New Employees for April 2009
We would like to say a big “WELCOME ABOARD” to the following:

Richard Peters -  Eden Used Auto Parts, Delivery Driver

James Bowling -  Eden Used Auto Parts, Yard Foreman

Earl Truitt -  Eden Used Auto Parts, Dismantler

Melvin Lee Huffman – SaveMore, Counter Sales

Mike Clenney – Brandywine Trucks and Equipment, Mechanic

Announcements:

Congratulations go out to David Basulto on his promotion to Assistant Manager for the Brandywine Trucks & Equipment Operations.
David has been with Brandywine since January of 2005, has met and exceeded sales goals and has consistently been one of the top
salespeople.  Congratuations, David, you’ve earned this promotion!

Jodie Johnson  sales at Compact auto Parts and his girlfriend Lisa are expecting their first child at the end of November.

Pat Dennis, Sales Manager of Foreign Car Parts is getting married on September 25th

Judy McFaden is pleased to announced that her daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly and her husband Brian are expecting their first baby in November;

Daniel Crecelius, Sales Manager of Brandywine Two is planning a ceremony with his long time partner Stacey in September;

Ronnie Lawson, counter sales at Central Small Car Salvage has set the date with his girlfriend for June 2010

Walter Meinhardt Sr. is returning from Florida for a visit with Brandywine – can’t want to see you again Walter, we miss you!

Condolences and sympathies go out to…

Cheryl Miller of  BTE whose Grandmother passed away this month,
Brian Gray of Wholesale on the death of his Uncle, and to John Boyer of Brandywine Truck Parts on the passing of his Dad.

Holiday Closings – All Brandywine Companies will be closed on Monday, May 25th in observation of Memorial Day.

Ask the HR Team:

Question:  Can I cancel my Medical coverage out side of open enrollment?

Answer:   Generally this answer is no, but there are certain instances where you can:

We have often been asked about canceling an employee’s Medical insurance coverage at a time other than Open Enrollment period.

When an employee’s spouse has open enrollment at their place of employment, it may be advantageous for the employee to compare both coverages.  If it is a better or less expensive plan than the coverage offered by Brandywine, the Brandywine employee is able to “opt out” of our Plan and we can furnish you with the needed forms to cancel your coverage and answer any questions you may have.

Brandywine holds Open Enrollment every November for effective date of December 1.

Ask your Human Resource Department for more information.

Fork Lift Training and Re-Certification Completed

On Friday April 17th, Brandywine held it’s first “forklift rodeo”, a different twist on new certifications and re-certifications for forklift use where the emphasis was on safety, but having fun at the same time.  The contestants used the small forklift typically used for moving and re-stocking engines and transmissions and were judged on three things: first, the driver was teamed with another in a contest to see who could lose the least amount of water out of a full five gallon bucket while traveling the required course. Secondly, all candidates were required to pick up a basketball balancing on top of a safety cone and take to a basket 9 feet high and make the shot.  Lastly, all drivers were required to pick up an engine, put in the back of a “hatchback” van, remove it and place it back into inventory without either getting off of the forklift or damaging the engine or van.  At press time, we are pleased to give new or re-issued licenses to Mark Dolesh, Robert Caporaletti, Stephanie Flynt, who by the way was talented enough to pick up a quarter in the dirt with a forklift), Joe Thompson, Kenny Alvey, Barry Moore, CheChe Green, Neal Sullivan.  Great Job!

Anniversaries:  Congratulations to the following employees:

John Summers – Southern Maryland Auto Parts – 15 years – April 5, 1994
John “Danny” Butler - Brandywine Delivery – 5 years – May 11, 200

By: Will Kivett
G.M. Brandywine Installations Division

To be prepared for the changing weather and road conditions of spring, here’s a simple checklist of tips motorists should perform to help keep their vehicles running longer and more cost-effectively:

Check tire tread: The lower the tread depth the less traction you will have on wet roads and the greater the distance you will need to stop.
Watch for inflation: As temperatures change, so can tire pressure. Proper tire inflation is essential for increased automotive safety, optimum driving performance and significant cost savings, including better fuel mileage.
Breathe free: Replacing a dirty air filter can increase a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by reducing the strain on the engine, especially during warmer months.
Keep it flowing: When changing your motor oil, you may have to change the viscosity of the oil (especially from colder climates to warmer climates) In the warmer weather, you’ll get less protection as things heat up, so make sure you use the correct grade and viscosity.

Next Month: What you need to know about Tuning – up your engine.

By Judy McFaden, Safety Director

How do these opposite injuries affect each other?  They have so much in common and here’s how: when you’re injured at home and you can’t come to work, that affects everyone that you work with, greater burdens are placed on them to get the job done with one less team member.  Your family may suffer as a result of your off the job injury because you have potential lost wages and no salary continuation, and every time you go to the doctor you have a hefty co-pay to bear, plus, if you are unable to drive yourself to your doctors appointments, who are you going to get to help you out if your spouse works? Easier said than done to be safe at home all the time, but there are things that can be done both on and off the job that are just common sense.

1. Avoid unsafe acts;
2. Be vigilant in looking for safety hazards;
3. If you see a hazard correct it or, if at work, report it to your supervisor immediately;
4. Make sure you know what constitutes a safety hazard; if you’re unsure, ask;
5. Be an active participant in all safety training sessions at work;
6. While at work, make sure you follow company policies and procedures;
7. Be alert at all times;
8. Always use the proper tools for the right job;
9. Know when and where to use personal protective equipment; just because you’re at home cutting the grass or weed-eating doesn’t mean you don’t have to wear safety glasses or use hearing protection;
10. Look for safer ways to perform tasks and, if you come up with one at work, take some time to discuss with your supervisor.

Remember, you are a valuable member of both teams – your family and to Brandywine, and we all need to be safe for both of them.