Masonry Magazine March 2007 Page. 62
News
Customer Service-The importance of customer service cannot be understated in a cooling market. In her session, Southwest Airlines Marketing Manager Angie Russell will present online and offline strategies for building solid internal and external customer relationships. "Customer service starts from the heart," says Russell. "Southwest Airlines has overcome many obstacles by giving our famous 'Positively Outrageous Service' to customers by applying those high standards to our employees first."
Change Management-Change is a constant in the building industry. "Our role as professionals must evolve to keep pace with the changes in our world," says Ed Robinson, Robinson Seminars. Robinson will share practical suggestions to help builders cope, survive and thrive through the change by adding value to the organizations they serve.
For more information on the new Survival Guide and education sessions or to view all show details, visit www.MidwestBuildersShow.com or call (630) 627-7575.
President Bush Visits Caterpillar Manufacturing Facility
Caterpillar Inc., recently hosted President George W. Bush at its manufacturing facility in East Peoria, III., where Bush commended Caterpillar for successfully demonstrating that U.S. companies can compete on the world stage.
President Bush tours production facility, speaks to workers and calls Caterpillar one of the great American companies.
"The US. and global economy have benefited from the President's pro-growth tax and free trade policies, which have stimulated strong economic growth," said Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Jim Owens while introducing Bush. "I thank Team Caterpillar for representing the competitive American spirit and positioning our company to take advantage of the opportunity created"
During his visit, Bush highlighted free trade agreements put in place during his administration, which have benefited companies like Caterpillar. The machines and products made in East Peoria and at Caterpillar facilities across the United States are shipped throughout the world. Caterpillar exported more than $10 billion in products in 2006, a record for the company. Bush also recognized worker training programs, safe workplaces and competitive health care benefits that make up the culture of excellence and accomplishment at Caterpillar.
"Today's presidential visit was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our employees," said Bob Williams, the Caterpillar vice president who leads the company's US. Operations Division with responsibility for three of the company's largest manufacturing operations, which are located in Illinois. "Many of our employees got to meet the President, and he in turn praised them for their hard work building Caterpillar's signature product: the track-type tractor. These machines are the workhorses of the world's greatest construction projects. They are a strong export product for our company and represent American manufacturing at its best."
Bush talked about how communities such as Peoria contribute to the strength of the American economy. Bush said he was impressed with the quality of Cat machines that are in demand all over the globe, but even more impressed with the American workers who build them. He again spotlighted these issues when he delivered a state of the economy speech.
Industry News
Genie Offers New 1-3-5 Standard Telehandler Warranty
Genie Industries now offers the most comprehensive telehandler warranty offered in North America. The new 1-3-5 standard warranty covers electrical components for one year, hydraulic components for three years and structural components for five years. The 1-3-5 warranty applies to any Genie telehandler ordered (for North America) after Oct. 1, 2006.
"The general industry-standard warranty is 1-1-5: one year or 2,000 hours of operation on the entire machine, one year on hydraulic components and five years on structural components," explains Jeff Dunn, Genie warranty manager. "Offering 1-3-5 terms not only provides more extensive coverage than you get with competitive models, it also brings the warranty in line with other Genie self-propelled products, an added benefit to our customers."
Genie launched its telehandler line in February 2006, and has been working to deliver the most comprehensive and responsive after-sales support system in the industry. Customers can easily address warranty issues online at www.genieindustries.com or by calling the Genie warranty department at (866) 927-7269. All warranty claims are processed through Genic headquarters in Redmond, Wash.
Genie's full line of telehandlers are designed for a variety of applications including heavy construction, general contracting, demolition, masonry, utilities.