Thank you!
Hats Off To The People Department
The “Voice”of Quality Oil
Coming Soon … QTR
A Really Big WOW ... Victory Junction Gang Charity Ride
At QOC, we put a Pickle on every plate!??!? HUH?
Hospitality News: Sleep Inn Wins “Inn of the Year” Award
Hospitality News: Hotel Hot Shots
Hospitality News: Hotels Start QTR Training
Dealer Corner: “and the rains came”
Three Cheers for the Oilers
Safety Zone: Heat-related Illnesses
2006 Service Awards
Oiler Crossword

Summer 2006 News

Core Ideology

To do it because it is right To treat others as we would like to be treated To be financially responsible To be better today than yesterday

Thank you!

We have all heard the phrase “When times get tough, the tough get tougher” — and it is indeed true, but it does not make it any easier. We have always admired and been proud of your dedication and hard work but it has never been as evident as now. We know how tough it has been on all of you lately. The low unemployment has put unprecedented pressures on keeping good people in retail, and coupled with the record temperatures of this summer, working service calls in this hot environment has tested us all. I want you to know that we realize how hard you have been working to maintain the “Operational Excellence” of your business. It has been tough but you have prevailed. Thank you again.

We are all working hard to provide solutions to these tough times. Our first priority is strengthening our recruitment and training programs. The first 10 people to call this number 336-721-9505 and say, Give ‘em the pickle will receive a $10 gas certificate. We polled many of you and asked what the most important thing a new or prospective employee looks for and it was “work place environment.” — In short, that means “Do I see myself happy and satisfied to work with these people?”

This is where each of you can help the most. Be good ambassadors to whomever you come in contact with — customers — fellow co-workers and potential employees.

Thank you also for such a positive spirit during such tough times. We realize the personal commitment each of you has made to maintain and exceed your “excellence” in service levels.

You are winners!

- Graham Bennett

Graham Bennett, President

Hats Off To The People Department

The People Department/Human Resources demonstrates the QOC spirit of teamwork every day. For each of Quality Oil’s 900 employees, this team of five sets up new hire files, manages insurance enrollment, and of course, gets our paychecks out on time. Approximately 450 paychecks are processed, printed, and mailed on a weekly basis. With their efficiency and dedication, our team makes this very demanding responsibility look easy. Next time you see or speak to someone in Human Resources give them a big—THANK YOU!!!

The Human Resources team includes (left to right): Glenda Wooten, Hotel Payroll. Glenda joined QOC in 2004; floral/wreath design is her hobby. Jamie Higgins, Quality Plus payroll/ Worker’s Comp claims. Jamie also came to QOC in 2004. Her hobby is picture framing. Tracy Harmon, Vice President Human Resources with responsibility for 401K/Profit Sharing and Worker’s Comp/Liability Claims. Tracy has been with QOC since 1987. She and her husband are Youth Directors at their church. Cindy Gentle, Office Payroll/Health and Dental Insurance. Cindy joined QOC in 1987. She is an avid gardener. Gay Zimmerman, Reliable Tank Line and Quality Mart Payroll. Gay joined QOC in 1998. Her hobby is bowling.

The “Voice”of Quality Oil

The first face you see or the first voice you hear at Quality Oil is that of Tamar Jefferies. Tamar has been that warm smile and cheerful voice that welcomes all to QOC for the past eleven years.

“T.J.” was born in Philadelphia, the youngest of six children. She served in the U.S. Navy and moved to Winston-Salem eighteen years ago. She has always taken pride in her work and has awards to show for it. In the Navy, she was named Sailor of the Month while stationed in Bermuda. Since coming to Quality Oil, she has received the Tiger Award from Exxon in recognition of her excellent customer service.

Tamar is a single mother with two sons, Mychal who is serving in the Navy and Ian who is at Guilford Community College. She is a marvelous cook. Ask most anyone here at the office about her famous macaroni & cheese. She is also our company Bingo caller!

Albert Schweitzer, a French theologian, once said, “In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” T.J. is that catalyst in many lives. On weekends she works for American Human Services in a group home setting for children with behavioral problems. She volunteers at Friendship House, a refuge for women with substance abuse problems and at Vision House for Girls. Through Catholic Services, she mentors a young lady with a child, helping her achieve her educational goals. She has worked with HOPE as a pediatric care team leader with children who have HIV/AIDS. As if these are not enough … … she is on her ninth gallon of donated blood.

Ms. J., as her “kids” call her, is a member of Mt. Sinai Full Gospel Deliverance Center where she works with the Women’s Department, Christian Education,Women’s Choir and Helps Ministry. Her favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11.“I know the thoughts I have towards you, for good and not evil, to give you an expectant end.”

Tamar’s life is a reflection of a true “Quality” way of life. Her hope is to one day work with African children who have HIV/AIDS through Feed the Children International. T.J., my sister and my friend … I can only say that they will be blessed by your presence.

— Annette Wagoner

QM#38 Welcomes Victory Junction Gang Charity Ride

On Sunday, July 30, the Victory Junction Gang roared (and I do mean ROARED) onto the parking lot of Quality Mart #38 on Hanes Mall Boulevard in Winston-Salem. It was quite exciting to see the shiny bikes and colorful riders as they made their first pit stop for the day.

Michelle Lowe, QM #38 manager, and her staff were well prepared. They spent the week before the big event getting ready for company: the shelves were well stocked; windows and doors were white-glove clean; outside landscaping was well manicured; and staff and a few regular customers were on hand to welcome the riders.

The Gang was on a mission to raise money for the Victory Junction Camp, a medical camping facility for children. Kyle and Pattie Petty started the camp in honor of their son Adam. Victory Junction enriches the lives of children with chronic illnesses such as arthritis, cancer, epilepsy and other genetic disorders — free of charge. Located near Randleman, N.C., the 75-acre track was generously donated by Richard and Lynda Petty.

The camp has 36 buildings, including a state-of-the art medical center and a performing arts center. If you want to know more about this wonderful camp, go to www.victoryjunction.org

At QOC, we put a Pickle on every plate!??!? HUH?

“Give ‘em the Pickle” is a fun, motivational look at the most important thing we can do in business ... take care of the customer. Pickles are those special or extra things you do to make people happy. The trick is figuring out what your customers want and making sure they get it. That’s the pickle.

Great companies and successful employees emphasize four things:

• SERVICE: Making serving others their number one priority.
  
  
• ATTITUDE: Thinking positively about customers because how you think about them is how you will treat them.
  
  
• CONSISTENCY: Setting high service standards and living them every day.
  
  
• TEAMWORK: Looking for ways to make each other look good.

Kim Williamson, Vice President of Hotel Sales and Training, congratulates Nidia Valle from the Hampton Inn in Lawrenceville, Ga. Nidia received her QTR certificate and pin for Guest Room Attendant.

Hotels Start QTR Training

Some teams have already completed QTR. At a recent team members’ luncheon, hotel team members who met all QTR criteria for Guest Service Representatives and Guest Room Attendants, received their certificate and pin. The certificates and pins are distributed twice a year at the six-month Celebration Luncheons. The next hotel departments to participate in QTR will be Laundry, Houseman, Maintenance, Sales, and Breakfast.

“Give ‘em the pickle.”

“I was very happy with my stay at the Hampton Inn in Christiansburg. I even got lost in Christiansburg trying to find the hotel. I called, and Mark was so kind. He gave me directions and stayed on the line with me to get me back to 460 as I was in a panic. I was alone in a strange city with my child. He went out of his way to calm and reassure me. Many thanks to this wonderful man.”
— G. Douttiel

Three Cheers for the Oilers

Front row: Shawn Cline, Melanie Lewis, Cindy Davis, Melissa Larkowski, Amber Schindler; Middle row: Dawn Edgar, A.D. Shore, Jessica O’Neil, Kim Arnder, Rebecca Hall; Back row: Dan Temperle, Norm Vaden, Junior Baca, James Noah, Eric Riley, Steve Troutman, John Hackett, Haywood Stroupe; Not pictured: Timothy Lawson, Jim Willis, Keith Schaeffer.

Heat-related Illnesses

Take good care of yourself in the summer heat by knowing the symptoms of the three most common types of heat-related illness: heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. Heat strokes are the most severe and can be fatal. Symptoms include a temperature as high as 105 degrees; hot, red, and dry skin; a rapid,weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing.

When you see symptoms of heat stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately. While waiting for Emergency Services, wrap cold packs in a cloth and place them on the victim’s wrists and ankles, in the armpits, and on the neck. Victims of heat exhaustion will have a normal temperature, but will have other symptoms: cool, moist, pale skin; heavy sweating; headache, nausea or vomiting; and dizziness. Heat cramps are muscle pains and spasms that result from intense exertion. Cramps most often attack the abdomen and legs.

To help avoid heat-related illnesses when working or playing outside, especially on hot, sunshiny days, follow these simple guidelines:

• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Take regular breaks.
• Eat small meals.

2006 Service Awards

Oiler Crossword