Company Newsletter - Mears Transportation
Company Newsletter - Mears Transportation
Company Newsletter - Mears Transportation
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July - August 2012 Volume 16 Issue 4
2<br />
EMPLOYEE NEWS<br />
WELCOME ABOARD<br />
Hello Florida! is pleased to welcome Stacey Baytes as Account<br />
Manager. Stacey recently relocated from Atlanta, where she spent<br />
the last 7 years working with a destination management company<br />
in both Accounting and Operations roles. She has a bachelor’s<br />
degree in Recreation from the University of West Georgia and is<br />
finishing her master’s degree in Restaurant, Hotel and Meetings<br />
Management through the University of Alabama. We are excited<br />
to have Stacey join our Orlando team!<br />
We welcome Mickie Goelz to the role of Taxicab Sales Manager.<br />
A graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University, Mickie comes to<br />
us with prior experience in the transportation industry, but most<br />
recently from an insurance defense law firm here in Orlando.<br />
Her experience, education and enthusiasm will bring her much<br />
success with us. Through her efforts, we look forward to gaining<br />
new relationships and customers.<br />
Please welcome Carl Head as the newest fulltime Safety<br />
Investigator. Carl started with <strong>Mears</strong> as a part-time Investigator in<br />
January 2011. Carl consistently demonstrates a “can do “attitude<br />
and willingness to fill in whenever needed. He was previously<br />
employed with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, retiring in<br />
2004 after 20+ years. Carl brings a wealth of experience and<br />
knowledge that will continue to serve him well in his day-to-day<br />
duties on our Safety team. He also is a Florida Licensed real<br />
estate agent and is very involved with animal rescue and<br />
Masonic Lodge.<br />
ON THE MOVE<br />
Please join in congratulating Heidi Ziegler on her promotion<br />
to Customer Service Supervisor. Heidi has been in the transportation<br />
and hospitality industry for 30 years, the last four<br />
years with <strong>Mears</strong>. She began her career with us as a Cashier<br />
and quickly moved into Luxury Vehicle dispatching. With the<br />
launch of <strong>Mears</strong> Global, Heidi joined the Special Accounts<br />
department as the Lead Coordinator working closely with our<br />
affiliates in other markets. Prior to joining <strong>Mears</strong>, Heidi lived<br />
in Germany and worked as a Travel Agent for Pan American World Airways. She<br />
has also served in various capacities for multiple ground transportation companies<br />
throughout her career, including the role of General Manager. Heidi’s vast<br />
experience and her desire to always learn more made her an obvious choice for<br />
Customer Service Supervisor.<br />
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT<br />
Credit/Collection Specialist<br />
Melisa Lopez and Victor<br />
Gonzalez welcomed a baby<br />
girl on March 26. Lilyanna Bliss<br />
Gonzalez weighed 8 lbs., 3 oz.<br />
and measured 21-1/2 inches.<br />
Congratulations to mom, dad<br />
and big sisters Jordan, Leila<br />
and Brianna.<br />
MEARS IN MOTION NEWSLETTER • July - August 2012<br />
25 YEARS<br />
20 YEARS<br />
CONDOLENCES<br />
Bennett Jones<br />
Motor Coach Mechanic<br />
Larry Duniho<br />
Manager, Taxi Parts Counter<br />
WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT<br />
Rae Melek in Applications Development<br />
and Nick Maffeo exchanged wedding<br />
vows on April 21. Congratulations,<br />
Rae and Nick!<br />
Jerry Turner on our Client/Server<br />
Applications Development team and<br />
Andrea Polchlopek were married on<br />
December 3. Best wishes, Jerry and<br />
Andrea!<br />
Trolley Supervisor Ron Hyatt passed away on<br />
May 18. Ron joined <strong>Mears</strong> as a Motor Coach<br />
Operator In 2005.We extend our sympathies to<br />
his family, friends and co-workers.<br />
Heartfelt condolences to family, friends and<br />
colleagues of Luxury Vehicle Chauffeur<br />
David Cleator, who passed away on June 5.<br />
David had been an independent contractor<br />
with <strong>Mears</strong> since 1996.
15 YEARS<br />
Bruce Bauer<br />
Motor Coach Operator<br />
10 YEARS<br />
Dennis Allen<br />
CCC Service Mechanic<br />
Jack Bumgarner<br />
CCC Radio Dispatch Coordinator<br />
Howard Pikus<br />
Motor Coach Operator<br />
Edwin Diaz<br />
Motor Coach Operator<br />
Tammy Shaw<br />
Motor Coach Operator<br />
Lionel Jean Baptiste<br />
Motor Coach Operator<br />
Roberto Lahens<br />
Motor Coach Operator<br />
Al Rudinger<br />
Motor Coach Operator<br />
EMPLOYEE NEWS<br />
Miguel Fretts, Jr.<br />
Motor Coach Operator<br />
5 YEARS<br />
Eril Araujo<br />
Motor Coach Operator<br />
Renate Clawson<br />
Motor Coach Operator<br />
Ghisleine Emile<br />
Motor Coach Cleaner<br />
Patricia Garner<br />
Motor Coach MOD<br />
Ruben Gutierrez<br />
Airport Operations Lead<br />
Samlal Bachoo<br />
Motor Coach Operator<br />
Kismet Diallo<br />
Motor Coach Operator<br />
Fritz Exaus<br />
Shuttle Van Driver<br />
Scott Gasco<br />
Telecom Analyst<br />
Gaspar Merzoian<br />
CCC Shop Supervisor<br />
Giovanny Bonil<br />
Shuttle Van Driver<br />
Faleth Diogene<br />
Motor Coach Operator<br />
Kenneth Fischer<br />
Motor Coach Operator<br />
Renee Gramm<br />
Billing Specialist<br />
MEARS IN MOTION NEWSLETTER • July - August 2012<br />
3
4<br />
1 YEAR<br />
MORE EMPLOYEE NEWS<br />
5 YEARS Continued<br />
Dave Jennings<br />
Motor Coach<br />
Cleaner<br />
Jim Phillips<br />
Motor Coach<br />
Operator<br />
Latesha Bean, MDS<br />
Gianfranco Brancucci, MDS<br />
Michelle Brooks, HF!<br />
Matthew Cantwell, MDS<br />
Eduardo Cintron, MDS<br />
Carlos Cruz, MDS<br />
Oscar Delvalle, MDS<br />
Myrna Ellis, CCC<br />
Juan Fernandez, MDS<br />
KUDOS<br />
Andy Jimenez<br />
CCC Radio Shop<br />
Technician<br />
Julio Silva<br />
Motor Coach<br />
Operator<br />
Hello USA! National Account Executive<br />
Valerie Hershiser sends KUDOS to Program<br />
Manager Trish Kanner:<br />
“YOU ARE A ROCK STAR! Great job on the<br />
Conference Direct (CD) transfers! You have<br />
been so AMAZING and I have so enjoyed<br />
working with you. Thank you for all your<br />
efforts, sincere care and ’CAN DO’ attitude.<br />
Everything with CD has been great. It couldn’t<br />
have gone better, and I have really high standards!<br />
This is not an easy group to impress,<br />
and they were impressed.”<br />
Core Values: Efficiency & Enthusiasm<br />
Hello Florida! Account Manager Danielle<br />
Guido and Field Staffer Chuck Favorite send<br />
KUDOS to Motor Coach Operators Roy Richardson<br />
and Sam Knechel and Motor Coach<br />
Dispatcher Jimmy Williams:<br />
Reina Fernandez, MDS<br />
Omar Guayana, MDS<br />
Frank Hahn, MDS<br />
James Hickey, MDS<br />
Russell Hickson, MDS<br />
Sony Isaac, CCC<br />
Joel Irzarry, MDS<br />
Shieva Jolly, CCC<br />
Keith Jones, CCC<br />
MEARS IN MOTION NEWSLETTER • July - August 2012<br />
Abdel Laajaj<br />
Motor Coach<br />
Operator<br />
Chester Singletary<br />
Shuttle Van Driver<br />
“Kudos to Roy for going above and beyond<br />
his responsibilities to assist my group’s<br />
departure shuttle when we were in a bind.<br />
My group’s meeting let out about 45 minutes<br />
early, which was also 45 minutes before the<br />
shuttle was supposed to start. The staff and I<br />
had to scramble to get coaches to the hotel<br />
early. Roy came to help from out in the field<br />
since he didn’t have any other moves for a<br />
couple of hours. He did a one-way transfer<br />
and also offered to come back just in case we<br />
might need him again.<br />
“Also, kudos to Jimmy Williams, who helped<br />
get coaches to me as quickly as possible, and<br />
to Sam Knechel, who arrived early for the<br />
shuttle after his previous move and got right<br />
to work even though he hadn’t had a break<br />
yet.”<br />
Core Values: Efficiency & Enthusiasm<br />
Eric Martin<br />
Motor Coach<br />
Operator<br />
Mary Speigle<br />
DME Boarding<br />
Representative<br />
Camilla Nedd<br />
Motor Coach<br />
Operator<br />
Barbara Stadig<br />
Client/Server<br />
Applications Dev-<br />
elopment Manager<br />
Kim Kamensky, MDS<br />
Lawrence Kenoly, MDS<br />
Lindsay Leblang, HF!<br />
Vanessa Lopez, HF!<br />
Jennifer McCray, MDS<br />
Eddie Ortiz, MDS<br />
Cindy Parker, MDS<br />
Indira Persaud, MDS<br />
David Powell, MDS<br />
John Burkart (then a Motor Coach Operator,<br />
now MOD) sent KUDOS to fellow Motor<br />
Coach Operator Rick Just:<br />
“Big thanks to Rick for helping me out. He<br />
could tell from the radio chatter that I was a<br />
little confused about my next move. He took<br />
it upon himself to walk down to my coach<br />
and give me directions and a couple of pieces<br />
of advice that made all the difference. It was a<br />
smooth move after that.”<br />
Core Values: Enthusiasm & Efficiency<br />
Program Manager Mary Johnson sends<br />
KUDOS to Hello Florida! Field Staffers Lori<br />
Babb, Steve Babb, Tim Johnson and Bobby<br />
Seabrease:<br />
“For Starwood I was not feeling well and<br />
all the staff really stepped up to make this a<br />
flawless transfer. I wanted you to know what a<br />
Daniel Niles<br />
Trolley Supervisor<br />
Harry Waite, Jr.<br />
<strong>Transportation</strong><br />
Coordinator<br />
Hector Ortiz, Sr.<br />
Shuttle Van Driver<br />
Pamela Young<br />
MDS Customer<br />
Service Agent<br />
Carol Salgado, HF!<br />
Katriona Salmon, CCC<br />
Maurice Skyers, MDS<br />
Karen Strong, MDS<br />
Aimee Suid, HF!<br />
Christopher Taylor, MDS<br />
Dominique Walker, MDS<br />
Lisa Wilson, MDS<br />
great job they did and how grateful the client<br />
and I were for the wonderful job.”<br />
Hello Florida! Staffing Manager Mary Swift<br />
adds:<br />
“I always love receiving positive feedback<br />
from our partners and customers, but to<br />
receive kudos from a fellow teammate, in my<br />
opinion, is extra special!”<br />
Core Values: Efficiency & Enthusiasm<br />
Hello Florida! Senior Account Executive<br />
Susan Harry sends KUDOS to Hello USA!<br />
Marketing Manager Monica Armstrong:<br />
“Thank you for helping us with our MetLife<br />
& WL Gore group’s graphics! You have been<br />
spot on with everything and our clients really<br />
appreciate the perfection. I know [it has<br />
been challenging] to match up the WL Gore<br />
graphics and you were able to fix and finalize.
Growing Greener<br />
COMPANY NEWS<br />
In April of this year, City Cab <strong>Company</strong> of Orlando introduced the first hybrid vehicles to our taxi fleet. Currently we have 5 hybrid taxis, plus 12<br />
fuel efficient vehicles, all of which feature stylish good looks and extended service intervals that help to reduce their impact on the environment.<br />
Our Toyota Camry hybrid taxicab offers drivers a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 156 horsepower at 5700 rpm and<br />
156 pound-feet of torque at 4500 rpm. The vehicle mainly operates on the battery unless you need extra power; then the engine runs<br />
as needed. You also might be interested to learn that most of the charge for the battery comes from braking. Unique generators in<br />
the axles provide power to help keep the battery charged. The EPA-estimated fuel economy for the Camry Hybrid LE is 43 city<br />
mpg/39 highway mpg and 41 mpg combined.<br />
With customer and driver safety as our top priority, the Camry hybrid includes a number of important safety features. In government crash<br />
testing, it received a top 5-star score for overall crash protection, four stars for overall frontal protection and five stars for overall side<br />
protection.<br />
Sporting a redesigned company logo, these sleek new hybrids provide the City Cab <strong>Company</strong> with a fresh image that sets us apart in the transportation<br />
industry.<br />
Meet City Cab Driver Mike Hewitt, pictured here with a new Camry hybrid taxi:<br />
Q: How long have you been driving a <strong>Mears</strong> taxi?<br />
A: I’ve been contracting with <strong>Mears</strong> for three years now.<br />
Q: What did you do before becoming an independent contractor with <strong>Mears</strong>?<br />
A: I was an Information Technologies Executive.<br />
Q: What do you like most about your job now?<br />
A: I very much enjoy getting to know the customers. I also enjoy helping them with their vacation. It’s sort of like being their mobile concierge.<br />
Q: How does driving the new hybrid vehicle compare to driving a conventional/regular vehicle?<br />
A: It rides very smoothly and it is much roomier than it appears from the outside. And of course, the gas mileage is<br />
awesome. I only have to fill up every couple of days, versus every day. It has turned out to be a significant<br />
pay raise.<br />
Q: What surprised you at first about the vehicle?<br />
A: How quiet it is.<br />
Q: How do customers react?<br />
A: Customers are amazed at how much room there is and how quiet it is. Let’s just say I think<br />
we’re helping Toyota’s sales numbers. After riding in our taxi, I’ve had many<br />
customers say they would consider buying the hybrid Camry.<br />
KUDOS Continued<br />
MetLife is consistently blown away with our<br />
professionalism and expertise on all items.<br />
Thanks again for making us all look good. We<br />
really appreciate it!”<br />
Core Values: Enthusiasm & Efficiency<br />
Hello Florida! Director of Operations Kathy<br />
Turns sends KUDOS to Client Service Manager<br />
Karren Umstead:<br />
“Karren is awesome! I can’t thank you<br />
enough for having Karren assigned to us for<br />
McDonald’s and SAP. It was so great to have<br />
her there, just a phone call away. No matter<br />
what time, she would resolve any situation.<br />
She always came fully prepared with all the<br />
motor coach information and was just on top<br />
of everything.”<br />
Director of Client Services Lee Bradley adds:<br />
“Karren, once again you came through in<br />
grand style. Please accept my sincere thanks<br />
for your dedication and always doing<br />
whatever it takes to get the job done.”<br />
Core Values: Enthusiasm & Efficiency<br />
Shuttle/Dispatch Operations Manager Bobby<br />
Karim sends KUDOS to Motor Coach<br />
Operations MOD Patricia Garner and the<br />
Motor Coach Operations team:<br />
“I want to extend a sincere thank you to the<br />
Motor Coach Operations team for their extra<br />
efforts in assisting the Shuttle and DME<br />
Operations. Arrivals at the Airport were at<br />
a peak and equipment was limited. Patricia<br />
communicated with me throughout the entire<br />
shift to ensure that our operational needs<br />
were being fulfilled. She went above and<br />
beyond to make sure that equipment was<br />
not released before checking in with us. She<br />
maintained communication with our DCL<br />
counterparts to assist, and communicated<br />
pertinent information when necessary. Thank<br />
you, Patricia and a job well done.”<br />
Director of Client Services Lee Bradley adds:<br />
“Patricia, I would like to add my sincere<br />
thanks for a job very well done. Your focus on<br />
assisting the entire <strong>Mears</strong> team is indicative<br />
of your dedication to maintaining a seamless<br />
operation.”<br />
Core Values: Efficiency & Enthusiasm<br />
MDS Trainer Julie James sends KUDOS to<br />
Driver Managers Sandy Esteves and Cynthia<br />
Morris:<br />
“Sandy and Cynthia, thank you for your<br />
prompt and cheerful responses to my requests<br />
for assistance, information and employee<br />
photographs for each issue of the <strong>Mears</strong> in<br />
Motion newsletter! I very much appreciate<br />
your positive attitude and willingness to help,<br />
month after month.”<br />
Core Values: Respect, Efficiency &<br />
Enthusiasm<br />
Sandy Taylor, Disney Group Sales Coordinator<br />
sends these KUDOS:<br />
“I would like to thank all of our Limousine<br />
Chauffeurs for the outstanding job they<br />
always do to make sure every Disney<br />
Wedding is a day to remember:”<br />
Ottmane Belmoudden<br />
Darrell Davis<br />
Steve Kostecki<br />
Sam Masieh<br />
Stanley Minorczyk<br />
Ralph Roberts<br />
Core Values: Respect, Efficiency & Enthusiasm<br />
MEARS IN MOTION NEWSLETTER • July - August 2012<br />
5
6<br />
COMPANY NEWS<br />
The following skilled Motor Coach Operators qualified for our Spring 2012 Safety Awards banquet by<br />
achieving 2000 hours of accident-free driving. More than 25 drivers qualified for the first time this year, 14 drivers earned their second safety award this year,<br />
49 drivers are three-time recipients, 62 drivers are four-time recipients, and three outstanding individuals received this safe-driving recognition for the fifth time!<br />
5-Time Recipients<br />
GARCIA, CARMELO<br />
KNECHEL, SAM<br />
SMITH, DAN<br />
4-Time Recipients<br />
ARMISTEAD, MAURICE<br />
BARAN, DANIEL<br />
BLANCO, CLARENCE<br />
BORELAND, HORACE<br />
BOW, MICHAEL<br />
BRINES, BILL<br />
BROWN, TAMARA<br />
CABRERA, JOAN<br />
CADET, WILNER<br />
CASTRO, LUIS<br />
CENATIEMPO, RICHARD<br />
CHEATUM, GREGORY<br />
CZAYA, RICHARD<br />
DASMY, JOSEPH<br />
DELICE, JEAN<br />
DEOLIVEIRA, MARCONI<br />
DIEUDONNE, MARCELA<br />
DIOGENE, FALETH<br />
HINDS, RICHARD<br />
JAFFAR, SYED<br />
JEANBAPTISTE, LIONEL<br />
JEAN-GILLES, ANSON<br />
KAUFFMAN, CHARLIE<br />
KILKENNY, PHILLIP<br />
LAHENS, ROBERTO<br />
LOPEZ, MARLON<br />
LOVE, BOBBY<br />
LOVERA, ARMANDO<br />
MACLEOD, BILL<br />
MALAVE, RAFAEL<br />
MATOS, HENRY<br />
MEDERO, TITO<br />
MEIJA, JORDAN<br />
MENDEZ, SANTIAGO<br />
MILLS, JONATHAN<br />
MOORE, GREGORY<br />
MORALES, DAVID<br />
ORTEGA, BENJAMIN<br />
PAGLIOCCA, JEANNE<br />
PALACIO, JAVIER<br />
PETERSON, RANDOLPH<br />
PHILLIPS, JAMES<br />
PIERRE, JEAN<br />
PIKUS, HOWARD<br />
POINT DUJOUR, PIERRE<br />
PORTER, EDWARD<br />
REARDON, BILL<br />
RHYNARD, DAVID<br />
RIBEIRO, HENDERSON<br />
RICHARD, LUCNER<br />
ROCHA, ERNESTO<br />
SCHROEDER, PATRICK<br />
SHAW, TAMMY<br />
STEEL, ROCKLAND<br />
TAYLOR, ALAN<br />
TELSAINT, WILNEL<br />
VALENTIN, RUBEN<br />
VALLEJO, GUSTAVO<br />
VERA, MATILDA<br />
WALKER, FREDDIE<br />
WALTERS, KENRICK<br />
WALTON, CREETON<br />
Drivers received awards based on the number of times they’ve achieved the<br />
safety program goals.<br />
Award 1, for First-Time Recipients<br />
Snap-Shut Log Book Cover<br />
Expandable Saddle Bag<br />
Imprinted Stainless Steel Tumbler<br />
Streamlight Key-Mate<br />
Award 2<br />
Tire Tread Depth Gauge<br />
Milano Jr. Writing Pad w/Drake Twist<br />
Calculator<br />
Re-Usable Grocery Bags<br />
Houdini Automotive Escape Tool<br />
30100 Houdini Key Chain Rescue<br />
Hook Tool<br />
MEARS IN MOTION NEWSLETTER • July - August 2012<br />
3-Time Recipients<br />
ADAMS, JAMES<br />
ALMODOVAR, ISMAEL<br />
BAKER, TIMOTHY<br />
BOKEL, PAUL<br />
BROWN, SAMMIE<br />
CALIXTE, RICHARD<br />
CANTAVE, JACQUES<br />
CHARLIER, JEAN<br />
CLUTE, CHRISTIAN<br />
COOPER, RAYMOND<br />
CULLATON, BRIAN<br />
DE POFE, DOMINIC<br />
DEMARQUEZ, MARCEL<br />
DIAZ, EDWIN<br />
ELAM, NORMAN<br />
FELIZ, JOSUE<br />
FIGUEROA, BETSY<br />
GAITAN, LUIS<br />
GERMOSEN, SOBEIDA<br />
GONZALEZ, ALBERTO<br />
HASSAN, MOHAMMED<br />
HERNANDEZ, RICHARD<br />
HORN, GERY<br />
LAAJAJ, ABDEL<br />
LASANTA, CARLOS<br />
LILEY, RICHARD<br />
LOZADA, JOSE<br />
MARINELLI, JERRY<br />
MARTIN, JANE<br />
MARTIN, VICTORIA<br />
MCCREARY, GARY<br />
MCGINTY, ROBERT<br />
MESA, MARIA<br />
Award 3<br />
42” Arc Telescopic Folding Automatic<br />
Umbrella<br />
24 oz. Expedition Water Bottle<br />
12-Pack Cooler Bag<br />
Award 4<br />
Tool Kit<br />
Key Strap W/ Carabineer Hook<br />
Pen<br />
Shopping Tote<br />
Award 5<br />
Life in Motion Primary Computer<br />
Backpack<br />
Digital People Counter<br />
MILLER, MARK<br />
MINCHILLI, JOHN<br />
MURPHY, BILL<br />
OLMEDA, LINDA<br />
ORTIZ, USBERTO<br />
PANTOJA, JAROL<br />
PIMENTEL, DAVID<br />
ROBERTS, DARRYL<br />
RODRIGUEZ, ANTOINETTE<br />
SANTOS, ANGEL<br />
SHUTT, JAMES<br />
SIERRA, ROBERTO<br />
SOMMERCETTE, JOSEPH<br />
SOSA, NESTOR<br />
VALLE, JOSE<br />
WILKERSON, DONALD<br />
2-Time Recipients<br />
ALCIDA, CHERISTHENE<br />
ARMS, DANNY<br />
BACHOO, SAMLAL<br />
BAUER, BRUCE<br />
BERMUDEZ, ALEJANDRO<br />
CHAMBERLAIN, PAUL<br />
COLE, DONALD<br />
FULLER, PATRICIA<br />
JOYNER, ADAM<br />
JUST, RICKY<br />
LEITON, GERMAN<br />
MAIN, CLIFFORD<br />
MARTIN, ERIC<br />
MOLINA, GUILLERMO<br />
First-Time Recipients<br />
ANDERSON, GEORGE<br />
AUBOURG, MARC<br />
BAKER, WILL<br />
BELTRE, GILBERT<br />
BENTCLIFF, THOMAS<br />
BLOOM, MICHAEL<br />
BOWERS, ROBERT<br />
BRUCE, JAMES<br />
CHIDESTER, GARY<br />
COLON, EDWIN<br />
COLON, RANDY<br />
COLYER, HENRY<br />
DIFIORE, MATTHEW<br />
FREY, SHARON<br />
GIRALDO, JOSE<br />
GONZALEZ, CESAR<br />
HOWARD, SHAWN<br />
HOYO, MARCELINO<br />
HUGHLEY, DONNA<br />
JOHNSON-HORTON,<br />
ROSEANNE<br />
MACK, DAVID L.<br />
MASSE, DAVID<br />
MORCOM, RICHARD<br />
PEREZ, LUZ<br />
RAGBEER, RAMDATH<br />
RIVERA, MIGUEL<br />
RIVERA, VERONICA<br />
STEWARD, DANIEL
The Comfort Suites (computer code #1233) is now<br />
Clarion Suites Maingate West<br />
7888 West Hwy 192, Kissimmee, FL 34747<br />
407-390-9888<br />
Shuttle Zone 4; Luxury Vehicle Zone 162; Taxi Zone 354<br />
The Clarion MGW (computer code #1240) is now<br />
Comfort Inn MGW<br />
7675 West Hwy 192, Kissimmee, FL 34747<br />
407-396-4000<br />
Shuttle Zone 4; Luxury Vehicle Zone 162; Taxi Zone 375<br />
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (computer code #1199)<br />
is now open.<br />
1850 Century Drive, Orlando, FL 32830<br />
407-938-7000<br />
Shuttle Zone 4; Luxury Vehicle Zone 161; Taxi Zone 309<br />
Studio 6 Hotel (location code #48352) has been added to our<br />
system for shuttle service.<br />
5733 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee, FL 34746<br />
407-390-1869<br />
Shuttle Zone 4; Luxury Vehicle Zone 143; Taxi Zone 361<br />
New Epcot Experience Gives<br />
Guests Green Ideas<br />
Showcasing green living,<br />
the VISION House opened<br />
at Epcot on Earth Day,<br />
giving Guests eco-friendly<br />
ideas and inspiration.<br />
Sponsored by Green Builder<br />
Media, the innovative<br />
exhibit includes a guided<br />
tour showcasing an array<br />
of environmental options<br />
ranging from whole-home<br />
automation to energy<br />
efficiency.<br />
Source: MouseMail<br />
LOCAL NEWS<br />
Now Open: Art of Animation<br />
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort opened its doors on May 31 as hundreds of Cast Members welcomed<br />
guests and community leaders from across Central Florida who shared in the historic moment. The resort<br />
supported 800 jobs during construction, and once completely open later this year it will employ a total of<br />
750 Cast Members.<br />
The big blue world of Nemo and friends has come to life as Disney’s Art of Animation Resort opened its first<br />
phase with 320 Finding Nemo family suites, which sleep up to six guests. The Cars wing will open June 18<br />
with 480 suites, and The Lion King opens August 10 with another 320 suites. Standard-sized guest rooms will<br />
make up The Little Mermaid wing, the final phase set to open September 15 with 864 rooms. All the themed<br />
areas offer elaborate storytelling both inside and out, from each of the classic films.<br />
The three-story, value-priced resort hotel tells the story of the animation process in phases from pencil<br />
drawings to close-ups. It immediately transports guests into the worlds of favorite Disney characters and<br />
animated films beginning at check-in. Pencil drawings of Nemo, Ariel, Lightning McQueen and Simba adorn<br />
the entryway, and a chandelier composed of 77 animation storyboards enhances the lively and modern<br />
Animation Hall lobby.<br />
At each wing of the resort, giant sketchbooks filled with favorite characters pave the way to each storyline<br />
revealed. And the character sketches become three dimensional with some 2,500 sculpted figures decorating<br />
the resort’s exterior and interior. “Our goal is to make guests feel like they have been immersed in the artistry<br />
and enchantment of Walt Disney and Disney•Pixar animated classics,” said Walt Disney Imagineer Frank Paris.<br />
Inside the guestrooms, everything from linens and carpeting to fixtures and furniture all tie in to the storyline.<br />
In Finding Nemo, there are coral-shaped chairs and bubble ceiling lights; metallic tiles in the bathroom make<br />
guests feel as though they are in a submarine.<br />
Kids of all ages can make a splash at the “Big Blue” pool, the largest hotel swimming pool at Walt Disney<br />
World Resort, measuring 11,859 square feet. Guests will feel like they are swimming with Dory and Nemo as<br />
underwater speakers periodically pipe in music and messages from film characters. Guests will enter scenes<br />
from the animated world and can explore the colorful reef and East Australian Current with a giant-sized<br />
Mr. Ray whose wings span 27 feet, pose for a picture with Crush or frolic with Squirt in the Righteous Reef,<br />
a children’s play area.<br />
Disney Imagineers continue to put finishing touches on the three wings of the resort opening throughout the<br />
summer and into September. At Cars, a freshly paved road will lead to the Cozy Cone Motel complete with a<br />
Cozy Cone pool and cone-shaped cabanas. It’s a journey through an African landscape in The Lion King<br />
complete with an elephant graveyard play area that invites youngsters to seek hakuna matata time. Treasures<br />
from the human world fill Ariel’s grotto in an under-the-sea kingdom in The Little Mermaid courtyard.<br />
Situated adjacent to Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is opening in phases, with<br />
family suite rates starting at $248 per night. These 1,120 suites include two bathrooms, a kitchenette and<br />
three separate sleeping areas that can sleep up to six. The 864 standard rooms sleep up to four, with rates as<br />
low as $95.<br />
Source: MouseMail<br />
MEARS IN MOTION NEWSLETTER • July - August 2012<br />
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8<br />
MORE NEWS<br />
Spotlight on Safety<br />
Bad Things Happen To Good Drivers<br />
Every day, good, experienced drivers who obey the speed limit<br />
and stay alert, are injured or killed by inexperienced, careless,<br />
drunk or reckless drivers. The National Safety Council (NSC)<br />
estimates that there are, on average, approximately 34,700<br />
motor vehicle deaths in the U.S. each year. The NSC analysis<br />
also determined that even good drivers are injured or killed by<br />
the two most common accident types: head-on collisions and<br />
running stop signs or red lights.<br />
Head-On Collisions<br />
According to NSC statistics, the head-on collision is the cause<br />
of about 42% of the “good driver” deaths on the road. These<br />
accidents are the most sudden and most difficult to avoid.<br />
There is often little time for evasive maneuvers and the speed of<br />
both vehicles increases the violence of the crash. The estimates<br />
are that 63% of head-on collisions appear to be caused by<br />
distracted drivers or by drivers who fell asleep at the wheel<br />
and drifted into oncoming traffic; 20% occur around curves in<br />
the road where a driver was going too fast and veered into the<br />
opposite lane of travel; and 6% were caused by drivers passing<br />
another vehicle at a bad time.<br />
Running Stop Signs & Traffic Lights<br />
The NSC statistics further showed that 16% of “good driver”<br />
deaths were caused by another driver who failed to stop at a<br />
stop sign, and 8% of the drivers killed were victims of red-light<br />
running. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates<br />
that each year more than 800 people die and more than<br />
200,000 are injured in crashes that involve red-light running.<br />
The IIHS has further determined that crashes at red lights have<br />
increased more than three times the rate of all other types of<br />
fatal vehicle accidents in the U.S. After monitoring several busy<br />
intersections over several months, IIHS discovered a pattern of<br />
red light violation rates of three per intersection per hour . . . and<br />
the rate was more frequent during peak travel times.<br />
What Can You Do?<br />
Our nation’s highways are still the safest place to drive. The<br />
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)<br />
statistics show just 14% of traffic fatalities occur on highways,<br />
while an amazing 86% occur on city streets, side roads and<br />
byways. Of course, highway driving is never the only option<br />
you have, so use your professional training to avoid the poor<br />
driving habits of others. Stay alert and slow down when you<br />
travel on side roads. Keep your eyes moving to include looking<br />
far down the road, and stay alert for potential conflicts at all<br />
times. Approach curves with caution and at a safe speed. The<br />
same applies with intersections; be wary when you come to<br />
a stop sign or red light, even when you have the right of way.<br />
Watch other vehicles and their drivers to help determine what<br />
their actions may be. When your light turns green, take a couple<br />
of seconds and check both ways before proceeding. Protect<br />
yourself and slow down.<br />
Source: May 2012 Lancer Insurance <strong>Company</strong> “Driver Safety Bulletin”<br />
MEARS IN MOTION NEWSLETTER • July - August 2012<br />
Opening Dates Set for<br />
Magic Kingdom Expansion<br />
Progress continues on the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history, which is expected<br />
to draw even more visitors to Central Florida. As a multi-year project, New Fantasyland will<br />
open in several phases beginning this summer. In July, the second carousel of Dumbo the Flying<br />
Elephant will open along with a new interactive indoor area. Just in time for summertime<br />
fun in the sun, kids can also cool off with a new experience, Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station.<br />
By the holidays, several more experiences will be introduced, including Under the Sea -<br />
Journey of The Little Mermaid, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Be Our Guest Restaurant, Gaston’s<br />
Tavern and Ariel’s Grotto.<br />
Source: MouseMail<br />
Gaylord Opens Onsite Water Park<br />
The Gaylord Palms recently opened a new pool complex for hotel guests. For a real splash of<br />
WOW, kids will love the thrilling new Everglades-inspired Cypress Springs Family Fun Water<br />
Park. Highlights include:<br />
• Everglades-inspired water wonderland designed especially for families.<br />
• Multi-level water playground “tree house” with zero-entry beach-style design, four<br />
water slides, an active lagoon, plunge pool, water basketball play area, and dedicated<br />
toddler pool.<br />
• Poolside cabanas provide a private spot to relax and unwind.<br />
• Full-length feature films at the Splash ‘N’ Screen movie. (All films are child-friendly.)<br />
• Crack-A-Lackin’ Pool Party, where hotel guests can dance, play games and win fun prizes<br />
with special appearances by favorite DreamWorks characters.<br />
• Food and beverages at the new poolside SandBar.<br />
Source: Gaylord Entertainment
Here’s to Your Health:<br />
BackSafe ® Best Practices<br />
Dave is an active guy who’s never had any problems with his back.<br />
One day he’s at home doing yardwork when…OUCH! Suddenly he<br />
can’t move without severe lower back pain. What happened? Dave<br />
didn’t follow a few simple BackSafe ® steps to protect himself from a<br />
preventable injury.<br />
Many “sudden” back problems are actually the result of repeated small<br />
injuries over a period of weeks, months or years. These repeated “microtraumas”<br />
can accumulate and become a major pain in the back. Here’s what<br />
you can do EVERY DAY to stay healthy:<br />
Sitting:<br />
• Sit up straight, no slouching (your mother was right all along!)<br />
• Keep feet flat on floor<br />
• Be sure your lower spine is supported by the chair back<br />
• Hips and knees should be bent at a comfortable angle<br />
Lifting:<br />
• Keep your head up (don’t look down)<br />
• Test the load, get a good grip<br />
• Keep shoulders facing front, not twisted<br />
• Pull the load close to your body<br />
• Exhale while you rise smoothly upward<br />
• Straighten your knees, hips and legs; lift with your<br />
legs, not your back<br />
Carrying:<br />
• See your path clearly, before you start walking<br />
• Hold the load close to your body<br />
• Keep good balance<br />
• Don’t twist<br />
• Bend knees slightly<br />
Setting Load Down:<br />
• Take a wide stance<br />
• Bend knees<br />
• Keep head level<br />
• Arms straight<br />
• Exhale as you lower the load<br />
REMEMBER: “NOSE BETWEEN<br />
TOES – HEAD UP – LOAD CLOSE<br />
TO BODY”<br />
MORE NEWS<br />
MEARS IN MOTION NEWSLETTER • July - August 2012<br />
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CUSTOMER COMMENTS<br />
EXAMPLES OF<br />
EXCELLENCE<br />
Shuttle Van Driver Roberto Jimenez<br />
was commended by a grateful<br />
customer:<br />
“I was a passenger on your van<br />
recently. Roberto was my driver.<br />
He was prompt and professional,<br />
letting me know how many more<br />
stops we had before going to the<br />
airport. I have never had a shuttle driver inform me of<br />
this. His driving was very professional as well, making<br />
complete stops and making sure to slow sufficiently<br />
before turns. At times, a multi-passenger van can feel like<br />
you are on a roller coaster when the driver makes turns,<br />
but not with Roberto. Along the way, I realized I had<br />
forgotten my iPhone at the hotel (my phone is the lifeline<br />
of my business!). Roberto agreed to get me back quickly<br />
to grab it. I am truly grateful!<br />
“I don’t always use a shuttle when I fly, but whenever I<br />
can, I will use <strong>Mears</strong>’ shuttle from now on.”<br />
Core Values: Respect, Safety, Efficiency & Enthusiasm<br />
Luxury Vehicle Chauffeur Steve<br />
Kakeyere received praise from Tiv<br />
Stottlemyer and Jim Williams with<br />
ERA Real Estate Professionals:<br />
“We had the pleasure of having<br />
Steve as our Chauffeur. He delivered<br />
exceptional service to our<br />
family and staff. He was always<br />
prompt and courteous. We enjoyed seeing him almost<br />
every day. We were confident that we were in good<br />
hands. He is definitely an exceptional Chauffeur. His<br />
customer satisfaction rating is 10++++.”<br />
Core Values: Respect, Efficiency & Enthusiasm<br />
A grateful customer praised<br />
Checker Cab Driver Pierre Telcy:<br />
“We used the services of <strong>Mears</strong><br />
<strong>Transportation</strong> from Disney’s<br />
Boardwalk Hotel to Universal<br />
Studios. During the ride, I<br />
inadvertently left my wallet in the<br />
cab. Not realizing it for several hours, we contacted<br />
your organization and were given a claim number<br />
and were told that a call would be made to the<br />
fleet. We did not know the cab number or any other<br />
information. We didn’t hold out much hope of seeing<br />
the wallet again and started making arrangements for<br />
replacement identification because we were flying<br />
home the next day.<br />
“Before Customer Service had the chance to make any<br />
calls, my husband’s cell phone rang and it was the cab<br />
driver, Pierre Telcy. A passenger in the back seat had<br />
found the wallet and had given it to the driver. Within<br />
a half-hour, I had my wallet returned with everything<br />
intact! Thank for the quality of your organization and<br />
Mr. Telcy’s helpfulness, kindness and reliability.”<br />
Core Values: Efficiency, Integrity & Enthusiasm<br />
MEARS IN MOTION NEWSLETTER • July - August 2012<br />
Kyle Briggs with Estee Lauder Travel Retailing appreciated<br />
the service provided by Hello Florida! Account Executive<br />
Chris Esposito and Account Manager Regina Batcher:<br />
“Thank you for all your help in putting together my meeting<br />
room again this year. I was very impressed by Regina’s<br />
dedication and passion. She rose above and beyond the<br />
call of duty to ensure my room was a success. It is very<br />
refreshing to have someone with such drive looking out for<br />
your best interests (and who’s not afraid to crack the whip<br />
when needed!). Again, thank you for all your help and<br />
hard work.”<br />
Core Values: Enthusiasm & Efficiency<br />
Hello Florida! Account Executive Alison Davis recently<br />
earned this note of thanks from Dawn Jones with the<br />
Convention Services Department at Rosen Shingle Creek:<br />
“The Chick-fil-A party looked amazing; you did a great job!<br />
I am so impressed with your work. You make things happen<br />
for our clients. All the stress and no sleep over the last<br />
couple of months was worth it. Your party rocked.”<br />
Core Value: Enthusiasm<br />
Senior Disney Sales Manage Nick Stein and Program<br />
Manager Mary Johnson received these words of gratitude:<br />
“A HUGE thank you for assisting with our event. As<br />
always, it was a pleasure to work with you! You (and your<br />
team) exhibited the highest degree of professionalism and<br />
flexibility in dealing with our challenging group. I don’t<br />
know what we would have done without you! I hope we<br />
can work together again in the future!”<br />
Core Values: Respect & Enthusiasm<br />
City Cab Field Operations Managers Chris Recicar and Ian<br />
Kaufman received the gratitude of a guest at ESPN Wide<br />
World of Sports:<br />
“I want to extend my thanks to you and the crew for the<br />
help you provided at the Braves game when my Blackberry<br />
went missing. It turned up in Lost & Found, but your<br />
cheerful assistance was much appreciated.”<br />
Core Values: Integrity & Enthusiasm<br />
Motor Coach Operators Robert Bowers, Josue Feliz, Neil<br />
Goss and Omar Guayana were thanked by this customer:<br />
“The move went very smoothly and I’d like to commend<br />
the motor coach operators for their teamwork. They helped<br />
me keep counts on their own coaches, assisted the other<br />
drivers with staging at the end of the program and were<br />
very well mannered. They greeted the guests with smiles,<br />
and the cast members and the Walt Disney World (WDW)<br />
representative recognized how smoothly everything went<br />
at the end of the night. He made a positive comment on<br />
how the drivers were staged and how it made perfect sense<br />
for the flow of loading. We were staged in Odyssey parking<br />
lot and two coaches had to back in, facing in the out<br />
direction with doors to the Guests. Awesome idea by Josue<br />
and Neil to stage that way! Worked out GREAT! Kudos to<br />
our AWESOME drivers!”<br />
Core Values: Respect, Efficiency & Enthusiasm<br />
A happy customer complimented Motor Coach Operator<br />
Sam Knechel:<br />
“WOW! I don’t know where to begin. Everything about<br />
our trip to Lakeland was fantastic. You have no idea how<br />
thrilled I was to see Sam as our driver. I knew we were in<br />
good, capable and competent hands for the duration of<br />
our trip. He is a true ‘Boy Scout’ driver - on time, prepared<br />
and ready for anything. He phoned ahead to destinations,<br />
gave door-to-door service, even ran back for repairs so we<br />
would not be left on the side of the road with a breakdown<br />
and 40 miserable people.<br />
“As a culture, we don’t often take time to say thank you,<br />
so THANK YOU <strong>Mears</strong> and Sam for a great trip. We look<br />
forward to making the same arrangements next year when<br />
we go to Lakeland.”<br />
Core Values: Respect, Safety, Efficiency & Enthusiasm<br />
Luxury Vehicle Chauffeur Carl Stephenson provided great<br />
service to Ron DiLorenzo from Wheeling, WV:<br />
“I want to thank your company for the wonderful service<br />
you gave my family while vacationing at Disney. While<br />
boarding our plane to depart for home, I noticed I had lost<br />
my cell phone. I called everywhere I had been in hopes of<br />
finding it.<br />
“A special thanks to Carl for taking time to check his van<br />
and discover my cell phone. He called my son (who<br />
was listed on the phone). I couldn’t believe he sent it by<br />
next-day mail to accommodate me. What a true gentleman<br />
and fantastic Chauffeur, all of which is a reflection on your<br />
company. Simply put, you are a class organization. Thank<br />
you very much for everything.”<br />
Core Values: Respect, Integrity & Enthusiasm<br />
Isabelle Doin with HRG North America commended Hello<br />
Florida! Account Executive Anne Laxson:<br />
“This is our second year working with Hello Florida!. I<br />
would love to go back to Orlando just to get to work with<br />
Hello Florida! and Anne again. I can’t say enough about<br />
her dedication to her clients. She really is fabulous to work<br />
with (during the planning and on-site). Always prompt to<br />
respond and is always up for a last-minute challenge! Every<br />
individual we met from your team has been GREAT, not<br />
just good. Thank you so much for helping make our event<br />
a success!”<br />
Core Values: Respect, Efficiency & Enthusiasm<br />
City Cab Operations Manager Brian Roy passed along a<br />
satisfied customer’s compliments for Checker Van Driver<br />
Serge Telfort:<br />
“Bill came from New York to see a medical specialist.<br />
Serge transported Bill and his family to and from Florida<br />
Hospital, and gave him excellent service. Bill says Serge<br />
was a true gentleman and that he could not be more<br />
satisfied with our service.”<br />
Core Values: Respect & Enthusiasm
Cabot Tracey with Push Button Productions sends his<br />
thanks to Sales Coordinator Teneisha Nance:<br />
“Thank you for the transportation your company provided.<br />
It was exactly what we needed and worked out really well<br />
for everyone at the event. You were a big help getting the<br />
whole transaction figured out.”<br />
Core Values: Enthusiasm & Efficiency<br />
Hello Florida! Account Executive Kelly Kruszewski and<br />
Account Manager Melissa Klein made a great impression<br />
on this customer:<br />
“I want to extend my sincere appreciation for the fine job<br />
you and your staff did as our destination management<br />
company for our Circle of Champions sales incentive. We<br />
had many compliments for all facets of the trip – the<br />
airport transportation, the excursions and the dining events.<br />
Melissa and her crew did a great job taking care of us and<br />
being attentive at all the functions – very professional and<br />
customer service oriented.<br />
“I appreciate the role Hello Florida! played in making our<br />
event a success and look forward to working with you in<br />
the future if the occasion calls for it. If you need a<br />
reference for a potential new client, please feel free to<br />
use my name.”<br />
Kelly Kruszewski adds:<br />
“One of the nicest emails I have ever received. Thank you<br />
Melissa for being such a rock star. I really appreciate all<br />
that you do!”<br />
Core Values: Respect & Enthusiasm<br />
Jill Ashcraft with Automotive Finance Corporation praised<br />
Hello Las Vegas! Account Manager Jacqueline Aviles and<br />
Field Staffers Daryl Blakely and Tracie Gray:<br />
“Thank you for everything you did to make our weekend<br />
in Las Vegas a wonderful experience. Our folks raved about<br />
the experience they had, and you and your team are responsible<br />
for that. We certainly appreciate everything you<br />
did to make this weekend a huge success. Daryl and Tracie<br />
did an outstanding job and I really appreciate your taking<br />
the time to check-in with me to make sure all was going<br />
well. Thanks again for everything!”<br />
Core Values: Efficiency & Enthusiasm<br />
Paul <strong>Mears</strong> III received this complimentary note for Sales<br />
Coordinator Teneisha Nance and Shuttle Van Driver John<br />
McCammack:<br />
“Thank you so very much for providing the <strong>Mears</strong> shuttle<br />
van for our Lake Silver event. Your generous contribution is<br />
greatly appreciated. Teneisha and John were wonderful to<br />
work with. They were courteous, professional, friendly and<br />
prompt. They were great representatives of <strong>Mears</strong>.”<br />
Core Values: Respect, Efficiency & Enthusiasm<br />
CUSTOMER COMMENTS<br />
Dona M. Dickerson, Project Coordinator with HD Supply,<br />
complimented Motor Coach Operator Max Mena:<br />
“I wanted to let you know how great a job Max did for us!<br />
He knew exactly where we were going and how to get<br />
there. He came fully prepared and did not have to rely<br />
on anyone else. He did a great job transporting us and<br />
returning us safely! I wish more drivers were like him.”<br />
Core Values: Efficiency, Safety & Enthusiasm<br />
Sales Coordinator Erin Leonhardt, Motor Coach Operators<br />
Juan Fernandez and William Reardon and Hello Florida!<br />
Field Staffer Joe Zulywitz received this note of thanks:<br />
“I am very pleased with the service you and <strong>Mears</strong> have<br />
given us. I was delighted to see your representative, Joe,<br />
waiting for us with a big sign at baggage claim and leading<br />
us to your motor coach. Both drivers were very nice,<br />
helpful gentleman, and you have been very nice and<br />
helpful, too. I will certainly plan on using <strong>Mears</strong> again for<br />
such trips.”<br />
Core Values: Respect & Enthusiasm<br />
Barbara Allen with Frangus Elementary appreciated the<br />
service provided by Motor Coach Operators Lois Turco<br />
and Jeanne Pagliocca:<br />
“I wanted to praise our drivers, Jeanne and Lois. They<br />
were friendly, funny, and a pleasure to work with. Jeanne<br />
was very helpful in helping decide the best time to return<br />
from Legoland to ensure our arrival back at school. I know<br />
many people take the time to complain, but I had to let<br />
you know that these two ladies were awesome. We’ll be<br />
requesting Jeanne and Lois again.”<br />
Core Values: Enthusiasm & Respect<br />
Sales Coordinator Peggy Nance and Motor Coach<br />
Operators Bruce Bauer, Mark Miller, Jeanne Pagliocca<br />
and Alvaro Rudinger, Jr. were commended by a grateful<br />
customer:<br />
“Many thanks to you and <strong>Mears</strong> <strong>Transportation</strong> for<br />
providing motor coaches (and a luggage truck) for this<br />
year’s music travels. All trips went off without a glitch and<br />
you have been a tremendous help with the contracts.<br />
Without your help we would never leave the parking lot!”<br />
Core Values: Efficiency & Enthusiasm<br />
Sales Manager Ortancis Gaines received the appreciation<br />
of Charlene Bordenick with Cryovac, Inc.:<br />
“Ortancis, I want to thank you so much for making all<br />
those changes on the ground transportation reservations!<br />
You are a major key to the success of our annual meetings<br />
each year at Bay Hill. Thank you not only for your expertise<br />
in handling our transportation needs but also the<br />
professionalism with which you handle it. You make<br />
my job a lot easier.”<br />
Core Values: Respect & Enthusiasm<br />
EXAMPLES OF<br />
EXCELLENCE<br />
Luxury Vehicle Chauffeurs<br />
Alberto Joa and Domingo<br />
Rivera-Velez received a five-star<br />
review from Mark J. Bendix,<br />
President and COO of the Bama<br />
Companies:<br />
“Recently I had the opportunity<br />
to be served by your company<br />
while attending the McDonald’s<br />
Global convention in Orlando.<br />
The purpose of my note is to<br />
share my experience with you<br />
about the outstanding service I<br />
received by two team members.<br />
“I was staying at Marriott Orlando World Center when<br />
I first was served by Domingo Rivera-Velez. He took<br />
me to Ritz Golf Course where I had a tee time. He<br />
was extremely polite, respectful and service oriented.<br />
During my stay of 4 days I had a full calendar of<br />
events, meetings, and social obligations. When<br />
Domingo dropped me off at the course, he asked if<br />
I needed any additional rides and said he would be<br />
willing to accommodate them. Knowing I had a tight<br />
schedule over the next few days, I figured I would see<br />
how reliable he was. I told him when my golf game<br />
was going to be over and that I needed him to be<br />
there promptly, as I had another event to attend but<br />
needed to return to the hotel first.<br />
“This was the beginning of a busy week. Domingo<br />
was there on time and ready with a friendly demeanor.<br />
That evening, I asked him if he would be<br />
available, as I had to attend a cocktail reception and<br />
a dinner at another location. Domingo shared that his<br />
shift was over at 4 p.m. but that he would call a friend<br />
who could handle the transportation that evening.<br />
Domingo went out of his way to call Alberto Joa and<br />
coordinate my transportation needs for me and my<br />
business associates. He called to confirm the times<br />
and even checked in later that evening to make sure<br />
Alberto arrived on time. Over the next 4 days these<br />
two individuals provided the highest level of service<br />
for me and my business associates. They both were<br />
outstanding representatives of your company and<br />
were the most professional and service oriented drivers<br />
I have had.<br />
“I travel extensively around the world with businesses<br />
in Asia and Europe and use cars and drivers quite<br />
often. These two individuals are at the top of my list<br />
in terms of service, quality, flexibility, reliability and<br />
generally nice people.<br />
“I, too, am in the business of serving customers and<br />
would want my people to act and serve customers the<br />
way these two gentlemen served me.”<br />
Core Values: Respect, Efficiency & Enthusiasm<br />
MEARS IN MOTION NEWSLETTER • July - August 2012<br />
11
12<br />
CUSTOMER COMMENTS<br />
Sales Coordinator Jose Ulmos and Motor Coach Operators<br />
Robert Bowers, Brian Cullaton, Kismet Diallo, Gary<br />
McCreary and Tammy Shaw received this note of thanks<br />
from Gary Mervis, Chairman and Founder of Camp Good<br />
Days and Special Times:<br />
“On behalf of all the children, young adults and women<br />
who had the opportunity to participate in the Camp Good<br />
Days and Special Times’ annual Florida trip, I would like<br />
to thank you for your help in providing our motor coach<br />
transportation.<br />
“The <strong>Mears</strong> motor coach transportation allowed for us to<br />
all travel together and helped to make the trip special for<br />
all those who attended. In addition, please know that all of<br />
the drivers we had throughout our stay were very pleasant<br />
and accommodating.”<br />
Core Values: Enthusiasm & Respect<br />
Judy Campbell with Northern Blizzard Resources<br />
expressed her appreciation of Hello Arizona! Director<br />
of Business Development Kathleen Glenn and Account<br />
Manager Rachel Bell:<br />
“I have had so much positive feedback from our group on<br />
how well they were looked after by Hello Arizona! on the<br />
Phoenix trip. They said that everything ran so smoothly and<br />
every small detail was taken care of.<br />
“Thank you, Kathleen for recommending the Montelucia<br />
and for your incredible assistance in putting all the events<br />
together. Thank you, Rachel for bringing it all together and<br />
making the event such a success.”<br />
Core Values: Enthusiasm & Efficiency<br />
Kathleen Reynolds, Wedding Coordinator with Disney’s<br />
Fairy Tale Weddings, commended the service provided by<br />
Limousine Chauffeur Ralph Roberts:<br />
“Ralph was totally wonderful to work with. He was exactly<br />
where he was supposed to be when he needed to be there.<br />
I also liked how he knelt in front of the rear tire as the bride<br />
got into the limousine so that her dress did not come in<br />
contact with the rear tire and get dirty. Great attention to<br />
detail and another WOW!”<br />
Core Values: Respect & Enthusiasm<br />
Hello Florida! Senior Account Executive Lisa Bussard-<br />
Compton, Creative Services Manager Cendy Knight and<br />
Account Manager LeeAnne Littlefield earned this<br />
compliment recently:<br />
“A long overdue note of thanks to you, Cendy, and<br />
LeeAnne for our wonderful event! I’m still receiving calls<br />
on how beautiful it was.<br />
“Over the years I have worked with numerous destintation<br />
management companies, and you are, by far, the best! You<br />
made our vision a reality in a very short period of time and<br />
did it to perfection!<br />
“I thoroughly enjoyed working with all of you. Thank you<br />
for making my job so easy.”<br />
Core Value: Enthusiasm & Efficiency<br />
MEARS IN MOTION NEWSLETTER • July - August 2012<br />
Karyn Rizzo with SunLife had great things to say about<br />
Program Manager Trish Kanner:<br />
“You were an amazing partner and friend, and I really can’t<br />
thank you enough! From the minute I met you, I knew how<br />
committed you were to making our program a success!<br />
It ran flawlessly, as I knew it would. You went above and<br />
beyond and I truly appreciate it. I took up so much of<br />
your day but you continued to have a pleasant smile on<br />
your face! I hope we get a chance to work together again.<br />
Again, my sincerest gratitude.”<br />
Core Values: Respect & Enthusiasm<br />
Amy Riendeau, Wedding Event Manager with Disney’s<br />
Fairy Tale Weddings, appreciated the service provided by<br />
Luxury Vehicle Chauffeur William Simpson:<br />
“I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the<br />
driver. He called to let me know that he had found the<br />
missing phone and brought it to the Marriott Resort. The<br />
fact that he found it and returned it to the guest immediately<br />
is outstanding. AND he called me to let me know. I<br />
wanted to recognize him for the outstanding guest service<br />
he provided to this group! He deserves a gold star.”<br />
Core Values: Respect, Efficiency, Integrity & Enthusiasm<br />
Senior Sales Coordinator Rachel Bustamante and several<br />
Motor Coach Operators received this message of gratitude<br />
from Wendy Gray, Dreams Coordinator with Dreams<br />
Come True:<br />
“I am writing to say a great big thank you to you for all<br />
your help and support with our recent group trip to<br />
Orlando. As always, you arranged our coach transfers<br />
perfectly and I cannot thank you enough for taking care of<br />
this as well as arranging the airport transfers for the Gamble<br />
family who were travelling back to the UK. We really<br />
appreciate your being there. The group had a wonderful<br />
time in Orlando and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.<br />
“The drivers, as always, were first-class and couldn’t have<br />
been kinder or more helpful. No wonder so many people<br />
choose to travel with <strong>Mears</strong>.<br />
A special “thank you” to the following Motor Coach<br />
Operators who participated in various moves for this group:<br />
George Blum<br />
Luis Castro<br />
Christian Clute<br />
Oscar Delvalle<br />
Dan Lawler<br />
Bobby Love<br />
Robert McGinty<br />
Core Values: Respect, Efficiency & Enthusiasm<br />
Jane Martin<br />
Jeanne Pagliocca<br />
Corey Steff<br />
New Hello Arizona! Account Manager Jamie Britts was<br />
thanked by a happy customer right out of the starting gate:<br />
“Everyone was just great to deal with. It was really a<br />
pleasant experience, in fact the best one since I have been<br />
planning meetings and events for the past 10 years.”<br />
Hello Arizona! Account Executive Brianna Moody adds:<br />
“Jamie – great job! Kimberly from Brandt Tractor had a<br />
great experience with us. Way to go on your first program<br />
operated!”<br />
Core Value: Enthusiasm<br />
Sales Coordinator Janie Bascom received an “A+” from<br />
Cornerstone Charter Academy:<br />
“Thank you for making the adjustment [we discussed]. It<br />
is wonderful to work with such a reputable company that<br />
clearly has integrity. In today’s world, that integrity shines!<br />
We will definitely be using your company in the future. I<br />
will recommend you to others as well!”<br />
Core Values: Respect & Integrity<br />
We would also like to recognize the following individuals<br />
who received compliments from customers recently:<br />
Heather Husom<br />
Jeanine Ollarek<br />
Michele Caruvana<br />
Eti Itah<br />
Robert Bowman<br />
David Crawford<br />
Charlie Kauffman<br />
Roberto Lahens<br />
Christopher Luckie<br />
Rafael Malave Munoz<br />
Merry Meyer<br />
David Rhynard<br />
Gustavo Vallejo<br />
Derrick Wilson<br />
Bruce Boulden<br />
Linda Schwarz<br />
NEWSLETTER CREDITS<br />
Published bimonthly through the<br />
teamwork of:<br />
Cher Brutus, MDS Operations<br />
Chris Earl, Safety<br />
Joy Fleming, Employment<br />
Rosemary Gates, Sales<br />
Shannon Gravitte, Gov’t & Community Relations<br />
Heather Husom, Hello Arizona!<br />
Julie James, Training & Development<br />
Kraige Jean, Motor Coach Operations<br />
Bill Langbein, Print & Graphic Services<br />
Julie Mezzina, Hello Florida! Orlando<br />
Emily Nicolas, Hello Florida! Ft. Lauderdale<br />
Lynn Pool, Training & Development<br />
Jose Pujals, Print & Graphic Services<br />
Cari Rubin, Human Resources<br />
David Taitano, Taxi Training<br />
Jim Ungvary, Human Resources<br />
Heidi Ziegler, MDS Operations<br />
Melissa Zorko, Hello Las Vegas!