Parsons Pride-December 2009 Edition
MESSAGE FROM CURT
By now everyone is hopefully finishing up a safe and successful hunt. I know as I write this I have yet to see a deer during the firearm season! Still the mild weather and time spent with family and friends makes the time away from normal life out in Gods creation fun even without "success." We have many things to be thankful for and hopefully your Thanksgiving was also spent surrounded by loved ones and was a celebration of the many blessings we all have in our lives. One thing that Parsons has always been thankful for is great employees, and we have many of them at all three of our locations! For the month of November, the employees who posted perfect CSI were Jeff Dahlke, Nick Dehart, Bob Duchan, Travis Karpf, Mike Kramer, Jason Melton, Pat Meyer, Larry Newman, John Schacher, Jeff Schielke, Jordan Sharon, Ray Anderson, Mark Bednarz, Janet Breese, Mike Hirn, Kevin Litzen, Micki Nelson, Charlie Rice, Drew Ritter, Josh Wergin, and Mike Wescher.
Speaking of things to be thankful for, Christmas is coming up, the time when we get to celebrate the birth of Jesus! This is truly a joyous time of the year for many reasons, but around here, it is time for the annual "Red Tag Sale" when you really can get some of the best deals of the year on the new vehicle you've been waiting for! For instance, on a new 2009 Chevy Silverado, there is 0% financing available, and you can stretch that all the way out to 72 months! On top of that, you can stack $1,000 dollars worth of bonus cash on top of the offer! However, it isn't just trucks that we have to offer, if you would like to experience a truly world class sedan, you need to get behind the wheel of the new Buick Lacrosse. We currently have an All Wheel Drive model sitting in our showroom to help you plow through those winter snows that we all know are coming! If a sedan isn't what you're looking for, try the new Chevy Equinox small SUV. This vehicle catapulted Chevy to the lead in a very crowded, very competitive segment of the market. This vehicle boasts a very refined interior, a stylish sporty exterior, and all the options a person could ask for. However, probably the most impressive part about this vehicle is the drivetrain. When you get behind the wheel of this vehicle, you are going to find all the power you need, all while getting up to 32 miles per gallon! Speaking of all the power you need (and much, MUCH more) try the all new 2010 Chevy Camaro! This is a vehicle you can get in several different configurations ranging from the "base" V-6 which still pumps out 304 horses of muscle car performance while achieving an unbelievable 29 miles per gallon, or if you really want to get the juices flowing, check out the SS with the 6 speed manual transmission which pumps out an unbelievable 427 horsepower! So, whether you're looking for the safety and economy of an all wheel drive sedan, the functionality and fuel economy of the segment leading small sport utility, or the throaty rumble of a muscle car, we have your new vehicle waiting for you at Parsons!
Until next month, Merry Christmas, and don't forget to come to Parsons for your stocking stuffer, to put a bow on a new Chevy or Buick, or choose from our expansive selection of preowned!
- Curt Parsons
Red Shirt Fridays
While traveling on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home. “No”, he responded. “Heading out?” I asked. “No, I'm escorting a soldier home.” “Going to pick him up?” “No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq, I'm taking him home to his family.”
The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, “Thank you, Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.”
Upon landing, the pilot stopped short of the gate and made this announcement over the intercom: "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."
Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American. So, here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do: Red Fridays…
Many Americans simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that ... Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women a far, will wear something red.
Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God and Our Country. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing. Let's make the every Friday in the United States, a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION INDEX (CSI)
Here are the latest CSI results based on the average of the last 3-month period as submitted by Mike Apfelbeck.
EAGLE RIVER:
Sales Service
Buick: 100.0% 100.0%
Chevrolet: 84.2% 100.0%
Total: 85.0% 100.0%
ANTIGO:
Sales Service
Buick: -- 100%
Cadillac: -- --
Chevrolet: 88.9% 100%
Pontiac: 100% 100%
Total: 92.3% 100%
Note: These totals are based on all valid questionnaires returned and the customers that are “completely” satisfied.
Service percentages are also affected by cross-line warranty results.
Welcome!!!!!
Parsons would like to welcome Mike Hicks to our sales team. Mike was hired to take over the internet sales position as well as some showroom sales. Mike has shown to be very internet savy and the perfect fit for that position. Please take time and welcome Mike as you see him at work or around town.
Dale
A word from our customers………………………………
Always receive good Service! Frank Neider
You guys are great! Thanks for taking good care of me (and my vehicles). Diane Briggs
Everyone is always helpful. My questions are always answered. Micki is always there for me whenever I have a problem. Bernice Hayden
Josh, Janet & Micki are very good at there job. Other people that work in service are good people. Don Daenicke
Everyone I met was very friendly. Gary Groff
Always good service when I bring my truck to Parsons. Del Fleming
PRAYER FOR A SOLDIER
By Bill Walsh/Linda Beers/Matt Twain
If ever there was a time for a prayer to be heard, now is the time to hear every word.
Now that our boys called soldiers have gone, please march with them and keep them strong.
Stand beside them if they have to fight, and in the darkness, be their light.
Don't desert them, march in their faith, So they'll be here when the morning breaks.
Bring them home safe and sound, Across the water to peaceful ground.
Home to loved ones, mother's, wives, daughters, sons…bless them all, each and every one.
They stand for freedom and make our flag true. These boys called soldiers for the red, white, and blue.
A prayer for a soldier, please let it be heard.
And please, Lord, hear every word.
A prayer for a soldier, with the job to be done, Please bring them home, these soldiers, your sons.
FINANCE NEWS
Bi-weekly Payments
Do you want to save some money on your loan? By making bi-weekly payments on a 60 month loan, you can pay off your vehicle in 55 months! The bi-weekly program works because the customer makes 26 half-payments over the course of a year, instead of 12. This reduces the loan balance and all future interest payments. Plus, you are building more equity on your
vehicle since you are paying more often on the principal. See Scott in our business office to ask about the Equity4U program and start saving some money today.
Submitted by Scott Furtak—Finance Manager
Eagle River Area Events
Christ Lutheran Live Nativity Sunday, December 06, 2009 - Monday, December 07, 2009 6-8 pm at the Christ Lutheran School.
Headwaters Council for the Performing Arts Concert Series - CTRP Saturday, December 12, 2009 "Community Theater Radio Play" - A Christmas Carol. Held at the Northland Pines High School Auditorium. 7:00 pm.
Eagle River Figure Skating Club Presents "Holiday On Ice" Sunday, December 13, 2009 7:00pm-Eagle River Ice Arena. Bring non-perishable food item for the Vilas Food Pantry as your entrance into the performance. Skaters perform to holiday music. Bake sale of holiday goodies.
Our Savior Lutheran Church Christmas Cantata Sunday, December 20, 2009 10:00 am at Our Savior Lutheran Church.
Tis the Season!
Before we all get lost in the forest of "Toyland" "Santaland" "Christmasland" or whatever "Otherland" the retail behemoths can make up let's please stop and remember what it's really all about.
The greatest classic movies ever made!
Stop down at the local video store and get a "I used to watch this every year when I was a kid" movie!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer(1964)
What island did the "misfits" end up on?
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
What did Frosty say when he came to life?
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
What was the dogs name?
A Christmas Story (1983)
What was the lamp made out of?
Babes in Toyland, or March of the Wooden Soldiers (1934)
Which great comedy duo stared in this classic?
The Bells of St. Mary's (1945)
This one was nominated for "?" Oscars!
The Bishop's Wife (1947)
What was the Angels name in the movie?
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Every time a "?" rings an Angel gets its "?"!
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
What famous store was this movie filmed in?
White Christmas (1954)
This movie made what song a Christmas classic?
Northwoods Share
“Sharing the love of Christ”
Toy Drive
Share in the spirit of giving this Christmas. Please drop off an unwrapped toy in the HHR in the showroom here at Parsons until December 14th. They will then be distributed to children and families in need this Christmas.
A New Year’s Prayer
May God make your year a happy one!
Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain,
But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;
Not by making your path easy,
But by making you sturdy to travel any path;
Not by taking hardships from you,
But by taking fear from your heart;
Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;
Not by making your life always pleasant,
But by showing you when people and their causes need you most,
and by making you anxious to be there to help.
God’s love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead.
Pass this on to your church, co-workers, family, and friends. What do you have to lose but 44 cents, what do you have to gain ----------- more than you will ever know.
Want to have some fun this CHRISTMAS?
Send the ACLU a CHRISTMAS CARD this year. As they are working so very hard to get rid of the CHRISTMAS part of this holiday, we should all send them a nice, card to brighten up their dark, sad, little world...Make sure it says "Merry Christmas" on it.
Here's the address, just don't be rude or crude.
ACLU
125 Broad Street
18th Floor
New York, NY 10004
Two tons of Christmas cards would freeze their operations because they wouldn't know if any were regular mail containing contributions.
So spend 44 cents and tell the ACLU to leave Christmas alone. Also tell them that there is no such thing as a " Holiday Tree". It's always been called a CHRISTMAS TREE!
For those of you who aren't aware of them, the ACLU, (the American Civil Liberties Union) is the one suing the U.S. Government to take God, Christmas or anything religious away from us. They represent the atheists and others in this war. Help put Christ back in Christmas!
December Birthdays
Debbie Bula 18th
Josh Wergin 21st
Mike Habenicht 29th
Morgan Larsons 29th
Stephen Brost 31st
December Anniversaries
Micki Nelson 6th 15 Years
Shannon Votis 12th 3 Years
Dennis Rogers 29th 8 Years
