Wayne Bergeron

Bonham’s Chi Lambda

Think sorority and the immediate image is a college campus, Greek letters over the entrance of a white columned house, and young women off to the prom. That may be the image, but it is not necessarily the reality.

For decades, business and professional women in America have banded together to further social and community goals and to foster good works through social service sororities. Chi Lambda in Bonham began as a local chapter of the national service sorority Epsilon Sigma Alpha in the 1970s. After a decade of affiliation with the national group, the Bonham chapter spun off as an independent entity with a new name, Chi Lambda, but with the same devotion to serving the people of Bonham and Fannin County.

Chi Lambda marked its “Silver” anniversary in 2009, chalking up twenty-five years of interaction with the community with a celebration and renewal of the group’s mission of service. Early on, the members focused efforts on programs for Mental Health and Mental Retardation and volunteer work in nursing homes. The last decade has seen the emphasis shift to children, and Chi Lambda sponsors the Fannin County Special Olympics. Members also work with the “Autumn in Bonham” bike rally, Relay for Life, and other events and activities directed toward helping local children.

Valentine’s Day is Chi Lambda’s birthday, so it is fitting that the group’s symbol is a heart— “As love of sister for sister and friend for friend outweighed potential barriers, Chi Lambda was formed and secured with a bond of love.”

Officers:
President – Marsha Sewell
Vice-president -  Dawn Nichols
Secretary – Jennie Poe
Treasurer – Andrea Pennington

Members:
Audra Andrews, Paulette Andrew, Beverly Berni, Mandi Brooks, Karen Butler, Alice Carruth, Sondra Compton, Stephanie Dennis, Sandy Dobbels, Ashlea Frasier, Michelle Griffin, Jane Hodge, Kenna Hodge, Laura Lackey, Samantha Lumpkins, Brenda Moore, Royce Moss, Leslie Oliver, Barbara Parker, Mary Payne, Lisa Porter, Tammy Rich, Patsy Richardson, Denise Sanderson, Doris Shockley, Sally Simpson, Brenda Sims, Connie Skidmore, Julie Todd, Kelly Trompler, Linda Vaught, Ashley Walker, and Freida Welch.

The Changing Auto Dealership

(ADV) Everything in the car business has changed. That’s nothing but good for consumers.

Get ready to be surprised at Holiday Chevrolet-Ford. From the sales department to service and parts, it is not business as usual in terms of wheeling and dealing for a new car. “We just want to do business differently than people are used to,” Holiday owner Matt Johnson said. “And that’s in a good way.”

To start with, Johnson has empowered his salespeople, managers and other employees to make their own decisions. That does not mean that Johnson is necessarily happy with each decision they make; some are learning
experiences for the staff at Holiday. “Every single employee I have has the ability to make a decision,” Johnson said. “They may not make the right one, but at least they made one. That way I can cultivate them to make the right decisions and they can learn from their mistakes.” General Sales Manager Tony Ventura said that it was a very different environment than other places he’s been employed, but that he appreciates Johnson’s trust. “Matt operates under the philosophy of asking for forgiveness rather than permission when we’re making decisions. That empowers everybody,” Ventura said.

What is the Holiday difference? Parts manager Howie Beste, a 28- year employee at Holiday, said that more than ever, employees are willing to go the extra step and take care of customers. For a working environment, Beste said that he liked the family atmosphere that is present at the dealership under Johnson’s ownership. But it all comes down to basic values in pinning down the Holiday difference. “Honesty, that’s the biggest thing with me,” Beste said. “I know this sounds like a cliché, but we want to treat people like we would want to be treated,” Johnson said. “Many are delightfully surprised and say that was the easiest transaction they’ve made when buying a car.” Holiday salespeople will take as little of the customer’s time as possible so that each party can get on with the business of life.

In explaining the Holiday difference, Johnson listed three misconceptions many have about car dealerships that do not apply to Holiday.

Misconception # 1 — My choices for a new vehicle are limited to what’s on the lot. And if what I want is not on the lot, I can’t have it. “People are under the impression that they can’t go in and ask for the car they want,” Johnson said. “They think they have to buy something that’s already on the lot. That comes from sales people who try to force people into thinking they have to buy something today, or something is a good deal because it’s purple.” Those salespeople do not work at Holiday. In an interview, a Holiday salesperson will ask a customer exactly what they want, find it and guarantee the lowest price. Even if that dream car happens to be in Michigan, Holiday will find it, and get it home. “There’s nothing as a Chevrolet or Ford dealer that we cannot do,” Johnson said. “We love getting people what they want.” Through the power of the Internet, Holiday not only finds the right car for community members, but for car-buyers throughout the country.

Misconception # 2 — Tires are cheaper at discount stores than at the dealer. Yes, discount stores may have the cheapest tires, but Johnson said that those tires are manufactured for that market, with different treads and lower tire life. Holiday Chevrolet can get you a better tire that will be a better deal for the money, with more miles. And Johnson is so sure his price is the lowest, the difference will be refunded if you find the same tire for a lower price.

Misconception #3 — When the dealer services your vehicle, you pay a premium. Most people would guess that taking their vehicle to a dealer to perform repairs is more expensive than taking it to a garage or chain repair shop, but once again, Holiday guarantees its service prices will be the lowest. And there is no charge for evaluating the problem. After technicians make a diagnosis, the customer has the option to have the problem fixed. If technicians need to keep the vehicle to make a diagnosis, Holiday will furnish a loaner. Holiday’s service department boasts four diesel master techs for diesel engine repairs. Two senior master technicians work at the Ford service center. “We will surprise you by the things we will do to make your life easier, and to get your business,” service manager Jimmy Kimbrel said. Holiday also will pick up customers, deliver vehicles and provide shuttle service. They honor all competitors’ repair coupons. In addition, Holiday has a maintenance loyalty program that offers discounts on service, vehicle purchases and a free fifth oil change. Beginning in January, the service department at the Ford location will be open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

And the dealerships are expanding in other areas, too. Look for the Ford location to receive a face lift early this year. “It will be awesome by midyear,” Kimbrel said. Internet sales manager Kraig Clement said that expanding the Internet sales division was risky in these economic times, but under Johnson’s ownership, that department has flourished. “This is not like a normal dealership,” Clement said. “What other dealerships aren’t doing, we are.” For instance, when it comes to technology, Holiday is not just a “little country store.” If you don’t have access to  a computer you can just tap the touch screen on your iPhone. Holiday is the first Chevrolet dealer in America with its own iPhone application, which is available for download at the Holiday Website. You can set service appointments, ask questions, get directions, view inventory and check prices and availability of products and accessories all from your iPhone.

Clement credits Johnson’s accessibility and low-key management style with creating a work environment that contributes to the Holiday difference. “It is hard work, but you’ve got an owner that’s not afraid to take chances,” Clement said. Johnson has owned Holiday Chevrolet since 2003, and acquired the Ford dealership last July. With 47 employees, the dealerships are important assets to the community and Johnson understands the forces that drive its economy, such as agriculture and the equine industry. As a service to those groups Holiday gives discounts to members of the Texas Cattle Raisers Association, American Quarter Horse Association, National Cutting Horse Association and Farm Bureau.

Credit where credit is due. Holiday has a program where anyone with a guaranteed income can be approved for a car. Unlike some car dealers who “tote the note,” Holiday reports to all three credit bureaus, which repairs credit when payments are made regularly. A database matches a car to how much the client can pay, and caps the amount the dealer makes from the sale. That takes a commitment from the dealer, and from the bank. By making regular payments, within months the client may be able to upgrade vehicles. While some dealers may not want that type of client, Johnson does. “That’s exactly the customer I want to help because I will get their business for the rest of their lives,” Johnson said.

That is Johnson’s goal—to make lifetime customers. And with the ease of transactions at Holiday, customers are returning for the fair deals and the guaranteed low prices. “The bottom line is, we keep pushing ourselves until the customer is happy.” Johnson acknowledged that times are hard for the auto business but in spite of the tough times, Holiday’s 2009 sales topped 2008 sales. “I’m so proud of everybody that works here for that. But you know what? It’s not that tough to give somebody what they want. And that’s what we do. We give people what they want.”

Holiday Chevrolet-Ford
1009 Highway 82 West
Whitesboro, Texas 76273
Chevy 903-564-3551
Ford 903-564-3594
www.holidaychevyford.com

Top of the World, Ma!

How many technicians does it take to change the light bulb at the top of a three-hundred foot tower? Probably just one if it’s Jon Johnson. He climbs towers—radio, TV, communication— for Shipman Communications of Denison, the company that keeps police and fire departments all over Texoma talking to each other.

We see those flashing lights on top of some towers. I suppose they need changing from time to time?

Yes, it still takes a person to change the lights on the towers. They are actual bulbs, halogen and strobe. The size of the bulb depends on the type of tower and the FAA’s (Federal Aviation Administration) regulations on the type of safety lighting required. We work in a lot of different areas. We maintain and service 9-1-1 dispatch vehicles, climb towers, you know, a little bit of everything. We also do a lot of private and industrial communications. However, 75 to 80 percent of our business is public safety communications for the sheriff’s office and EMS and fire departments. We service about six counties in north Texas and twelve counties in southeastern and central Oklahoma.

What got you on a tower the first time?

I just came by Shipman one day and asked if they needed part-time help, and I’ve been here a little over three years. I just kind of did it one day and thought it was really cool, but you just have to get over the fear of climbing straight up into the air and really trust yourself. The first tower I climbed was 140 feet tall, and I went up to hang an eighteen-foot antenna. We have customers that look at us and say, “Well, I’m happy you’re here to do it, ‘cause I’m not going to do it.” It’s a job that you really have to want to do and enjoy doing. Some people look at a tower and say, “Yeah I can do it,” and do it, or just say “No” and walk away. There really isn’t an in between.

How difficult is it to climb the towers, and how dangerous?

It’s really a whole-body workout. I mean it’s a Stair-Stepper from hell. You work your calves, arms, thighs, I mean everything. You’re climbing completely vertical, lifting your own body weight. If you put on thirty pounds of safety equipment, plus the weight of the tools, and the different parts you have to carry, it may add two hundred extra pounds slung all over your body. So yeah, we get our workout. Sometimes we work in tandem, other times we don’t. It depends on what you think you’re capable of. However, there is always someone on the ground watching your back. If I get tangled up in my lines, they will climb up the tower and give me a hand.

How important is the safety factor?

We do a lot of safety courses, which teach you fall protection and how to tie off your climbing lines. We learn the importance of having a breakaway line, which is a bundled line you hook up above your head as you climb. If you fall, the breakaway line reels off with you and absorbs the shock of the impact. We really strive to be safe. We inspect and replace our equipment regularly. We look for fraying in the climbing ropes. The first sign of fraying shows that it needs replacement. Our harnesses have a “life expectancy.” If I were to buy a new harness today, I’m not supposed to use it for longer than a year. Even if I only climbed three times in it and it still looks brand new, I’m not supposed to use it. We keep up with all of our safety equipment because it can be a life or death situation.

Up there in the air, what strange things have you seen or had happen?

There are times when you will start in the morning and its beautiful, but three or four hours will pass by and huge storm will roll up on you. I’ve been on towers larger than three hundred feet and the wind will be calmly blowing, and then suddenly there’ll be large gusts, and you can feel the tower try to swing and buck you. You really have to trust your safety equipment more than you trust yourself when that happens. The oddest thing that I’ve seen, which you wouldn’t really think could happen, is that wasps actually build nests nine hundred to thirteen hundred feet up on a tower. I’ve been six to eight hundred feet on a tower and been attacked by wasps.

Writers Workshop April 20

If you have ever considered being a journalist or feature writer, this is your opportunity to learn what it takes to be published in the area’s leading magazine.

Texoma Living! Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Edward M. Southerland will hold a two-hour workshop on Tuesday, April 20th in the Grayson Room at Kelly Square in Sherman. The program begins at 6:30 pm and the $20 admission includes workshop materials and refreshments. Meet like-minded people who share your interest in learning the basics.

Items coveregd in this pace-paced workshop:

• Finding those “hidden” stories
• How to develop a story submission
• Discovering the “heart” of your story
• Why it’s always “Texoma People. Texoma Stories.” that is chosen
• How to accept and use constructive criticism
• How to “Write Tight.”
• Why Texoma Living! uses the Chicago Style Guide

Plus, your Questions in a casual open forum of idea exchange.

HOW TO REGISTER

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