaching over the counter
and removing a watch from
the display. She immediately
approached him and asked if he needed assistance. The man declined the
help, handed her the watch and quickly exited the store. Turner notified
Meyer again and they realized after reviewing surveillance footage that they
could identify the suspect and determined that his store visits followed a
pattern of certain days and times.
As anticipated, the man returned several days later and Meyer was
ready and waiting. The suspect patiently stood near the counter until
associates were distracted by other customers and then quickly walked
over and removed several watches from the case. He then attempted to
make a quick getaway to the exit. Meyer, accompanied by Peyton Floyd,
store manager, approached the suspect and asked him to step back inside
the building. The suspect was unwilling to cooperate and instantly made a
run for it. Meyer said he and Floyd were able to hold the suspect briefly, but
“when he became violent we decided that safety was more important than
the watches and let him go.”
The exceptional teamwork and hard work paid off when Meyer was
able to provide detailed information to police to help them apprehend the
suspect a few hours later. “Surprisingly, I discovered that I had apprehended
the same exact individual at the same store for shoplifting watches six years
prior to this incident,” added Meyer. The total recovery value of the merchandise for all of the incidents involving this suspect over several years was
estimated at $1,900.
special events
Customer Appreciation Days
Thursday, May 19–Saturday, May 21
All Stores
Associate Extra Discount Day on
Belk.com
Saturday and Sunday, May 21–22
Note: You must be registered as an
associate to get discounts.
Friends & Family Event
Wednesday, June 8–Saturday, June 11
All Stores
benefits basic
Are you getting the most out of
your healthcare benefits plan?
You might be surprised at the
extent of Belk’s healthcare
plan benefits and how it offers
much more than great co-pays
and deductibles. Consider how
the plan offers health assistance programs for people with
chronic ailments and diseases,
personal wellness programs
involving individual planning
and coaching, and even free
medications for people with
diabetes. Take time to visit
www.belkbenefits.com for all the
special offerings and resources
available to help you live a
healthier lifestyle.
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VIEW MAGAZINE
Belk, Inc.
2801 W. Tyvola Road
Charlotte, N.C. 28217-4500
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT #3328
CHARLOTTE, NC
Address Service Requested
2011 designer swim trends
Stripes, Stripes, Stripes
It’s All In The Details
Nautical is Nice Must Wear Hardware
Hello Bandeau
Senior Communications
Coordinator and Editor
Lynda Stadler
Art Director
Pamela Fernandez
View Magazine
Viewonline
Send your comments or submissions to view@belk.com or contact Lynda Stadler at (704) 426-8451.
View Magazine is an internal publication produced by Belk’s Corporate Communications Department.
It is intended solely for Belk associates and not for external distribution.
View Online is a companion newsletter published monthly on The Hanger and the Associate Portal
(http://associate.belk.com).
View Magazine • Belk, Inc. • 2801 W. Tyvola Rd. • Charlotte, N.C. 28217-4500