<strong>Atlas</strong> WorldNews and InformationKomen Awards Pink Ribbon toAdvance Relocation SystemsHappy Birthday,Paxton <strong>Van</strong> <strong>Lines</strong><strong>Atlas</strong> Agent Marks MilestoneIt’s a special year for The Paxton Companies. Sixty CMO represent the thirdyears ago, Albert Lee Paxton started Paxton <strong>Van</strong>Advance Relocation Systems (59) in Baltimore is working hard to help the<strong>Lines</strong> in Washington, D.C. To commemorate thatvictims of breast cancer. As a Presenting Sponsor for Susan G. Komen for thebeginning, the people at Paxton are celebratingCure Maryland, the <strong>Atlas</strong> agent provides underwriting and services to ensuretheir history and success with customers andthe success of fund-raising programs.friends throughout 2007. The festivitiesNow, the Maryland affiliate has recognized Advance with a Pink Ribbonculminate with an open house in October.Award, one of two given to sponsors who “display extraordinaryIn a “blast from the past,” the company hascommitment to the organization’s mission, either throughpainted trucks in a retro scheme featuringsignificant contributions during the current year or consistentAlbert Lee Paxton’s handwritten signature.support for a number of years.”A special 60th anniversary logo gracesCurrently, Advance is in the third of five years as an exclusivecorrespondence and promotional items,provider of logistics solutions. This includes warehousing andsuch as a mini crated paper cube. One specialtransportation services for apparel and related goods that aresouvenir recalls the company’s first and mostannually distributed to the more than 30,000 people who participatevisible public presence.in the race and related events.“We’ve commissioned an anniversary casting“They were like a gift dropped down from heaven to us,” says Raceof a Paxton miniature truck,” says ChiefManager Elaine Foard. “No matter what we ask, they never fail to comeMarketing Officer Fred “Freddy” Paxton III. “Wethrough. They’re terrific to work with–it’s our great pleasure to recognizewill be sharing these replicas with our customersthem with this award.”and friends in appreciation for their essential“We feel it’s important for us to take part in the fight against this disease,”part in our history.”says Nick Travelstead, Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “So we’re bringingPaxton <strong>Van</strong> <strong>Lines</strong> became an <strong>Atlas</strong> agent inthe quality of <strong>Atlas</strong> and our resources to help our community and those1953. In 2002, the company changed its name towho are afflicted.”The Paxton Companies to reflect the diversifiedBy its sponsorship, Advance furthers the Komen organization’s efforts tonature of its business in international forwarding,eradicate breast cancer through research, education, screening and treatment.records management and office relocation.Last year, the Maryland race raised over two million dollars. Of funds raised,The company maintains operations in Virginia75 percent goes to help people in Maryland and 25 percent goes to selected(Springfield, Richmond, Alexandria, andnational research. The next race is scheduled for Sunday, October 14.Manassas) and Charlotte, North Carolina. ItNick says the exposure Advance and <strong>Atlas</strong> gain through a sponsorship isoperates foreign offices in London, England;nice, but the focus is really about helping people. “Breast cancer is a killer, andKabul, Afghanistan; and Baghdad, Iraq.it affects everyone in some way, sooner or later,” says Nick. “We want to do ourThe company’s quality credentials are rockAdvance Relocation Systems receives a Pink Ribbon Award part to stop it. I encourage other agents and associates throughout the <strong>Atlas</strong>solid; it is certified in ISO 9001 (Managementfrom Susan G. Komen for the Cure Maryland. Approximately family to get involved in this worthy cause.”250 people attended the awards reception on March 22 atSystem) and 14001 (Environmental System)The Komen Foundation estimates that 178,480 new cases of invasive breastthe Tremont Grand in Baltimore.international quality standards. As you mightcancer will occur among women in the United States during 2007, and anFrom Left to Right: Robin Prothro, Executive Director ofexpect, its outstanding customer service hasestimated 40,460 women will die from breast cancer. Women are not the onlyKomen Maryland, Nick Travelstead,VP of Sales andearned top awards from <strong>Atlas</strong>, the industry,Marketing for Advance Relocation Systems, Elaine Foard, ones at risk. It is expected that 2,030 men will be diagnosed and 450 men willand the State of Virginia.Race Manager for Komen Maryland, Charlene Conklin, die of breast cancer this year. To find out more and learn how you can help,Chairman and CEO Fred Paxton II heads theSenior VP for Advance Relocation Systemsvisit: komen.org.management team. Sons Bill, COO and Freddy,44 <strong>Atlas</strong> <strong>Amplifier</strong> • Summer 2007generation of family leadership.As a family-owned andoperated enterprise, Paxton hasmade it a priority to invest inpeople. Not surprisingly, manyemployees stay and build theircareers. “We have entire familygenerations working here,” says Freddy.The company’s family warmth extends to itscommunity relationships. Recently, it providedpacking services and transportation to deliver600 school backpacks to the Salvation Army forschool children displaced by Hurricane Katrina.In a local outreach, the company donatedmaterials so Girl Scouts could make decorationsfor their father-daughter dance.These may seem like little things, but as arecent feature in Mobility magazine pointedout, it’s a focus on little things that have madethe company successful.“In a family business, it’s the entire staff familythat makes customers happy so they come backtime and time again,” says Freddy. “We alwaysmake sure the little things are done correctly,because you live and prosper only by listeningto your customers’ needs. We look forward tocontinuing to grow as a company foranother 60 years.”John Connolly,Vice President of PaxtonInternational (left). Bill, COO (right) andFreddy, CMO (center) represent the thirdgeneration of family leadership.Celebrating sixty years of success,Paxton <strong>Van</strong> <strong>Lines</strong> has painted trucks ina retro style to commemorate a historyof excellent service to customers.<strong>Atlas</strong> <strong>Amplifier</strong> • Summer 2007 45
<strong>Atlas</strong> WorldNews and InformationPersonnel Changes at <strong>Atlas</strong><strong>Atlas</strong> <strong>Van</strong> <strong>Lines</strong> is pleased to announce the promotions ofKyle Puckett has been namedMonica Weiss and Mark Spiehler. The appointments areDirector of Administration for46 <strong>Atlas</strong> <strong>Amplifier</strong> • Summer 2007 part of a restructuring of thefinancial department in line with along-range plan to continue gainsin administrative efficiency.In her new role as VicePresident of Finance, Monica isAvail Resource Management. Inhis new position, Kyle will beresponsible for improvingprocesses and expanding servicesto better serve existing clients andattract new clients. He brings anLess than a week after Punxsutawney Phil made hisannual appearance and declared the imminence ofan early spring, <strong>Atlas</strong> managers packed their bags fora cross-country tour. In six daylong meetings withagents over a span of eight days, the headquartersteam presented information to keep the wheels ofproductivity well oiled throughout the <strong>Atlas</strong> network.responsible for the company'sextensive background in theEach of three two-day events included a generalaccounting and financial matters.Kyle Puckettmoving industry including tenure“regional” meeting on one day and an IT conferenceMonica WeissShe has been with <strong>Atlas</strong> for17 years, serving most recently asas General Manager at the agency level and operationsexperience both at <strong>Atlas</strong> and at competing van lines. Prioron the other. The tour started in Las Vegas, Nevadaon February 8 and 9; convened in Dallas, Texas onIndiana, Monica earned a bachelor's degree in accountingfrom Indiana State University and a master's degree inbusiness administration from University of SouthernVice President of Financial Services. A native of Haubstadt,Recruitment since March 2004. He is a graduate of CentralMichigan University with bachelor degrees in journalismand political science.to his new role, Kyle served <strong>Atlas</strong> as Director of Agencyon the 14 and 15.“We communicate with agents in a variety of ways,”says <strong>Atlas</strong> President and COO Glen Dunkerson. “Butthe 12 and 13; and finished in Newark, New JerseyIndiana. She holds a CPA and a CMA. Monica is a member<strong>Atlas</strong> World Group has namedthese meetings afford us the chance to talk directlyof the American Institute of Certified Public AccountantsNancy Priebe to Vice Presidentwith agents about the issues we believe will have the(AICPA), the Indiana CPA Society and the Institute ofof Human Resources, withgreatest impact in the coming months, especiallyManagement Accountants.responsibilities for all <strong>Atlas</strong> Worldduring the peak season. This approach is invaluableAs the company's new ViceGroup companies. She bringsin giving agents practical information they can usePresident of Financial Services,25 years of experience in humanto operate more effectively.”Mark brings more than 25 years ofresources to her new position.<strong>Atlas</strong> presenters brought a depth of practicalexperience in the relocationPrior to joining <strong>Atlas</strong> <strong>Van</strong> <strong>Lines</strong> asexpertise. In addition to Glen, the team included:industry with expertise inHuman Resources Director inVice Chairman and CEO Jim Stamm; Sr. Vice Presidentmanagement and reorganization. Nancy Priebe2005, Nancy worked for six yearsand Chief Marketing Officer Greg Hoover; ViceIn his new position, he will play awith American General Financial Services. Nancy holds aPresident of Information Technology and Chiefkey part in enhancingTechnology Officer Dick Arneson; Senior ViceMark Spiehlerdegree in business administration from Indiana Wesleyanadministrative efficiencies withinand has earned credentials as a Certified CompensationPresident of Transportation Dennie Lynn; Senior Vicethe financial department. An Evansville native, Mark hasProfessional and a Senior Professional in Human Resources.President of Agency Development Mike Scavuzzo;been with <strong>Atlas</strong> for more than 15 years, most recentlyShe serves on the board of Tri-State Business Group onVice President of Customer Service John Taylor;serving as Vice President of Customer Service.Health and maintains memberships in the Society ofAssistant Vice President of Government BusinessHuman Resource Managers (SHRM) and Evansville HumanResource Association.Ryan McConnell has been promoted to Senior Director of Sales Development at <strong>Atlas</strong> <strong>Van</strong> <strong>Lines</strong>.In this position Ryan will seek improvements in efficiency, including the integration of newtechnologies, to support the sales development efforts of <strong>Atlas</strong> <strong>Van</strong> <strong>Lines</strong> and its sistercompanies. Ryan, an Evansville native, holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from WesternKentucky University. He participates in the Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA), the ExhibitDesigners and Producers Association (EDPA) and the American Association of Museums (AAM).He also is a member of the Employee Relocation Council (ERC).Ryan McConnellJohn Taylor<strong>Atlas</strong> Management Team Hits the RoadTravels Country to Meet with AgentsRick Phillips; Directorof Special AssignmentsAlan Jobe; Trainer Amanda Hoesli;and Director of Corporate MeetingsSue Chandler. Also joining the team was JoeBippen from Asset Controls, Inc., an asset managementsolutions company.The agenda covered topics ranging from a reviewof 2006; operations and quality standards; tariff andlabor certification; government and military sales,including the new Families First program; Accel, <strong>Atlas</strong>’new premium expedited service; and a new systemand standards for claims.“We encourage open dialogue throughout,” saysGlen. “We also dedicate a good portion of time at theend of each meeting to revisit topics in greater depth,or address other areas of interest to the agents.”The meetings were well attended, with peoplefrom <strong>Atlas</strong> agencies all over the country taking part.In an ironic twist, Mother Nature blew a torrent ofsnow and ice across the country as if to reasserther authority over the groundhog’s much-hypedprediction. It walloped the east coast on the last dayof the meetings and delayed a few members of thepresentation team on their return home. But theweather could not dampen the tour’s success.“We’re pleased with the participation and the warmreception we received in every city,” says Glen. “It was agood investment of time for everyone involved...andwe can use what we heard to make the meetings evenmore meaningful for our agents in the future.”<strong>Atlas</strong> <strong>Van</strong> <strong>Lines</strong> is pleased to announce the promotion of John Taylor to VicePresident of Customer Service. Formerly Vice President with the company'sRelocation Services Group, John has worked at <strong>Atlas</strong> since 1979. He bringsextensive experience in operations and a broad-based knowledge of thecompany and its customers to his new management role. John attendedIndiana State University at Evansville (now the University of Southern Indiana)and Indiana University.<strong>Atlas</strong> <strong>Amplifier</strong> • Summer 2007 47