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January - February 2010Volume 18 Number 1

AWC on the Move ................................ 2Perfect Attendance ................................. 3A Journey Worth Taking ...................... 3Safety Statistics 2009 ............................ 6Health Care Reform .............................. 7Carrying the Torch! ............................... 8

HigH Score on AAr Audit At VAncouVer, WA

— Mike Repman, Operations Manager, Vancouver WA

Congratulations to all associates at the Vancouver facility for receiving the highest score on an AAR audit since Auto Warehousing became the Processor for Subaru here in Vancouver.

Ray Fries with the AAR arrived at the Vancouver facility on the morning of January 19, 2010. The visit was unexpected as we were not due for an audit for several more months. Ray performed an Origin and a Destination Quality Review. The Vancouver team excelled and gave an outstanding performance getting a score of 97.21% on the Destination Review and a very impressive 98.68% on the Origin Review. The most exciting part was that the crew scored a perfect 100% on the contractor portion of the Origin audit.

It worked out perfectly that Larry Strug (National Transportation Manager) of Subaru was in town and was able to sit in on the wrap up meeting with Ray, AWC, SOA, and BNSF Railroad. Larry was very pleased with the results of the audit. This would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication that all of the employees at the Vancouver facility put forth on a daily basis.

I would like to extend a special thanks to Ron Hoodenpyle (Rail Lead), Judy Coleman (Yard Lead) Tim Roberts, Jacob Skube, David Vinsonhaler (Rail Loaders) and Duane Werbowski (Portland Operations Manager).

We are happy to announce that Angela Fambles-Robinson is a new team member to the Corporate HR Department, serving as Human Resources Generalist. Angela earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in 2001 and her masters degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma in 2008. She has served as Equal

Employment Opportunity Specialist, Benefits Marketing Specialist, and Beneficiary Counseling Manager. Angela has won countless awards, is a lifetime member of the Leukemia Society, a member of the Red Cross, is married to husband Joel, and has one son, Xavier.

Welcome Angela to the team!

— Julie MacDonald, Vice President Human Resources

Welcome neW member of Hr teAm

Associates have 30 days from their eligibility date to enroll in the medical plans. Any enrollments received after the 30 days will be returned to the associate, and they will have to wait until the following December to enroll. Changes will be effective January 1.

Any changes (adding spouse, adding children) also have a 30 day window to enroll. Again, any enrollments received after the 30 days will be returned and the associate will have to wait until the following December, effective January to enroll the new dependents.

Other changes (deleting dependents, address changes) are accepted at any time. To ensure accuracy we ask that you send in changes within 30 days of its occurrence.

IMPORTANT BENEFITS NOTICE

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AWC

On the Move

Please join us in congratulating these associates on their recent career advancements:

TenMichael Garcia, Ottawa NorthKai Yang, PortlandFrankie Reyes, TacomaDavid Carmichael, PortlandDan Ryan, PortlandJennifer Keller, PortlandDavid Yarnell, WoodhavenPaul Her, PortlandTony Cha, PortlandJeffery Lowe, WoodhavenMichael Zurick, LordstownPaul Everly, Woodhaven

ChicagoCynthia KlumbKevin MaesTaft Wilkerson

CorporateAngela Robinson

Cottage GroveDarrell HeimTerrance LoudePheng Vang

PonyrockPenny Ashley

TacomaDaniel FerreiraMiranda HarvillSteven NuonSteven Wagner

Twin OaksDavid AdamekLawrence GlonerJoseph JacotJustin McConnell

FifteenScott Forbes, NormalTara Guinn, NormalClifford Holtz, PortlandGregory Vanveen, Portland

ThirtyGale Wyman, TacomaDennis Daily, Tacoma

Angela Robinson is the new HR Generalist at the Corporate office.

At the Chicago facility, Cynthia Klumb is the new Admin Support. Taft Wilkerson is the new Rail Supervisor, and Kevin Maes is the new Assistant Yard Supervisor.

Penny Ashley is the new Statistical Process Control Coordinator at the Woodhaven/Ponyrock facility.

Congratulations to the following associates who recently reached anniversary dates:

Welcome

Service

Moving up

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Location Name YearsChicago Ramos, Julian 1Cottage Grove Camarena, Jose 7Cottage Grove Monn, Alfred 6Cottage Grove Morris, Kelly 2Lordstown Grove, James 7Ottawa North Corron, Barbara 3Ottawa North Haluszka, Harry 1Ottawa North Reed, Linda 1Ottawa North Torres, Virginia 3Portland Goings, Rodney 2Portland Mendez, Rita 1Portland Morgan, Cameron 1Regional Downham, Jay 1

Location Name YearsTacoma Cowan, Jack 2Tacoma Hann, Roderick S 2Tacoma Huynh, Nu 10Tacoma Nguyen, Duong 1Tacoma Nguyen, Hai 3Tacoma Nguyen, Thoi 1Tacoma Robertson, Richard 1Woodhaven Leszczynski, Michael 1Woodhaven Marra, John 1Woodhaven Merritt, William 8Woodhaven Norwin, Teresita 8Woodhaven Rieger, Robert 1Woodhaven Riemke, Charles 1Woodhaven Strimpel, Yvonne 2Woodhaven Sucharski, Donna 1

Twenty-eight associates were recently recognized for Perfect Attendance in 2009. The recipient must be a full-time hourly production or bi-weekly staff associate who has completed a full year of employment. The associate cannot have missed any work available to them with the exception of vacation days, facility holidays, bereavement time, jury duty time, military leave time, or FMLA time.

A Banquet/Dinner will be held in honor of their achievement, and they will each receive a $25 Savings Bond (valued at $50 upon maturity) for each consecutive year of perfect attendance.

Congratulations to everyone who received this award:

Perfect AttendAnce 2009

There are as many different journeys in life as there are people on this planet, some very short and simple, and others very elaborate and worldly. For eight-year-old Aleesha Corkill, daughter of Lisa (Accounting) and her husband David Corkill of AWC Oshawa, her particular journey started on a warm June day last summer and continued for five months into late November.

It was a journey Aleesha decided to take herself, much to the surprise of her mom and dad. She came home from school that June day announcing she was going to donate her hair to children with cancer through the “Angel Hair for Kids,” a program of A Child’s Voice Foundation. One of Aleesha’s girlfriends at school had donated her hair to a child with cancer through this program. If her classmate could do it, why not Aleesha. Mom and Dad were “floored” to hear this news and couldn’t be more proud of their daughter’s decision to embark on such a special journey.

Each week Aleesha’s hair was measured by Mom to see how long it had grown. As it got longer it became more of a challenge to comb those curly locks. She normally has shoulder-length hair so having it grow

past her shoulders was indeed a test of her fortitude and perseverance. But she never gave up despite asking every week “Is it time yet? Is it time yet?” Aleesha’s patience paid off on November 21, 2009, the day she made the trip to the hair dressers to have those curly brown locks clipped off, specially packaged and sent away to be made into a hair piece.

Shortly after sending the package to the Foundation, Aleesha received a special certificate in the mail expressing sincere thanks and appreciation for the donation she had so willingly made. And somewhere out in our community a young girl on her own journey battling cancer is also very thankful to have received such a wonderful gift.

A JourneY WortH tAKing

BeforeAfter

— Mike Novosedlik, Regional HR Manager

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Money Matters

Simple tips for saving cashWe all want to save money, don’t we? But that doesn’t mean you have to take a vow of poverty and devote yourself to a diet of rice and water. Here are some simple tips for spending less money every day:• Use the library. Stay away from bookshops, music stores, and video rental outlets. You can get almost anything you want in the way of entertainment from your local library, for free.• Delay your purchases. Don’t give into impulse buying. Before putting anything into your shopping cart at the grocery store, wait 10 seconds and consider whether you really need it. For larger purchases, wait one or two days. For major items, such as appliances or carpeting, wait 30 days to be sure a purchase is really necessary. (Of course, if the fridge is shot, you can waive the 30 days; just be sure to get the best value.)• Cut out meat. You can get needed protein in your diet from other, less expensive foods. You don’t have to become a vegan, but limiting meat to once or twice a week will cut your grocery bill.• Use energy efficiently. Any appliance that contains a clock—video recorders, microwaves, etc.—uses electricity even when the device is turned off. Unplug unused appliances, or hook them up to a smart power strip that doesn’t draw electricity when the device isn’t working. Wash your clothes in cold water to save up to 50 percent of the energy you’d use washing them in hot water.• Avoid soft drinks. When dining out, order water instead of pricier sodas. It’s free

— © 2010 First Draft

If you’re already planning your summer vacation, here’s some advice from the good folks at the Consumer Information Center (www.pueblo.gsa.gov) about how to avoid travel scams that will waste your money and ruin your holiday:

Want to get away? Be wary of travel scams!

• Deal only with travel agencies or tour companies that have a good standing. Ask if they belong to a professional associa tion. Call your Better Business Bureau chapter to find out whether there have been any complaints filed against the company.• Shop around. Never rush into booking a vacation without getting offers from at least two agencies or tour providers. Think of it as being like car shopping—find out how far your buck will stretch before you buy.

• Beware offers that are too good to be true. Be leery of “free” trips or ridiculously cheap prices. If you’re

offered a “two-for-one” deal, a “free stay,” or such, make sure to find out what the deal really involves.• Ask, and ask again. Get as many details as you can about each travel offer. Be sure you fully understand all the terms before agreeing to buy. Ask for specific names of airlines, hotels, restaurants, tour providers, or any other vendor mentioned as part of the package. Also ask whether there’s a cancellation policy. • Get all promises in writing. Consider trip insurance for additional protection, too. • If you’re asked to pay in advance,

ask if you can pay a deposit. CIC adds that using a credit card is safest because of your right to dispute the charges if the services were misrepresent ed or never delivered. — © 2010 First Draft

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Work/Life Matters

Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. And it will leave you unfulfilled. —Barack Obama

— © 2010 First Draft

Don’t be a stress puppy: Learn the new jargon nowSome of the most creative thinking in the workplace comes from the desire to avoid saying what we really mean. Check out these innovative (and humorous) euphemisms for typical workplace antics:

• Blamestorm: A discussion centered around finding an excuse—or a scapegoat—for failure.

Get beyond shyness: Tips for meeting peopleEven the most successful people have moments when they feel shy and uncomfortable. For most of us, meeting new people is difficult, and making conversation with someone we’ve just met can feel like getting a tooth pulled. The good news is you can overcome and control your shyness. Here are some strategies for becoming the life of the party—or at least not the wallflower:• Explore the causes. Shyness is usually caused by excessive self-consciousness, a negative self-image, or excessive preoccupation with yourself—or a combination of all three. When you’re feeling shy, analyze your thoughts and emotions to find out what’s holding you back. You’ll be better able to address the problem when you understand what’s behind it.• Underline your own strengths. Instead of thinking about what you can’t do in social situations, remind yourself of what you’re good at. Most of us usually don’t have trouble talking about subjects where we feel

confident and experienced. Focus on these areas instead of any flaws you think you may have.• Focus on other people. Ask questions that let other people talk, and encourage them to open up and share their opinions. You’ll be less worried about saying something wrong, and you’ll probably find enough common ground on which to build a real conversation.• Practice greeting people. Make a point of saying “hello” to the people you see every day—the bus driver, the barista at your coffee shop, your co-workers, and so on. Once you get into the habit, you’ll find it easier to smile and offer a friendly greeting to the people you meet in social situations.• Look your best. You don’t need a complete makeover, but you’ll feel more confident if you know you’re presenting yourself well. Work with someone you trust on wardrobe and grooming issues. Don’t overdo it—just be sure you’re appropriate for the occasion.

— © 2010 First Draft

— © 2010 First Draft

• Ohno-second. The fraction of a moment between hitting “send” and realizing you’ve just sent an embarrassing e-mail to everyone in your organization.

• Percussive maintenance. Hitting a computer or other electronic device in an attempt to get it to work.

• Stress puppy. Someone who thrives on pressure.

• Vulcan nerve pinch. The awkward hand stretch needed to reach all the keys necessary for certain computer commands.

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emPloYee SPotligHt

My best friends’ daughter was having her 1st birthday and I was celebrating my 40th . Since our birthdays were only one day apart we decided to have a combined birthday bash. My best friend ordered this darling outfit for her daughter Ava. I being the constant fool and jokester, decided to make my own outfit to match hers. Needless to say, the guests were shocked to see me in my pink tutu, which wasn’t as comfortable as I remember it being in my former ballet days…but got the laughs I was hoping for! A few of my mottos are: sing like no one’s listening, dance like no one’s watching and know that life is a stage play made up of many acts and scenes. I’m at act 40 scene 50 (50th day of the year) at the writing of this article. Hope this brought a smile to your day! And may all of you have at least one pink tutu birthday!

— Angela Binnie, Oshawa

This is what happens when you don’t tell your friends what you’re wearing to a Party!

SAfetY corner

Lori Owings, Operations Manager at the Tacoma facility, recently became a 1st time grandma. Riya Owings was born on January 25th, and was 8lbs, and 20 inches. Proud parents are Ryan and Sabrina Owings.

Tacoma Oshawa

What happens to the information your supervisor, foreman, or terminal manager enters in the 600 Form (Accident) or the 601 Form (Injury)? The information is tracked in a central data base by Lee Winkler at Corporate. In compiling the statistics we can see trends for causes of the different accidents in 2009.

The number one cause of accidents (600 forms) was “Collisions with Fixed Objects.” Tied for second was “Backing Up” and “Sideswipes.” So, in order to reduce accidents in 2010 and the future, please watch carefully where you are driving. Please take care when backing up, using spotters where necessary. Reversing accident trends is up to the drivers of the customers’ vehicles.

The 601 Forms (Injuries) indicate that “Slips/Trips and Falls” is tied with “Awkward Postures” for the most injuries in 2009. Second is “Struck by and Against.”

Again, to reduce our injuries, be aware of the hazards and identify hazards to Supervisors, Terminal Managers and Safety Committee Members. Our safety to and by associates is a top priority of AWC. Please work safe!

Safety Statistics for 2009Kevin FudgeRegional Safety and Quality Manager

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To Your HealthThe topic of health care reform in the U.S has received a lot of attention over the past year, from Congress, the

President and the media. You’ve probably heard or read about the struggles in Congress to pass some form of meaningful health care reform in the United States. Regardless of which side of the political aisle you align yourself with, almost everyone agrees that health care costs must be controlled. Health care providers, benefit managers and experts in the health care field all agree that it will take individual responsibility by everyone in the country to help control health care costs. The single most important thing an individual can do is to take a look at their lifestyle choices and see if there are any areas where they can begin to make small changes. No one expects a couch potato to suddenly jump up and run a marathon but even small changes in behavior can produce big payoffs in health.

Practical advice: What are some small changes that you can do to improve your health?

Health Care Reform

◆ Meal Makeover. The next time you sit down to a meal, take a look at your plate. Does meat take center stage with a smidgen of vegetables on the side? This way of eating could lead to health problems in the long run. For example, research has shown that eating too much red meat may lead to colorectal cancer and possibly breast or prostate cancer. To give your plate a makeover, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) recommends filling at least two-thirds or more of your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. Meat, fish, poultry and low-fat dairy can fill the remaining one-third or less of the plate. One-pot dishes such as soups, stews, casseroles and stir-fries are a great way to mix smaller portions of meat with lots of vegetables, grains or beans.

◆ Walk i t off . Regular exercise is an important part of staying healthy. Walking or other exercise can also improve your

So, remember the old adage that an ounce of prevention truly is worth a pound of cure. This is just one of the reasons why helping to prevent disease and illness is an essential component of health care reform. We know that it isn’t enough to provide coverage and keep doing the same thing. A poll released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that Americans overwhelmingly rank prevention as a top priority for health care reform.

It’s time to make preventing illness and disease the foundation of our health care system.

strength, mood and energy. Brisk walks are an easy way to start. Start with five minutes a day (talk to your doctor first, especially if you haven’t been active for a while). Gradually increase your walk by five minute intervals, trying to achieve a goal of getting at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

◆ K n o w y o u r b l o o d pressure. Keeping track of your blood pressure may sound like one more detail in an already

long list of things to remember. But knowing your blood pressure numbers is good practice because blood pressure that is too high can be a real hazard to your health. Blood pressure is defined as the measurement of the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. High blood pressure makes the heart work too hard. It plays a role in the development of atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries. Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious heart trouble and is a risk factor for congestive heart failure and stroke.

◆ Stop Smoking. Smoking affects more than your lungs. The fact is, the risk of heart disease decreases by 47% within five years of quitting. There are many informative and helpful websites on the internet that can help you with your smoking cessation goals.

Judy MillerCorporate Benefits Manager

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from tHe editorThank you to all associates who contributed material for this edition

of the NEWS. We encourage participation by all employees and friends of Auto Warehousing Company. If you have an article, picture or notice you would like to see in this publication, please contact your Human Resources Manager or send it to: Auto Warehousing Company, ATTN: Debbie Reed, 2810 #B Marshall Avenue, Tacoma WA 98421 or Fax: (253) 719-1523. The deadline is Wednesday, April 14, 2010 for submitting materials for the next edition of the NEWS.

Stubby , the son of Windsor Terminal Manager Keith Clapp, carried the Olympic Torch through his hometown of Lasalle , Ontario. Stubby was also recently named Batting Coach of the Lexington Legends Class A baseball Team.

Stubby, keep carrying the Torch High!— Kevin Fudge, Regional Safety and Quality Manager

StubbY clAPP cArrieS tHe torcH!

Auto Warehousing Co. 2810 Marshall Avenue #B Tacoma, WA 98421

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDTACOMA, WA

PERMIT NO. 462