2011 Employee of the Year!

Suzi Elmquist Employee of the Year!

We are happy to announce that the award for 2011 Employee of the Year goes to Suzi Elmquist, Office Manager at Carmenita Truck Center.

Suzi’s tenure with Carmenita Ford Truck Sales and now Carmenita Truck Center spans 22 years.  She started out in the Accounts Payable Department, moved to the Accounts Receivable Department and for the last 8 years has been Office Manager.  As Office Manager, Suzi is an integral part of the New and Used Truck Sales Department as she handles all of the stocking, booking and reporting for truck sales and other office management responsibilities.

Suzi played a very important part during the transition period with Carmenita and was always available and supportive to the staff and managers.  As Office Manager, Suzi exhibits professionalism and expertise both in handling her job duties and interacting with her peers.

 “Suzi is the first person I go to with questions and no matter how busy she is, she’s always willing to help!”…..Steve Schmoeckel, Service Manager, Carmenita

“Suzi is the glue that keeps us together.  Through the changes that have taken place over the past 2 years, Suzi has been essential to the forward momentum of our store.  She is here early and stays late to make sure our day to day runs as smooth as possible.  Everyone at Carmenita has had an opportunity to learn from Suzi’s vast knowledge of our business.  From DMV to finance to inventory, she is a one stop shop when it comes to getting things done.  I personally have learned a lot from Suzi, and with her help I am looking forward to many more years of growing a very positive and productive dealership”………..Patrick O’Brien, Truck Sales Manager, Carmenita.

Congratulations, Suzi, and thanks for all of your hard work and dedication.

Christmas Tree Magic 2012

Everyone did a fantastic job decorating their trees.  Lots of original themes this year and much creativity displayed!

Tom’s Service decorated their trees will antique oil cans. 

Tom’s Sales decorated their team to honor our good friend and founder, George Heidler.

The Depots decorated their tree to look like Santa on a red Suzuki Equator decked out like Rudolph and a sleigh.

The PDC turned their tree into a beauty pageant queen, Ms. TTC!

Carmenita decorated their tree traditionally with pretty red and white poinsettias and a Carmenita hat for the tree topper.

Lastly, our winner, H-Auto and their creative, hand-made pipe cleaner ornaments.  There were snowmen, presents, stars and more all made from pipe cleaners. There were even Elmos, Grovers, and Piglets!

Congratulations H-Auto, you have won a pizza party for your team!

Effective Jan 3, 2012-Hand-Held Cell Phone Use by Drivers of Buses and Large Trucks is Prohibited

The final rule prohibits commercial drivers from using a hand-held mobile telephone while operating a commercial truck or bus. Drivers who violate the restriction will face federal civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense and disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for multiple offenses. Additionally, states will suspend a driver's commercial driver's license (CDL) after two or more serious traffic violations. Commercial truck and bus companies that allow their drivers to use hand-held cell phones while driving will face a maximum penalty of $11,000. Approximately four million commercial drivers would be affected by this final rule. While driver distraction studies have produced mixed results, FMCSA research shows that using a hand-held cell phone while driving requires a commercial driver to take several risky steps beyond what is required for using a hands-free mobile phone, including searching and reaching for the phone. Commercial drivers reaching for an object, such as a cell phone, are three times more likely to be involved in a crash or other safety-critical event. Dialing a hand-held cell phone makes it six times more likely that commercial drivers will be involved in a crash or other safety-critical event. All employees who drive a commercial vehicle of 10,000 lbs or more will be affected by this law.  Employees are not to use cell phones, nor the push-to-talk (walkie-talkie) while driving.  No texting while driving.  If you need to use your cell phone, you must make and end calls with the touch of one button (i.e. making call on speed dial).  But you must be using a hands free device and your phone must be within reach of your seat-belted position.  Any calls that do not abide by these regulations you must pull over to a safe location to take/make the call. Tom’s Truck Center Organizations will not be responsible for your fines.  Please plan accordingly before the Jan. 3rd effective date. To learn more about the U.S. Department of Transportation's efforts to stop distracted driving, please visit http://www.distraction.gov <http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/redirect.aspx?page=http://www.distraction.gov> Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Ban on Hand Held Cellular Phones <http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/other/faq/cellphone-ban

George Heidler 1941-2011

Memorial Service for George Heidler
Saturday, October 15, 2011
11:00 a.m.
Zion Lutheran Church
222 N. East Street
Anaheim, CA 92805 (Directions)
714-535-1169

Reception following at:
The Phoenix Club
Ballroom
1340 S. Sanderson Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806 (Directions)
714-563-4166
(Off the 57 Fwy at Ball Road, 1 block East, Right 2 Blocks South)

Donations may be made on behalf of George to the following organizations:
(Details for donations to these organizations will follow.)
The George P. Heidler, Jr. Automotive, Transportation and Logistics Academy
The National Brain Tumor Society

Visit George’s Caring Bridge Website

George Heidler's Slideshow

Tom’s and Carmenita Truck Sales is Growing!

In our quest to remain at the front of our industry, a Commercial Truck Sales Academy was created to develop successful truck sales people. K.C. had the vision to develop an academy of qualified individuals who had a desire to gain knowledge and experience in the our industry. K.C. worked very closely with Gary Skeen to develop the curriculum for the academy. Gary used his vast knowledge and experience of running Carmenita Ford for over 30 years as a basis for the academy drawing on his proven success.

On March 1, 2011 the Commercial Truck Sales Academy held their first class. All candidates completed a 7 week course led by Gary. Candidates learned how to properly spec a truck, including gross vehicle weight (GVW), payload, and center of gravity, all critical information for our customers to carry a load safely. Gary brought in guest speakers from manufacturers to body and lift gate companies.

On April 21st the Academy graduated 5 candidates and welcomed them to the truck sales team with a celebratory dinner. In attendance with the graduates were K.C. Heidler, Gary Skeen, Brad Skarsten, Mike Conte, Jennifer Luis and Patrick O’Brien.

The Tom’s Truck graduates will be mentored by Mike Conte. The Carmenita Truck Sales graduates will be mentored by Patrick O’Brien. Please join us in welcoming them to our team!

TOM’S/DEPOTS/CARMENITA/REINDEER

FLU SHOT FORM

Date: Thursday, September 29, 2011
Time: See Below
Location: See Below
Cost:  FREE for employee
$20.00 for family members (to be deducted from payroll check)
Download Form >>

2011 Employee Appreciation Event Photos

High School Inc.

Employee Of The Year Chris Himmelberg!

Chris joined the Tom’s family in 1999 and has become a great asset to our organizations.

She was a quick study and learned every area of all of the organizations.  She has an incredible understanding of our industry and the strategic direction of our business.  She complements and supports it very well.  Chris has been instrumental in every franchise acquired in the dealership organization.  She is a pivot point within the companies and works very closely with all managers.  She is the go-to-person if you ever need anything and she is always willing to do whatever it takes to get things done.

She is always upbeat, very professional and extremely loyal.  She is one of the few talented enough to write in short hand and translate it!
As KC’s direct assistant, Chris does a great job of keeping him coordinated with all of the different organizations that he oversees.  She plays a huge role in seeing that details are obtained and projects are completed. 
And it is for these (and many others) reasons why Chris Himmelberg is our 2010 Employee of the Year.
CONGRATULATIONS CHRIS!

“Chris has always been extremely helpful with anything I needed.  Her great attitude and wit is always appreciated.  She keeps K.C. organized. (WOW)”
–Brad Skarsten, General Sales Manager, Tom’s Truck Center

“Chris is one of the most positive and friendly people that we have here.  She’s very aware of what’s going on in the company and she is a great go-to person when you need help with anything.”
--Nicole Azevedo, Marketing Manager, TTC, CTC, and The Depots

“Chris is always very helpful and thorough in whatever she is doing.  Chris has had a positive attitude in every situation and is a pleasure to work with.”
--Vern Harmier, General Manager, Carmenita Truck Center

“Chris is a very special teammate and always supports me and my department in any way possible. We are all lucky to have her unconditional support.”
--Peewee Price, Part Director

“4 more years, don’t go anywhere, you are great at what you do for us.”
--Steven Nguyen, General Manager, Kia/Suzuki Depots

“Chris is great. She is always there for us no matter what the need may be. She may not have the answer right away but she gets the answer in a timely manner.  She is very reliable and always has a kind word for everybody.”
--Steve Beeson, Service Manager, Tom’s Truck Center

Truck Sales Awards 2010

Get Well George Video!

PDC Warehouse Progress

Safety Message!

Bend your knees when lifting heavy objects.

Procedure for calling 9-1-1

Safety starts with YOU!!

We all need to take a part in making our workplace safe. The best way to do this is by identifying risks and preventing injuries before they happen. If you see something that you feel could be unsafe, please bring it to the attention of the HR Manager, your Manager or submit a suggestion via the employee portal.

Evacuation & Fire Extinguisher Map Links

Holidays	Date Observed (Paid)
New Years Day	Friday, December 31, 2010 (New Year's Day for 2011 falls on a Saturday)
Memorial Day	Monday, May 30th, 2011
Independence Day	Monday, July 4th, 2011
Labor Day	Monday, September 5th, 2011
Thanksgiving Day	Thursday, November 24th, 2011
Christmas Day	Monday, December 26th, 2011

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