Soave: Newsletter Summer 2008

CITY Beverage-Chicago Employees Become Ambassadors of Responsible Choices

Wearing athletic clothing that revealed the extent of her injuries, Sarah Panzau told her audience, “This is my body. It will never get better. I did this to myself. I was born without any scars and two arms, and now I have this to live with the rest of my life.”

The young woman’s gripping words fell on an intently focused audience. They listened to the young speaker’s description of her poor choices and the drunken driving accident that permanently disfigured her body. Surprisingly, the empathetic listeners were not Ms. Panzau’s typical high school audience, but the employees of CITY Beverage-Chicago (CBC).

“As part of an ongoing employee education program, it was a great privilege to have Sarah Panzau speak to our staff about the negative effects of drinking and driving,” said CBC’s Director of Government Affairs Tanya Cohn. “With a more vivid understanding of drunk driving’s dire consequences, the entire CBC team can act as ambassadors to promote more responsible choices.”

An inspirational speaker who devotes most of her time to educating teens, Panzau’s powerful message was coupled with an educational segment presented by Illinois State Police’s Juan Valenzuela. Officer Valenzuela reinforced the message of modifying adult driving behavior and raising awareness of seat belt use. CBC employees learned the unfortunate statistics on the number of Illinois residents who die or are seriously injured as the result of impaired driving.

“With the help of our speakers’ words, CITY Beverage-Chicago hopes to help lower these statistics,” concluded a hopeful Cohn.

Pictured left to right is CBC Director Government Affairs Tanya Cohn, guest speaker Sarah Panzau and CBC Sales Director Tom Hincks.

Parts Galore Hosts Open House for 4,000 Guests

For two weekends this summer, popcorn, hotdogs and soft drinks joined the usual line-up of tires, fenders and axles at Parts Galore II. The second location of the do-it-yourself salvage yard held its official grand opening event almost a year after opening its gates. “When we first opened the second location last September, our offices were housed in a double wide trailer,” explained Parts Galore President Bill Wild. “The permanent structure was completed during the winter, but cold and snow are not conducive to a celebratory event. So, our official grand opening came with the warmer weather.”

Held the last weekend in May and the first weekend in June, the public was invited to visit the West Warren location and provided complimentary passes to view the yard.

Three local radio stations broadcast live from the event with on-air personalities on hand to greet guests. The first 200 people each day were given complimentary Parts Galore five-gallon buckets.

“Our Manager Jacqueline Harrison and the entire staff worked diligently to make this event a success,” notes Wild. “More than 2,000 people attended over each weekend, including many of our neighbors.”

Primarily a residential neighborhood, the West Warren area has welcomed Parts Galore as a respected neighbor. “We take pride in our community-oriented approach to business,” Wild states. As a special nod to families who wished to see the salvage yard, children were allowed onto the lot during the grand opening. In the regular course of business, no one under 16 is admitted for safety reasons.

Million Minute Challenge Update: Chris Evans Off to a Strong Start

Chris Evans is certainly doing her part to help complete the companywide “Soave Million Minute Challenge.” The receptionist with Mercedes-Benz of Progress Point is currently training for her second half-marathon and logging a great number of exercise minutes.

Evans, the mother of two grown children, completed her first half-marathon this April. Always a walker, she began running in January to improve her overall health and has lost 25 pounds to date. Completing her first 13 mile race with a combination of walking and running, Evans’ time was less than three hours.

“Everyone here at Progress Point is proud of Chris’ accomplishment,” says Senior Sales Consultant Robert E. O’Brien. “Her success in reaching personal goals is providing leadership for others to join her.”

A native of the United Kingdom, Evans moved to the United States in 1995 with her family. She is part of the Progress Point’s inaugural team, having been on staff since the dealership opened its doors in June 2006.With the encouragement of the Million Minute Challenge, she intends to continue her new hobby by participating in a half-marathon in September.

The Soave Spectrum welcomes other Million Minute Challenge success stories. Know of a co-worker to feature? Pass along the information to the reporter at your location.

Employee Discount – Checker Sedan

Checker Sedan is pleased to announce a special discount program for all employees of Soave Enterprises and its affiliated entities.When traveling to and from Detroit Metro Airport, you and your immediate family members* are entitled to 50% off the standard rate, plus normal fuel surcharges. (Gratuity is in addition at customer discretion.)

To take advantage of this great discount offer, reservations must be pre-paid and made on-line by visiting Checker Sedan’s website www.checkersedan.com as follows:

• Click on “Reserve a Sedan”
• Enter “12069” in the special promotions box in the lower right hand corner of the screen and click “Go”
• Complete all reservation information as directed on the screen. The 50% discount will be automatically computed
• Note: you will be required to enter your employee ID number. This number can be found on your pay stub or by contact your Human Resources Representative

Should you have any questions regarding this program, please contact Brenda Johnson at 313-963-1000.