Scott-McRae Group | Bumper to Bumper Newsletter (Fall 08)

Fall 2008
in this issue :
Summer
of
Community Fun
!
kudos
bumper stumper
This summer, despite the distractions of an economic
slowdown, presidential election, and vacations, the
employees of Scott-McRae Group rose to the occasion
by participating and organizing a wide variety of
community activities.
From painting child care centers to participating in
food drives, employees have come up with creative
ways to give back to their community.
news & notes from
our communities
There are plenty of activities scheduled for the fall –
Duval Acura’s golf tournament to raise funds for
Dreams Come True, the American Lung Association
O2 Green Asthma Walk, and the Tom Becker ALS|Golf
for Life Tournament.
Don’t forget to take pictures and send them to Bumper
so everyone can share in the fun and good works!
births, anniversaries,
celebrations & credits
Coming soon!
Duval Acura is anxiously
awaiting the new ’09 Acura
TL which features the most
powerful engine in Acura
history. There will be two
different models – the TL and
TL SH-AWD® and a choice
of two VTEC® powertrains.
2009 Acura TL SH-AWD®
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES COMING UP
Tom Becker |ALS
Golf For Life Tournament
Duval Acura’s First Annual
Golf Tournament Benefiting
Dreams Come True
This event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23rd at 1PM at
Queen’s Harbour Yacht and Country Club. Registration fee is
$75 and includes greens fees, cart fees and a box lunch. Registration
begins at noon. Tee time is at 1PM. Play is Captain’s Choice. There
will be a Hole-In-One Contest with a chance to win a 2009 Acura
TSX plus other great prizes and raffles. For more information, please
contact Elva Bryant at 904-899-5709 or Stephanie Lammerding
at 904-899-5794.
Dreams Come True is a Jacksonville-based
organization that provides “dream experiences”
for children facing life-threatening illnesses.
This tournament, in its fifth year, has raised
over $400,000 for ALS research and the
ALS Association’s work with families
afflicted by this disease. The tournament
is scheduled for Monday, November 3rd.
While the field of play is already filled, there
are numerous opportunities to support
the organization. Visit www.alsafl.org and
click on the link for the Tom Becker|ALS
Golf For Life Tournament to find out how
you can help.
Help the Second Harvest Food
Bank while cheering on your
team to victory!
Campbell’s® Chunky soup is continuing
their NFL “Click for Cans” promotion that
helps food banks throughout the country.
Just visit http://www.chunky.com/ClickForCansLanding.aspx
and vote for your team. It’s a fun way to help
your city receive much needed food to stock
their food banks.
Bumper 2 Bumper
| A Scott-McRae Group Newsletter
American Lung
Association’s
“O2 Green Asthma
Walk”
2
This is a new event for the
American Lung Association
and will be held on Saturday,
October 25th at the University of
North Florida Nature Trail. Registration begins at 8:30AM with
the Walk slated to start at 9AM. Contact Liz Hux for more information
at lhux@smag.com or 904-380-4239.
American Diabetes
Association’s “StepOut Walk”
The StepOut Walk will be held on Saturday, November 8th at the
Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens. Registration begins at 8AM and the
Walk begins at 9am. Contact Liz Hux for more information at
lhux@smag.com or 904-380-4239.
RISK MANAGEMENT
CORNER
—From JoAnne Ackman
Despite best efforts to protect workers’ vision, about 1,000
workplace eye injuries occur each day, most of which can
be attributed to complacency. It’s important to resist the
temptation to think in terms of “I’ve always done it this way”
or “I’ll be careful.” Most eye injuries are the direct result of
NOT wearing eye protection. Scott-McRae Group provides
certain Personal Protective Equipment for employee use and
safety, including eye goggles/glasses. Avoid potential eye
injuries by always wearing safety eyewear when performing
tasks that could cause injury to your eyes.
KUDOS
Dear Mr. Norris (Tampa Honda Land)
I visited the Tampa Honda Land service department in October
2007, March 2008, and recently again in August 2008 for oil changes
on my 2004 Honda Accord. Last summer, I moved to the area from
Syracuse, NY to attend USF for graduate school and heard about
Tampa Honda Land on the radio.
Iwasdelightfullysurprisedwithafreecarwash,amulti-pointinspection,
and a complementary rose upon check out. I wanted to formally thank
you for a wonderful experience with surprisingly fast service, fair prices
and a very friendly staff. You truly exceeded my expectations, which have
been very low based on many bad experiences at other service
departments in the past. I left Tampa Honda Land in a timely manner
with confidence that my car was safe and ready for the road again.
Just a friendly note to keep up the good work! I will continue to come
to you for all my automotive needs in the future.
Thanks again,
Kristine M. Fallon
Dear Mr. Hodges (Duval Honda)
I would like to thank the two people in the oil change department. I
bought my 2007 Fit at Honda at the Avenues and due to the rudeness,
I will not take it back there! You have a customer for life. Thanks for
being very nice and friendly!
Paula Smith
Dear Mr. Givens (Tampa Honda Land)
May I take this opportunity to single out one of your Service Consultants.
I am certain you receive negative comments from time-to-time. This
one is positive.
This employee demonstrates courtesy and is an excellent listener. It is
my pleasure to commend Mr. Jorge Hernandez as a true professional.
What a rare find!
He recognized my problem immediately and truly surpassed my
expectations. It is important that you recognize individuals such as
Mr. Hernandez in some manner.
I look forward to dealing with him in the future.
He became involved with the repair of my car after National Auto
Collision could not diagnose why the check engine light was still
appearing on my dashboard.
I applaud Mr. Salib for his attention to detail and refusal to settle
for mediocrity. His hard work and concern for the customer are what
makes him stand out. Emil is a valuable employee who creates value
for your organization and deserves recognition for doing so.
Regards,
Sanjay Shetty, MD
Dear Mr. Wells (Duval Mazda at the Avenues)
I would just like to send a big thank you to your service department.
On Monday, my daughter Courtney had a problem with her new car
not starting as she tried to leave for school. She called for help and the
service department was on top of the situation before the dealership
had even opened. Please let them know as a Mom in another state
feeling helpless it was a relief to be able to count on them to help my
daughter. Courtney said they were kind and understanding, careful
and concerned with her and the car.
Kudos to all of you. Thank you again so much.
Tammie Harlacker
Dear Mr. Snyder (Duval Acura)
I wanted to share some good news about your dealership with you. This
afternoon, my car would not start. I received help jump-starting it and
even though it was 6:36pm, I called Duval Acura and was told by a
friendly service advisor, Joe Aralar, to come on in... he would wait for
me. I made it just before 7:00 and he told me it would not take long to
put in a new battery. I told him I would come back to get my oil
changed since the yellow light came on a few days ago and I had
planned on scheduling a service appointment on Friday. He said they
could do that too so I would not have to come back.
So, I thought you would like to know that you not only represent a fine
product but your dealership does a stellar job keeping your customers
happy. Integrity, yes! Friendly, yes! Accommodating, yes! Quality in
every respect, priceless!
Dr. Sandy Hansford
Semi-retired Associate Professor
University of North Florida
From the Suggestion/Comment Box (Duval Honda)
Compliment: Friendly/knowledgeable service-writer Scott Franklin
and the best mechanic in Jacksonville – Eddie – who could ask for more?
I’ll be recommending.
John Bruhn
| A Scott-McRae Group Newsletter
I am writing to commend Mr. Emil Salib on the thorough job in
overseeing the repairs of my car over the past few months. He has
been prompt and courteous throughout the process and deserves
commendation.
Sincerely,
Sarina C. Wilson
Bumper 2 Bumper
Dear Service Manager (Tampa Honda Land)
3
ACTIVITIES AROUND THE DIVISIONS
Brandon Honda
Duval Acura
Brandon Honda Helps Child
Abuse Council Move
Duval Acura Supports
March of Dimes
Brandon Honda has been a longtime supporter of the Child Abuse
Council. Their work continues as they cleaned and boxed toys for
the facilities. The building was being sold and the toys were going
to other Child Abuse locations. In addition to doing a good deed,
Brandon Honda employees enjoyed being “kids” again.
Tampa Honda Land
Bumper 2 Bumper
| A Scott-McRae Group Newsletter
Tampa Honda Land Top
Contributor to American
Cancer Society Relay for Life
4
Go Go Speed Racer... Go! That was the theme as Duval Acura raced
around the track! They drove the MDX’s and RDX’s around the route
to pick up the tired and injured walkers in the March Of Dimes
Walk for Babies. They also showed their support at one of the spirit
stations by passing out water to the walkers and cheering them on
before they crossed over the Acosta Bridge. Not only did they win
by helping premature babies but Duval Acura won the Best Spirit
Station Award for the Walk for the second year in a row! Jade from
SMAG IT Support put together her own team and they won for best
t-shirts at the Walk.
A special thanks to Mitch Lyons for the racing trophies he donated
to help make Duval Acura look “official.” The have one more special
thanks to the “3 Amigos” who worked up a very big appetite! We
couldn’t have done it without you!
Meghan Bryant, Amelia Johnson & Sarah Snyder.
Tampa Honda Land knows how to contribute. In this case, the
employees under the very capable captainship of Aireen Ortiz,
raised $8,951.36 for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life held
in May. Tampa Honda Land was the top contributor to the American
Cancer Society of Mid-Tampa for this event. Way to go!!!
Duval Acura is also happy to report from their pit crew that none
of the drivers were injured as they raced around the track. The race
car drivers were... Stephanie Lammerding, Angela Rodriguez,
Tabitha Hunt, Natalie Ponder and Holly Hull. The March of Dimes
had a record-breaking 617,661 nationwide show their support
for premature babies and 5,000 of those attended the walk in
Jacksonville on Saturday, April 26, 2008.
Auto Credit of Columbia
Auto Credit Columbia Supports
Food Drive Through Baseball
Auto Credit Columbia employees
were able to do some good and have
some fun when they participated in
the food drive with palmetto Health
for the Columbia Blowfish, part of
the Coastal Plain Baseball League.
Pictured with Auto Credit Columbia
employees is the head coach of the Blowfish, Tim Medlin.
(L to R) Winner Damon Tremel is presented his check. Peaches dropped from giant peach pinata.
The Peach Pit was designed to celebrate the reintroduction of the
“90210” television show. The 8 foot peach was filled with peach
stress balls and at the appointed hour, the peach dropped the stress
balls. Fans gathered to find a complete set of stress balls (each was
numbered with a 9,0,2,1,0) to win a grand prize of $902.10.
Congratulations to Marla Lucas and Heather Smith and all the
people who worked on this very successful project.
Countryside Ford
Scott-McRae Advertising
Creates Giant Peach for
Client; Wins National Award
The Explorer was part of Fan Appreciation Weekend at the Threshers,
the 2007 Florida State League Baseball Champions.
BumperStumper
The Answer to last edition’s question...
During World War II, Duval Ford sold charcoal briquettes and pots
and pans to make up for the lack of automotive production.
Contestants scramble to gather peaches dropped from giant peach pinata.
What does a giant peach hanging from a crane in front of Dave &
Busters in Jacksonville have to do with Scott-McRae Advertising? It
was the direct result of a creative idea that the agency submitted to the
national CW television network that was one of 15 winners nationwide.
OUR NEW QUESTION
Duval Ford was officially founded in 1916 but year was
the Scott-McRae Group incorporated?
Just email your responses to bumper@smag.com. The winner* will
receive a small prize.
* A single winner will be selected from all correct answers submitted. Employees
of Scott-McRae Advertising are not eligible.
| A Scott-McRae Group Newsletter
Scott-McRae Advertising
Angie Padilla walked away from
Bright House Field in Clearwater,
FL as the lucky winner of a 2004
Ford Explorer recently thanks
to Countryside Ford and the
Threshers. She as one of nine contestant who had their name drawn
to go down onto the field and select a key that could possibly start
the Explorer.
Bumper 2 Bumper
The second pictures shows Blowie, the team mascot, striking a pose
between innings with branch employees. The food drive was support
by the Harvest Hope Food Bank. Everyone enjoyed the hot dogs,
popcorn, soda and baseball! It was a much enjoyed break and very
successful food drive.
Countryside Ford Makes
One Fan’s Night!
5
BABIES ON BOARD
ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations to the following employees for their years of service
to the Scott-McRae Group!
25 Year anniversary
Anthony Parderlikes Tampa Honda Land
15 Year anniversary
Judith Stapleton Scott-McRae Group;
Stephanie Uva Scott-McRae Group
10 Year anniversary
(Clockwise Left to Right) Megan Smoot, Kody Shepperd, Autumn Reed,Catherine Hodges,
Benjamin Garrett & Hina Sadig
A belated congratulations to Marie Shepperd (Duval Acura) on the
birth of Kody Michael Shepperd on October 3, 2007.
Nikki Seals-Reed (Duval Acura) celebrated the birth of daughter
Autumn Kylie Reed on May 2, 2008.
Congratulations to David Hodges (COO/Scott-McRae Group) and his
wife Cara on the birth of their daughter, Catherine Elisabeth Hodges.
Little Catie was born June 8, 2008 at 8PM and weighted 8 lbs. 10 oz.
Patrick Garrett (Scott-McRae IT Support) and his wife Alexandra
welcomed Benjamin Thomas Garrett on June 25th, 2008. Benjamin
weighed 8 lbs. 11 oz.
Angie Jordan (Auto Credit Jacksonville) celebrated the birth of her
granddaughter Hina Grace Parveen Sadig on July 24, 2008. Hina
was 7 lbs., 8 oz.
Megan Michelle Smoot, daughter of Greg Smoot (Auto Credit
Jacksonville) and granddaughter of Jane Mercer (Auto Credit
Jacksonville) was born on August 14, 2008 and weighted 7 lbs., 13 oz.
and was 20” long. Congratulations!
Bumper 2 Bumper
| A Scott-McRae Group Newsletter
SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS
6
Congratulations to F&I Manager Tim
Ousley (Brandon Honda) who married
his wife Nichole on the beach at Cabo
San Lucas, Mexico on June 7.
Lori Hodges (Auto Credit Jacksonville),
account representative was featured in
the Western Union “Professional Collector” quarterly newsletter for
payment professionals. Lori has worked in the collections industry
for several years. She said the “A lot of the job is about listening –
some collectors don’t listen, they
just make demands.”
Auto Credit of Jacksonville has
a new location – 6255 Lake Gray
Blvd., Suite 2, Jacksonville 32244.
The move took place in early August.
Marty Creel Duval Ford; Ghassan Korkmaz Duval Ford;
Diego Rodriguez Tampa Honda Land
5 Year anniversary
Michele Bair Tampa Honda Land; Howard Chapman Auto Credit
Knoxville; Ricky Cleveland Auto Credit Atlanta; William Collins
Duval Acura; Cheryl Creel Scott-McRae Group; Harold Greene
Auto Credit Greenville; David Greer Duval Acura; Kimberly Harris,
Connie Johnson Auto Credit Greenville; Amanda Lord Auto Credit
Knoxville; Kevin Snyder Duval Acura; Darius Warren Auto Credit
Credit; Waymon Williams Auto Credit Knoxville; Jessica Wood
Scott-McRae Group
A newsletter for, by and about the
Scott-McRae Group
publisher:
Amy Rankin Scott-McRae Advertising
Reporters:
Christina Ethridge, Frank Bisacky Duval Ford; Debbie Jones,
Cynthia Hemphill Duval Honda; Elva Bryant Duval Acura; Shirley
Stafford Countryside Ford; Skip Haas Tampa Honda Land; Denise
Ruthstrom Brandon Honda; Cat Crowley Duval Mazda of Gainesville;
Roger Daigen Duval Motorcars; Susan Waldeck Scott-McRae
Advertising; Cindy Smith Autolease; Kim Secia SMAG IT Support
u.s. auto credit
Mary Neff Corporate Office; Sharon Rocker Winston-Salem; Chris
Donnelly Charleston; Chiqueta Solomon Raleigh; Meloni Bradburn
Knoxville; Jodi Starnes Greenville; Kim Velez Tampa; Dean Cantey
Columbia; Christine Bell, Tryphena Thomas Macon; Linda Brown
Jacksonville; Michelle Le Charlotte
Submit articles, suggestions and comments to:
Amy Rankin, Scott-McRae Advertising
701 Riverside Park Place, Suite 100 | Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone 904-380-4292 | Fax 904-421-7866
arankin@smag.com
www.scottmcraegroup.com