Look Who's Retiring

Tom Tackebury, Order Entry department supervisor, first began his employment at Emery-Pratt Company 28 ½ years ago. His last day as a full time employee was June 5, 2009. He will be returning as a part time employee.

Tom mentioned that he has had many great memories at Emery-Pratt such as “jokes on me or by me on other people.” He always took pride in projects completed successfully.

When asked what he will be looking forward to in retirement, Tom said, “Jobs I promised my wife that I would do.” Tom said he will definitely be coming back for morning breaks!

Tom is married to Lois, they have 2 daughters, Greta and Hattie, and one grandchild, Charlie.

Colleen Cook has been named the new Programmer and will be taking over Tom's duties. Congratulations Colleen! When asked what her main goal is in her new position, Colleen said, “to be able to do the job half as well as Tom.” The biggest challenge she sees? Always feeling like she is running out of time. “It's hard knowing where everything including files, programs, and procedures, are located and not having Tom (who knows exactly where everything is) there so I can say 'Hey Tom...' is hard, but I eventually find it.” Colleen and her husband Robert are the parents of two children, a daughter, Taylor, and son Anthony.

Employee Corner

6-Week Bran Muffins

1 (15 ounce)box of Raisin Bran cereal

3 cups sugar

5 cups flour

5 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

4 eggs, beaten

1 cup oil

1 quart buttermilk

Mix and store in refrigerator with tight cover on container. May be stored for up to 6 weeks. Bake in muffin tins at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Submitted by: Arlene Ash, Receptionist

What's Right With America

Keep the following thoughts in mind about what is right with America:

• Here in America we can share the Gospel with our fellow Americans without fear of violence or arrest.
• We vote for elective leaders in regular, nonviolent elections.
• We can travel from place to place without specific government permission.
• We have a masterfully written Constitution that has endured for over 200 years.

The facts in this article are from www.james-dave.com

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 Price Variance?

A: When you order your titles you give us an estimated price that you are expecting to pay for the book. When Emery-Pratt receives the book the price may be the same as you have estimated or it may be higher or lower. Emery-Pratt has made it possible for you to tell us how much above your estimated price you are willing to pay. This is called the Price Variance. Our standard price variance is $20.00, however you make the call as to how much you would like it to be. It can be $0.00 which means we will never ship a book to you that exceeds the estimated price you gave with the order without contacting you or it can go as high as $999.00 which means your books will be shipped no matter the price. We can also work with a percentage of your estimated price, that you choose. This gives us the ability to ship your books as long as they do not exceed that percentage of the estimated price. Obviously there are benefits to all these types of price variances depending on your desires. Our goal at Emery-Pratt is to customize your account to meet your needs in whatever way possible and we find that having a price variance expedites this process. If you would like more information about the Price Variance at Emery-Pratt Co. please feel free to call us at 1-800-248-3887.

When Leaders Fail

We are all human and have made mistakes. I will be the first to admit that I have made my share. But when those in leadership, whether it be a boss, mentor, pastor, business partner, etc., acts in a way that is less than expected, it can be especially disappointing. It just comes as more of a surprise when it is someone in whom you have placed your trust.

When this happens keep these thoughts in mind. First, when a leader has shown this side of their human nature, it doesn't mean they have gone completely off track. Look at their past actions, the situation at hand, and then watch how they handle things in the future. This will tell their true character.

Second, remember that they are still in a position of authority. Even though they made a mistake, you should still treat them with the level of respect they deserve.

Third, don't let the actions of an individual affect you in a way that compromises your standards. Continue to stand up for what you believe. Your reaction to these situations shows the character and integrity you have as a leader.

Lastly, remember that none of us are perfect. Someday you may make a mistake that will hurt or offend another. When this time comes, make sure you have the character and integrity to live up to what you have done, apologize if necessary, and then move on learning from the experience.

The book of 1st Samuel tells the story of King Saul and the jealousy he developed toward David. Saul attempted many times to kill David. But David's response was that of respect for the authority God had given the king, even though Saul was trying to take his life. David even had the opportunity to kill Saul, but showed his character and integrity by refraining from doing so. And in this, demonstrated his courage to stand up for what is right, both for himself and those around him.

So when you're faced with a situation where one you look up to has failed, don't let it affect you in a negative way. Have the courage of your convictions. Show you have the character and integrity to do what is right. And as a result you will demonstrate proper leadership to those around you.

Mo Shattuck, Marketing Manager

LIBRARY SHOWCASE

Linda Creibaum

Dean B. Ellis Library

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR

How long have you used Emery-Pratt as a book vendor?

We began using Emery-Pratt in Fall 2004.

Why did you decide to order from us?

I discovered Emery-Pratt when I bought books for another library. The service was so good and the people I talked to were all so professional, helpful, friendly and nice, that when I made the change to Acquisitions at another library I “brought” Emery-Pratt with me.

Is there one service we offer that you find is of great value?

Sharon and Jan, who have most of the interaction with your company including actually placing orders, especially like the status list, which they describe as very good and easy to use in many ways. The website was one factor that drew us to Emery-Pratt. From the beginning, it was very user friendly.

Any other comments?

Sharon has a very good relationship with about three customer service representatives who help tremendously. They answer back quickly and give the information we need to place an order or resolve a problem. When we have had special issues Ray Brabo has always been prompt and courteous in taking care of our special requirements.

EXTRA! EXTRA!

• Joanne Luchenbill (Administrative Assistant) traveled to Florida June 16-21 to visit Disney World with her daughter and grandchildren.
• Billie Jo Eastman (Receiving Department Supervisor) and her husband traveled to Las Vegas June 4-7. While they were there they had a chance to visit the Stratosphere Tower and enjoy the thrill rides located on top of the Stratosphere.
• On July 11, 2009, Christine Heinig (Receiving Dept.) attended the David Cook concert during the Chesaning Showboat Music Festival.
• Sally Kitchen (Customer Service Dept.) traveled with her three granddaughters to New Hampshire to visit her brother the week of July 13-20.
• Regina Sawyer (Receiving Dept.) took an over the road trip with her husband, Jerry, July 15-21. They traveled through Ohio and Indiana before returning home.
• Linda Limbaugh (Receiving Dept.) took a week off work in July to take her 10-year-old granddaughter, Sydney, on an educational Mackinac City trip. They were able to visit the sand dunes, the Sioux Locks, Fort Michilimackinac, and travel over the Mackinac bridge.
• On June 24, 2009, Emery-Pratt employees were treated to a luncheon sponsored by Physicians' Desk Reference, Inc. Bill Gaffney, Senior Director Copy Sales PDR, attended the luncheon to personally thank Emery-Pratt company for the time and effort put into the selling of the PHYSICIAN'S DESK REFERENCE and other medical titles.
• To provide better service to our customers, we have recently been upgrading our main computer system. This will give us current software and allow our computer system to operate faster.