Teamwork

“The strength of the team is each individual member..the strength of each member is the team.”

-Phil Jackson (NBA Coach)

During a college football game, I watched as the offense ran the ball for a long touchdown. The running back went one way then another, running away from defenders and crossing the goal line. After the play, the commentators remarked about the running back's speed and abilities. But, they also commented about the contributions of the offensive line in blocking defenders and the play calling of the offensive coordinator. Everyone involved had executed their responsibilities, each using their respective talents and working together to complete the play with success.

Whether in sports, volunteer organizations, or in the corporate world, groups have to work as teams to reach their goals. Sometimes there is one individual who is better known than the rest, but this person can't do it alone. He or she has to work with the rest of the team to bring about a positive end result. It takes the contributions of everyone to get the job done.

An ancient writing puts it this way, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecc. 4:12, NIV). Together we can share ideas, encourage one another, learn from one another and accomplish our goals.

December 4th is Extraordinary Teamwork Recognition Day. This day is designated to recognize those who work together to accomplish the big projects—as well as the mundane everyday tasks—that makes your organization a success. But, why wait? Now is the time to recognize those whose teamwork helps your organization reach its goals.

Mo Shattuck

Marketing Manager

Employees Dress Crazy and Get Away With It!!

October 27-31 was Halloween Dress Up Days at Emery-Pratt Company. As you can see from the photos below employees had a wacky time with a week full of different dress-up days that included Inside Out day, Crazy Socks/Mix Match Shoe day, Crazy Hat day, Crazy Clothes day, and on Halloween - Costume and Snack day.

In the Spotlight

In this issue of our newsletter we would like to introduce you to one of our very valuable employees, Martha Montgomery. Martha began working for Emery-Pratt 34 years ago and is an important part of our Shipping Department. She works diligently invoicing and packing books, and packing and shipping returns.

Martha lives in Owosso, MI with her husband Richard. They have five grown children: Ken, Benita, Terry, Bobby, and Lisa. Martha is very proud to say that three of her children have served in several different branches of the military, including the Marines, Air Force, Army and Navy. Martha and Richard have been blessed with 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Martha's interests include reading, her favorite book being Anne of Green Gables, cooking, walking, and listening to Rod Stewart music. She also enjoys shopping for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Martha mentioned that her favorite food is pizza, and her favorite day of the week is Friday. When asked what holiday she most enjoys, Martha answered, “Thanksgiving. Because the family is all together and you don't have to worry about buying gifts.”

According to co-workers, Martha “knows her job description and does her job well.” She is “easy to work with and has a lighthearted attitude.”

Emery-Pratt would like to thank you, Martha, for your strong, positive commitment to the company throughout your 34 years of service.

Conference Schedule

Below is a list of upcoming conferences we are planning to attend. If you are in the neighborhood we invite you to stop in and say “Hello.”

“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true meaning of our thanksgiving.”

W. T. Purkiser

Employee Corner

Pumpkin Cookies

1 C. shortening

1 C. sugar

1 C. pumpkin

1 egg

2 C. flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. salt

Cream together the shortening and sugar. Add pumpkin and egg, mix well. Add dry ingredients next: flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.

Drop on cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 mins.

Glaze: Mix 2 C. powdered sugar with a little water until thin enough to glaze a cookie. Add 1 tsp. Vanilla or 1 tsp. almond flavoring.

Makes approx. 3 dozen

Submitted by: Kathi Strong, Book Buyer

Frequently Asked Questions

Need answers to your frequently asked questions? Find them here in our general question and answer section. If you don't find the answer to your question here, please call us toll-free at 1-800-248-3887.

Q: What is a Standing Order?

A: Standing Orders are recurring titles or series that can be supplied annually, every two, three, four, or more years, or every time a new edition is published. When the customer sets up a standing order for the first time, they dictate the frequency. After that they do not have to order the book again. Emery-Pratt contacts the publisher for approximate publication dates and orders the title for the customer when it is due to be released each time. Choosing to use Emery-Pratt's standing order option saves you time and effort because we do the work for you. And, best of all, it is a service Emery-Pratt offers at no additional cost.

Featured Titles

Happy 80th Anniversary

The Oxford English Dictionary is celebrating the 80th anniversary of its 1928 completion. According to the Oxford University Press staff there are currently over 600,000 words in the OED. The OED fills 20 volumes and weighs 137 pounds. It has been available online since 2000.