Happy 26th Birthday25 CustomYears Companies!!

VOL V No. 1 Apr. 2011 / May 2011

VOL V No. 6 Feb. 2012 / Mar 2012

Hello Readers Can you believe that Custom is Custom Global Logistics Rolls Out New Software Enhancements 26 years old? (and doesn’t Custom looks great for its by Matt Foley and Mark Schiele age!) We’ve reached this mile- stone because of everyone’s hard work and dedication. Custom Global Logistics, the air freight and expedited arm of The Your commitment to always, always, always, put the Custom Companies has recently transitioned to a new operating system that allows us more ‘Customer First’ is the major flexibility to meet our customer’s ever expanding transportation needs. Under the leadership of reason for our success. Let us all keep the high energy going Adam Baltz, Executive Vice President of Logistics and Supply Chain, and Bernie Boudrow, Assis- and make 2012 the best year ever! tant Vice President of Air Freight, Custom Global is poised to have a banner year in 2012. Bernie And don’t forget to “Find returns to CGL after stints with two other expedited transportation companies and brings a Perry’s Moustache” hidden fresh perspective to a system and business model that he is intimately familiar with. To take within. Make sure to forward your answer to CGL to the next level, Adam and Bernie have spearheaded a project to build a robust operating [email protected] no software from the ground up that encompasses all of the positives of the previous system, while later than Friday, February 17th for your chance to win a $50.00 integrating more fluidly with the other divisions of our company. Custom Global’s new system is gift card. based on the CLI framework that underpins the local cartage, less-than-truckload (LTL) and HAPPY 26TH ANNIVERSARY truckload computer system(s). By integrating both systems, Custom Global will have increased CUSTOM FAMILIES!! efficiencies that will allow the ability to maintain the high level of service they are renowned for Sincerely, and continue to grow their business into the future. NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE In both Chicago and Los Angeles, Custom Global has a few new faces. In case you have not met everyone, take a moment to introduce yourself. Marie Podolak, who has been with the com- CGL Enhancements 1 & 4 pany for 18 years, remains the cornerstone of the night operation in Chicago. Marie handles the CDN Driver Appreciation 2 - 3 routing of all shipments that come back to our dock and ensures timely, cost effective and expe- Black Gold & Green 5 ditious movement to maintain Custom Global’s stellar service. William Ehrl oversees the CGL Sports Corner 6 - 7 dock operation and has been with the company for 3 years. William maintains a critical position Bears Future 8 of constantly monitoring the air freight “cage” which segregates air cargo from non air cargo. If Retire Where? 9 you have been on the dock in the last year, you may recognize an expansion to the cage. Now Sleep Apnea Testing 10 all Custom Global freight is segregated, and a cage within the cage further protects freight that Safety Bill 11 will be travelling on passenger aircraft. Lucas Hills, one of the new faces you may have seen Lift Trucks in LA 12 around, works a split shift to bridge the day and night shifts. Lucas joins the company with HR Corner 13 many years of expedited transportation experience and assists the day operation with opera- Treasure Hunt 14 tions, quoting and trade show opportunities. Lucas further assists Marie and William with the Isn’t Love Grand 15 Continued on page 4 Coupons and More 16

The Custom Companies, Inc. - 317 W Lake Street Northlake, IL 60164 - www.customco.com

DID YOU KNOW… VOL V No. 6 Feb. 2012 / Mar. 2012 That more than 100 Page 2 million roses, the majority red, will be CDN DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK by Carol Guarino sold and delivered CDN started 2012 off by honoring our team of Over-The-Road drivers with daily lunch- within a three-day eons and raffle prizes to show our appreciation for their hard-work and dedication. period ending on Valentine’s Day. California produces

60% of American roses. George Washington was the only found- ing father to free his slaves. The badger was the original ‘spring ba- rometer’ but the job was reassigned to the groundhog when the German’s immi- grated to Pennsyl- vania in the 18th cen- tury. Before they became famous, these peo- ple all worked as truck drivers: Stephen J. Cannell, Robert Conrad, k.d. lang, Gregory Peck, Sidney Poitier, Desi Arnez, James Cam- eron and Elvis Presley.

Pittsburgh is the only city where all major sports teams Larry Charnot and Don Weiner hosted the daily events and we have the same col- ors: BLACK and wish to thank them for making this a success! GOLD.

The Custom Companies, Inc. - 317 W Lake Street Northlake, IL 60164 - www.customco.com VOL V No. 6 Feb. 2012 / Mar 2012

Page 3 Leap Year 2012 by Lisa Ludwikowski

This year will have an extra day in February due to it being a Leap Year. Leap Years are needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the earth’s revolutions around the Sun. They occur every four years and without them after 100 years we would be more than 24 days ahead of the season, which is not desirable or accurate. February 29, the leap day, has been associated with age-old tradi- tions, superstitions and folklore:

Leap Year has been the traditional time that women can propose marriage. In many of today's cultures, it is okay for a woman to propose marriage to a man. Society doesn't look down on such women. It is believed this tradition was started in 5th century Ireland when St. Bridget complained to St. Patrick about women having to wait for so long for a man to propose.

According to English law, February 29th was ignored and had no legal status. So a crime on the day is no crime at all.

There is a Greek superstition that claims couples have bad luck if they marry during a leap year. Apparently one in five engaged couples in Greece will avoid planning their wedding during a leap year.

A law once existed in Scotland forbidding a man to refuse a proposal made to him on February 29th. Punishment for such an of- fense was a large fine.

In Scotland it is thought unlucky to be born on a Leap Years Day.

According to astrologers, those born under the sign of Pisces on February 29 have un- usual talents and personalities reflecting their special status.

The following rules decide which years are leap years:

Every year divisible by 4 is a leap year. But every year divisible by 100 is not a leap year Unless the year is also divisible by 400, then it is still a leap year.

This means that year 1800, 1900, 2100, 2200, 2300 and 2500 are not leap years, while year 2000 and 2400 are leap years. This actually means year 2000 is kind of special, as it is the first time the third rule is used in many parts of the world. The longest time between two leap years is 8 years. Last time was between 1896 and 1904. The next time will be between 2096 and 2104.

The Custom Companies, Inc. - 317 W Lake Street Northlake, IL 60164 - www.customco.com VOL V No. 6 Feb. 2012 / Mar.2012 Page 4 Custom Global Logistics Rolls Out New Software Enhancements Continued from page 1 night routing operations. Anthony Roldan, who has been with Custom Global for one year assists in day operations and also handles several dedicated accounts. Another new face is Dan Lanzito, who also joins CGL with many years of expedited transportation experience. In addition to general opera- tions, Dan has been trained and appointed as Custom Global’s security coordinator and liaison with the TSA. Dan works closely with The Custom Companies’ security team to ensure the safety of all employ- ees, associates, customers, and their valuable cargo. Angy Guarino, who has also been with CGL for a year is involved in tracking and tracing and assists Marie Huff with charges and billing. Marie Huff has been with The Custom Companies for 9 years, spending the last few with Custom Global. Marie has experience in several departments within the company, most notably working with our largest cus-

tomers as a dedicated customer service rep and liaison. Ignacio Molina 2-1 Darrell Nelson 2-1 In Los Angeles Mark Schiele manages all aspects of the Sales and Operational responsibilities for Cus- tom Global’s Carson California Office. Mark brings 30+ years of transportation management experi- Joe Klikas 2-2 ence to Custom Global. In addition to Mark’s Custom Global responsibilities, he also manages the John Villescas 2-2 Sales efforts for all the various service products that are available to our Los Angeles CA clients. Roger Tom Mroz 2-3 Peralta is the Night Air Freight Operations Manager. Roger brings many years of air freight operations Adalberto Franco 2-4 experience to our Los Angeles team. Roger manages the physical movement of all Custom Global Lo- German Melendez 2-5 gistics Los Angeles clients’ shipments. Roger has both international and domestic air freight experi- Christopher Moran 2-7 ence. Petra Gumieniak is in air freight operations and pricing. Petra also develops pricing and costing Aroldo Velazquez 2-7 models for large customer roll outs and distributions. Petra has been with the Custom Companies, Inc. Glenn Castillo 2-11 for over 2 years and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Jim Garroutte comes to Albert Gjata 2-11 us with over 25 years of freight forwarding experience. His diverse career in transportation includes Mark Larson 2-12 warehousing, airfreight, ocean freight and sales. Previous to Custom Global Logistics, Mr. Garroutte was the General Manager of sales and strategic planning of the logistics division of the Kawasaki group Tom Dunaj 2-15 of companies, K-Line Logistics. John Sarlo 2-15 Oscar Colindres 2-16 Team members in both cities are excited about the new system. Anthony Roldan states “It’s nice that Claudia Mendoza 2-16 we are all in the same system. I have already heard positive feedback from both our customers and territory managers about how easy the new system is to use.” Bernie continues, “Tracing is signifi- Peter Mudiyappan 2-16 cantly improved and small features such as imaging are now as easy as a click of a button. The biggest Elvis Vargas 2-16 benefit is to our customers in that we are no longer constrained in terms of unique programming re- Rosendo Padilla 2-19 quests. The system is organic and will continue to grow and evolve with our customer’s needs making Malcolm Watson 2-20 us the most agile expedited transportation provider in the industry.” Roger says “This new software far John Santoro 2-21 exceeds the capabilities of any previous software platforms I have used in the past”. Mark states “This Pedro Antunes 2-22 new technology will make it simple for our clients to manage their expedited business by giving them Jose Lara 2-22 better tools and information capabilities via the internet and through cell phone applications.” Jim said “This software brings a new level of sophistication as well as ease of use for our valued customers.” George Maciel 2-22 Petra said, “I believe utilizing all available resources to perfect CLI Graphic User Interface will increase Robert Reynolds 2-22 efficiency and revenue with the ability to focus more on the satisfaction of our customers”. Francisco Huerta 2-24 Ron Pearce 2-24 Bruce Laracuente 2-27 Thomas Keegan 2-28

Petra Gumieniak LAX CHI Team: Front Row: Marie Huff, Dan Lanzito Back Row: Mickey Scialabba, Roger Peralta—LAX Jim Garroutte—LAX Brad Berndt Jr., Anthony Roldan, Bernie Boudrow, Lucas Hills, William Ehrl Not Pictured: Angy Guarino and Marie Podolak

The Custom Companies, Inc. - 317 W Lake Street Northlake, IL 60164 - www.customco.com VOL V No. 5 Dec. 2011 / Jan 2012

Page 5 Black, Gold and Green by Carol Guarino

10 EASY WAYS TO BE GREEN

Almost half of all the home energy used, is well, lost. In other words, no productive energy was used. Here are some simple ways of reversing this:

Each degree you turn down the heat saves 3 percent of heating costs, Erick Lucena 3-1 while each degree you raise the temperature of your air conditioner Jayne Pakosta 3-1 Enoch Palacios 3-1 saves 3-4 percent of cooling costs. By changing the temperature by Jim Mazeika 3-2 2 degrees all year, you can save over 25% a year. Milton Ayala 3-3 Steven Bartolone 3-4 Cook with a slow cooker or toaster oven whenever possible to reduce Lisa Smith 3-4 the electrical use from kitchen appliances. An electric oven uses Simon Tapia Sandoval 3-5 about 4 times as much energy as a slow cooker; 3 times as much as a Michael Shipinski 3-6 Tina Miner 3-6 toaster oven and about 6 times as much as a microwave. Armando Ortiz 3-7 Switch to a laptop instead of a desk computer and cut three-quarters of Tony Crespo 3-9 Paul Dunn 3-10 your electrical use. Turn off the laptop at the end of the day. Marie Podolak 3-10 Switch to cold water washing and save 80 percent on energy used for Jose Garcia 3-12 Guy Anspach 3-14 laundry and an estimated $60.00 savings per year. Osmond Joseph 3-14 Plug anything that can be powered by a remote control or that has a James Campbell Jr. 3-16 Richard Nielsen 3-17 power cube transformer into a power strip and turn it off or unplug Araceli Arballo 3-18 when not in use. Power cubes are about 75% inefficient. Jose Fabian 3-19 Jose Gualito 3-19 Turn off the lights when not in use and avoid using halogen lamps Zachary Ruther 3-20 (which can be a fire hazard) because they produce additional heat. Jon DuJardin 3-21 Install motion sensor lights outdoors. Jim Schnur 3-21 Waclaw Jarzabek 3-22 Switch to compact fluorescent lights from Ruben Medina 3-22 Manolito Roman 3-22 regular incandescent bulbs and you Oscar Bolanos 3-24 will automatically use 60 percent less Agostino Chiaramonte 3-25 energy. Mentor Elezi 3-25 Adam Baltz 3-26 Wrap your water heater in an insulation Mary Holowicki 3-26 blanket and wrap your hot water pipes Silvester White 3-27 Ramon Badea 3-28 for additional energy savings. Ethan Jones 3-28 Use public transportation whenever pos- Pedro Escanio 3-29 Eduardo Cisneros 3-30 sible and shop locally. Chris Guerrero 3-30 Keep your tires inflated to improve your gas mileage by 3 percent.

The Custom Companies, Inc. - 317 W Lake Street Northlake, IL 60164 - www.customco.com VOL V No. 6 Feb. 2012 / Mar. 2012

Page 6 FILLING IN THE BLANKS with Chris Guerrero

SPORTS CORNER by Jeff Guthman

In the era of Michael Jeffery Jordan, the Bulls were Name: Years: a force in the NBA. When he left Chicago many of the fans (myself included) thought we would never Perry Mandera 26 see the days of Bulls dominance again. But we did Jim Kunce 15 not count on last year’s MVP Derrick Rose. Now I Gail Abdallah 12 know it is still too soon to compare Derrick Rose to Andrzej Kolodziejczyk 10 Michael Jordan. However one can not dispute that

Karl Mozina 10 the excitement is back at the United Center. Back Waclaw Jarzabek 8 to back MVP titles have only happened 11 times by Pedro Antunes 8 ten different players in the history of the NBA. Michael Jordan did it in the 1991 and Victor Gurrola 7 1992 seasons (5 MVP awards in all). Rob Catanese 6 Can Derrick repeat his MVP performance of last season? It would seem that he is on his Alfredo Rodriguez 6 way to do just that. If he can play at the level that he did last year; and with a healthy Efrain Rivera 5 Carlos Boozer, the addition of Richard Hamilton, along with the play of Luol Deng and Eric Domingo 5 Joakim Noah; he may have the players around him to get past the super team that is Adam Gonzales 5 down in Miami. LeBron James and Dwayne Wade beat the Bulls in the Eastern Finals last Steve Holowka 4 year to keep the Derrick Rose led Bulls from their first championship since the Jordan Jim Mazeika 4 days but this year could be different . This is Rose’s third year in the league and each Danielle Pitsenbarger 4 year he has improved to where he is feared and respected throughout the league. It Angel Rodriguez 4 took 7 years for MJ to win his first of 6 titles with the Bulls. There is still a lot of basket- Vincente Sanchez 4 ball to play in this shortened NBA season and there are many years for Derrick Rose to Don Weiner 4 continue to reach for the consistent playing level to be thought of in the same breath as Tomasz Biskup 2 “His Airness”. He appears to have the talent and the drive to start that journey. Another Rocco Abbinante 2 similarity between the two is both always handled the pressure and the fame with the Juanito De Guzman 1 utmost professionalism and grace. Alan DePena 1 Rose, as a hometown favorite, may be on his way to greatness. But standing in his way Mickey Scialabba 1 is the Miami Heat that, last year, took the biggest free agent that ever hit the market, Kevin Conte 1 LeBron James, added Chris Bosh to compliment Dwayne Wade to make a team that Cesar Lievano 1 most said could not lose. Last year they beat the Bulls in the Eastern finals, only to lose Francisco Ramos 1 to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA finals. The Bulls and the Heat look to be on a collision

course again this year with both playing dominant basketball. It should be great sport. I am looking forward to watching Rose’s career as I watched Jordan’s. It is kind of a funny turn of fate that the team standing in the way of Derrick Rose’s dominance is the only other team to retire Jordan’s jersey, Number 23, even though he never played a single game for the Heat. (Please see the side panel to see what Derrick Rose is up against when striving to match Michael Jordan’s career).

The Custom Companies, Inc. - 317 W Lake Street Northlake, IL 60164 - www.customco.com VOL V No. 6 Feb. 2012 / Mar. 2012

Page 7 FILLING IN THE BLANKS with Malcolm Watson

As a side note I had the honor of running into (#99) Dan Hamp- ton of the ‘85 bears the other day. All I can say is it looks like he Name: Years: could still get out there and play. I’ll say this, if I was a Quarter- Marc Inman 24 back and I saw him charging me I would hand him the ball and Bruce Schaller 23 point to the opposite goal. Hampton, who missed 23 games in John Angelopoulos 23 his career due to severe knee injuries, was a positive force on Donna Robinson 20 the Bear defense. From 1983-90, in games Hampton missed Erin Pocius 20 Russ Krezel 14 the Bears only won 33% of the time. In games he played they Mircea Dulgheriu 14 won 75%. Is there more that needs to be said? Michael Duncan 11 Thomas Boyle 10 Thank you Mr. Hampton. Dale Burt 9 Michael Jordan’s Career Accomplishments Walter Gustafson 8 Francisco Pelayo 8 Franklin Osborne 7 6× NBA Champion (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) Peter Schmit 7 5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1988, 1991–1992, 1996, 1998) Jeff Dayton 7 14× NBA All-Star (1985–1993, 1996–1998, 2002–2003) Stephen Coffey 6 Silvester White 5 6× NBA Finals MVP (1991–1993, 1996–1998) Murray Bannerman 4 10× NBA scoring champion (1987–1993, 1996–1998) Enoch Palacios 4 3× NBA steals champion (1988, 1990, 1993) Tomasz Jedynak 3 Izabella Czarnewicz 2 NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988) Sean McLaughlin 2 10× All-NBA First Team (1987–1993, 1996–1998) Scott Ten-Broeck 2 All-NBA Second Team (1985) Felix Torres 2 Oscar Aceves 2 9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1988–1993, 1996–1998) Rosendo Padilla 2 NBA Rookie of the Year (1985) Mentor Elezi 1 NBA All-Rookie First Team (1985) Miguel Gutierrez 1 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1988, 1996, Geraldo Solis 1 Guy Anspach 1 1998) Agostino Chiaramonte 1 2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion Juan Luna 1 (1987–1988) Dan Mason 1 Yolanda Wilczewski 1 NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team Bernie Boudrow 1 #23 Retired by Chicago Bulls and Miami Justin Major 1 Heat Shawn Struchen 1 Orlando Manimtim 1 NCAA Champion (1982)

2× Consensus NCAA All-American First Team (1983–1984) ACC Player of the Year (1984) Oscar Robertson Trophy (1984) Naismith College Player of the Year (1984) John R. Wooden Award (1984)

The Custom Companies, Inc. - 317 W Lake Street Northlake, IL 60164 - www.customco.com VOL V No. 6 Feb. 2012 / Mar. 2012

Page 8 February

Holidays, Thoughts on Bears Future: Room for Optimism?... by Daniel Leach

Special Days, I’ve been a Chicago Bears season ticket holder for a decade. I’ve Weeks & Month shared in some of Chicago’s greatest gridiron moments. Every pick-six, lame duck challenge, offensive miscue, wasted timeout and puzzling press conference in the past 10 years has been 1 National Freedom Day presented to me in a stainless steel serving tray. Understanda- 2 Ground Hog Day 2 Candlemas bly, when incidents like these tend to repeat to the point of 3 The Day the Music Died - Buddy being typical, change had to happen. And it did when General Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper died in a plane crash in Manager Jerry Angelo was fired. But what about everybody 1959. else? 4 Create a Vacuum Day 4 Thank a Mailman Day Some have felt that the Bears needed to completely clean 5 National Weatherman's Day 6 Lame Duck Day house. In this case, I lean away from the opinion of the typical 7 Wave All Your Fingers at Your Grabowski. I don’t believe the Chicago Bears should reboot their entire program. Despite the Bears being competitive Neighbor Day 7 Send a Card to a Friend Day for the last 7 years with 3 Division Championships and 1 Super Bowl appearance; we only seem to focus on the nega- 8 Boy Scout Day - celebrates the tive aspects of the organization. By starting over, I fear that the Bears would throw the baby out with the bathwater birthday of scouting 8 Kite Flying Day - in the middle of and that taking the most tempting option, to satisfy the knee-jerk reaction of sports fans, is far from wise. Permit me winter!?! to explain: 9 Toothache Day 10 Umbrella Day I’ll start by boldly stating that I’m a staunch Lovie Smith supporter. Never have I witnessed an NFL head coach, in the 11 Don't Cry over Spilled Milk Day 11 Make a Friend Day modern era, have a winning record and manage to, somehow, be treated with contempt by the fan base. Trust me, I 11 White T-Shirt Day understand how his ability to use his verbal gymnastics, his effectiveness in dodging direct questions, can drive any- 12 Abraham Lincoln's Birthday 12 Plum Pudding Day body crazy. Yet, whether you like him or not, Lovie Smith has made something happen with the limited talent Jerry 13 Clean out Your Computer Day - Angelo gave to him. Fans of the 46 Defense need to wake up and realize that with the league becoming more consci- second Monday of Month 13 Get a Different Name Day entious about player safety, the Cover 2 has been able to work wonders in the past decade despite these changes. 14 Ferris Wheel Day Lovie has done enough to keep his job…for now. 14 National Organ Donor Day 14 Valentine's Day The Chicago Bears don’t need to start over; they only need to fine tune. And, so far, they have with Jerry Angelo being 15 Candlemas - on the Julian Cal- endar shown the door. However, in the midst of the Chicago Bears searching for an apt replacement, my stance becomes 15 National Gum Drop Day more difficult to defend when challenged by not only the fan base but from established sports media commentators. 15 Singles Awareness Day 16 Do a Grouch a Favor Day Daniel Bernstein, co-host of 670 AM WSCR’s “Boers and Bernstein Show”, commented on his article What Are The 17 Random Acts of Kindness Day 18 National Battery Day Bears Doing? asking the question of why they would fire then General Manager Jerry Angelo without having a re- 19 National Chocolate Mint Day placement already in mind. Mr. Bernstein comments on how other organizations, like the St. Louis Rams, have been 20 Cherry Pie Day 20 Love Your Pet Day open to having their next GM reshape their respected, though failing, franchises. The Chicago Bears aren’t willing to 20 President's Day - third Monday of be that lenient; the next Bears GM will be unable to hire a head coach until Lovie Smith’s contract is up next year. A month 21 Card Reading Day General Manager position in the NFL won’t appeal much to anybody unless they can begin making their mark on the 22 George Washington's Birthday team right away, which is something the Mr. Bernstein argues that the Bears are hesitant to do. 22 Be Humble Day 22 Walking the Dog Day I admit that finding a GM that complements a pre-established system is an unorthodox move. But, I don’t think it’s a 22 International World Thinking Day 23 International Dog Biscuit Appre- dumb one. This current system, though flawed, has helped the Bears be competitive. Many fans clamoring for a big ciation Day name signing, like Theo Epstein was for the Chicago Cubs, are asking for an expectation that’s unrealistic. It’s true 23 Tennis Day 24 National Tortilla Chip Day that big names will likely be passing up on the Bears GM va- 26 Carnival Day cancy. But Brian Billick, Former Baltimore Ravens Head 26 National Pistachio Day 26 Tell a Fairy Tale Day Coach and current Fox Sports Commentator, argues that “the 27 Polar Bear Day NFL’s market for General Managers doesn’t have a lot of big 28 Floral Design Day 28 National Tooth Fairy Day - and/or names. Whoever the Bears, Eagles, Colts or Rams get won’t August 22 be somebody that fans recognize but will simply be the best 29 Leap Day - 2012, once every four years fit for their organizations.” Whoever the Bears end up getting; let’s at least agree that a change was needed. And that time will tell if that change will benefit the Monsters of the Midway, as they prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft.

The Custom Companies, Inc. - 317 W Lake Street Northlake, IL 60164 - www.customco.com VOL V No. 6 Feb. 2012 / Mar. 2012

Page 9 RETIRE WHERE? Here are some of your choices: March Holidays, You can retire to Phoenix , Arizona where... 1. You are willing to park 3 blocks away because you found shade. Special Days, 2. You've experienced condensation on your hiney from the hot water in the toilet bowl. 3. You can drive for 4 hours in one direction and never leave town. Weeks & Month 4. You have over 100 recipes for Mexican food. 5. You know that "dry heat" is comparable to what hits you in the face when you open your oven door. 1 National Pig Day 1 Peanut Butter Lovers' Day 6. The 4 seasons are: tolerable, hot, really hot, and ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!! 2 Employee Appreciation Day first Friday in March You can retire to California where... 2 National Salesperson Day - first Friday in the month 1. You make over $250,000 and you still can't afford to buy a house. 2 Old Stuff Day 2. The fastest part of your commute is going down your driveway. 3 I Want You to be Happy Day 3 If Pets Had Thumbs Day 3. You know how to eat an artichoke. 3 National Anthem Day 4. You drive your rented Mercedes to your neighborhood block party. 3 Peach Blossom Day 5. When someone asks you how far something is, you tell them how long it will take to get there 4 Holy Experiment Day 4 Hug a GI Day rather than how many miles away it is. 5 Multiple Personality Day 6. The 4 seasons are: Fire, Flood, Mud, and Drought. 6 Dentist's Day 6 National Frozen Food Day 7 National Crown Roast of Pork Day You can retire to New York City where... 8 Be Nasty Day 1. You say "the city" and expect everyone to know you mean Manhattan . 8 International (Working) Women's Day 2. You can get into a four-hour argument about how to get from Columbus Circle to Battery Park, but 8 Popcorn Lover's Day second Thursday 9 Panic Day can't find Wisconsin on a map. 10 Middle Name Pride Day 3. You think Central Park is "nature." 11 Johnny Appleseed Day 4. You believe that being able to swear at people in their own language makes you multi-lingual. 11 Worship of Tools Day elate 12 Girl Scouts Day 5. You've worn out a car horn. (Ed. Note: if you have a car). 12 Plant a Flower Day 6. You think eye contact is an act of aggression. 13 Ear Muff Day 13 Jewel Day 14 Learn about Butterflies Day You can retire to Minnesota where... 14 National Potato Chip Day 1. You only have four spices: salt, pepper, ketchup, and Tabasco . 14 National Pi Day- Why today? Because today is 3.14, the value of Pi. 2. Halloween costumes fit over parkas. 15 Everything You Think is Wrong Day 3. You have more than one recipe for casserole. 15 Ides of March 4. Sexy lingerie is anything flannel with less than eight buttons. 15 Incredible Kid Day 15 Dumbstruck Day 5. The four seasons are: winter, still winter, almost winter, and construction. 16 Everything You Do is Right Day 16 Freedom of Information Day You can retire to the Deep South where... 17 National Quilting Day - third Saturday of month 1. You can rent a movie and buy bait in the same store. 17 Submarine Day - the hero sandwich or the 2. "Y'all" is singular and "all y'all" is plural. boat?? 3. "He needed killin" is a valid defense. 17 Saint Patrick's Day 18 Goddess of Fertility Day 4. Everyone has 2 first names: Billy Bob, Jimmy Bob, Mary Sue, Betty Jean, Mary Beth, etc. 18 Supreme Sacrifice Day 5. Everything is either "in yonder," "over yonder" or "out yonder." It's important to know the difference, 19 Poultry Day 20 International Earth Day too. 20 Extraterrestrial Abductions Day 20 Proposal Day You can retire to Colorado where... 21 Fragrance Day 1. You carry your $3,000 mountain bike atop your $500 car. 23 National Chip and Dip Day 2. You tell your husband to pick up Granola on his way home and so he stops at the day care center. 23 Near Miss Day 24 National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day 3. A pass does not involve a football or dating. 25 Pecan Day 4. The top of your head is bald, but you still have a pony tail. 25 Waffle Day 26 Make Up Your Own Holiday Day 27 National "Joe" Day You can retire to the Midwest where... 28 Something on a Stick Day 1. You've never met any celebrities, but the mayor knows your name. 29 National Mom and Pop Business Owners 2. Your idea of a traffic jam is ten cars waiting to pass a tractor. Day 29 Smoke and Mirrors Day 3. You have had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" on the same day. 30 National Doctor's Day 4. You end sentences with a preposition: "Where's my coat at?" 30 I am in Control Day 30 Take a Walk in the Park Day 5. When asked how your trip was to any exotic place, you say, "It was different!" 31 Bunsen Burner Day 31 National Clam on the Half Shell Day FINALLY You can retire to Florida where: 1. You eat dinner at 3:15 in the afternoon. 2. All purchases include a coupon of some kind -- even houses and cars. 3. Everyone can recommend an excellent dermatologist. 4. Road construction never ends anywhere in the state. 5. Cars in front of you often appear to be driven by a headless person.

The Custom Companies, Inc. - 317 W Lake Street Northlake, IL 60164 - www.customco.com

VOL V No. 6 Feb. 2012 / Mar. 2012

Page 10 Taffy Apple Salad by Jeff Guthman Proposal Would Tie Sleep Apnea Testing with Body Mass Index

A proposal that would tie sleep apnea screening with body mass index emerged from a meeting Wednesday, Dec. 7, of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration safety and medical groups.

Under a guidance supported by FMCSA’s Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee and Medical Review Board, medical examiners would refer for evaluation for obstructive sleep apnea any interstate commercial driver with a BMI measurement of 35 or above. A 6-foot-tall 258-pound driver has a BMI of 35.

The guidance comes on the heels of three separate sets of recommendations the agency has received in recent years with varying screening specifications, typically involving a BMI measurement between 30 and 35 and other criteria, including several risk factors.

1 can Pineapple tidbits A second guidance immediately would disqualify drivers meeting any of five criteria: 1. Having reported excessive daytime sleepiness. 2. Having had an accident associated with falling asleep. 3. Exhibiting apnea 2 cups miniature marshmal- -hypopnea index (AHI) scores of 20 or greater until they’ve had effective treatment. 4. Having had surgery low to correct apnea and awaiting post-operative evaluation. 5. Individuals who have been found to be effec- Half cup sugar tively noncompliant with their treatment.

One egg Both short-term guidances are intended as stopgaps until further new rulemaking officially codifies sleep 1 tbsp flour disorders into the regulations, with a draft to emerge from a MCSAC and MRB joint subcommittee as early as February. 1 tbsp vinegar Medical experts at the daylong meeting made a case for the correlation between drivers with moderate to 1 tub of Cool Whip severe sleep apnea and increased crash risk.

Two apples, diced Todd Spencer, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association executive vice president, noted the wide Handful of peanuts prevalence of risk factors for apnea among commercial drivers. “If these staggering numbers have some real live applications,” Spencer asked, “why don’t highways all over America look like war zones today?” The day before: Charles Czeisler, director of Harvard Medical’s Division of Sleep Medicine, argued that “it is actually a war

zone out there.” He cited statistics for all drivers – not just truckers – showing that 20 percent of all Drain one can of pineapple crashes are related to drowsy driving, with two million drivers a week in the United States nodding off and tidbits into a container and falling asleep at the wheel. With fatalities related to drowsy driving occurring once every 70 minutes on mix with marshmallow. average, “that’s equivalent to two 9/11 events every year,” he said.

Cook the pineapple juice with Czeisler was a member of the Medical Expert Panel to FMCSA on the OSA condition. None of the group’s sugar, egg, flour & vinegar recommendations has been acted upon by FMCSA, and Czeisler chided the agency for its lack of action on until boil, stir often. Over- the condition after nearly 30 years of recommendations that it move forward. night in refrigerator. This makes a custard. Czeisler recommended BMI of 30 or greater as a better ultimate screening requirement and would require drivers with moderate to severe apnea to be disqualified from driving until being treated and proving that Next day: treatment is working. Mix the custard, pineapple Chicago-based Sleep Specialist Andrew Mouton presented an alternative point of view on screening re- mixture with apples, peanuts quirements, emphasizing the variability in individual apnea cases. Mouton believes the current respiratory & Cool Whip. regulation 391.41(b)(5) provides a decent model for a possible sleep disorder regulation. Enjoy! “The individual has to be referred to a specialist if an examiner detects a dysfunction,” Mouton said. “It doesn’t specify that you have to have a particular test. I think you could switch a few words around to get an excellent guide of how to pursue sleep disorders.”

Both Spencer and American Trucking Associations’ Rob Abbott took issue with some of the data presented. Ab- bott, characterizing some of the data’s potential to be inaccurate or misleading and in need of further study, stressed the need to “hash that out in a public comment period.”

The proposed guidance ultimately would be put up for public comment, said FMCSA’s Larry Minor. HNI Truck Group 1621 Colonial Parkway Inverness IL 60067 847.330.5000

The Custom Companies, Inc. - 317 W Lake Street Northlake, IL 60164 - www.customco.com VOL V No. 6 Feb. 2012 / Mar. 2012 Page 11 INTERNATIONAL FOODS OF LOVE

by Carol Guarino Bus, truck safety bill introduced in U.S. Senate

December 8, 2011 On Valentine’s Day, the most traditional romantic dishes and their complimentary WASHINGTON—A new bus and truck safety bill was introduced in the United States desserts around the world are:

Senate to improve commercial motor vehicle safety standards. The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act—introduced by U.S. Sens. UNITED KINGDOM: Seared duck breasts and Frank R. Lautenberg, D-N.J., chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Sur- Valentine cookies face Transportation, and John D. Rockefeller, D-W.Va., chairman of the Senate Com- FRANCE: Duck a l’Orange and a chocolate heart cake merce Committee—reauthorizes the Department of Transportation's Federal Motor GERMANY: Steak and frosted heart cookies Carrier Safety Administration and includes additional safety requirements for commer- cial truck and bus carriers, the senators said in a statement Thursday. BRAZIL: Brie Fondue and truffles MEXICO: Clams with chorizo and chocolate “We must do more to make sure large trucks and buses are not a threat on our road- mousse ways and are only operated by the most qualified drivers,” said Sen. Lautenberg in the AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND: Garlic statement. “This bill will give the Department of Transportation the tools to kick un- chicken and Crème Brulee safe drivers and carriers out of the industry and keep America's roadways safe.” UNITED STATES: Any entrée will work as long as there are chocolate covered straw- Onboard recorders required berries for dessert!

The bill would require onboard recorders to be used on all trucks and buses used in interstate commerce, along with a registration process requiring applicants to pass a CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES safety proficiency exam and a submission of a safety management plan as a precondi- Makes about 20 tion for operating authority. 16 oz. milk chocolate chips 2 Tbs. shortening The bill also would increase enforcement tools for the FMCSA to remove unsafe and unfit drivers and carriers from the industry, according to the statement. 1 lb. fresh strawberries with leaves DIRECTIONS: “We need to make sure that only the safest people are allowed to operate large trucks 1. Insert toothpicks into tops of straw- and buses, and give the Department of Transportation the tools it needs to improve its berries.

oversight of the industry,” Sen. Rockefeller said in the statement. “I look forward to 2. In double boiler, melt chocolate and working with my colleagues as we continue to work to get this important bill enacted shortening, stirring occasionally until smooth. into law.” 3. Holding the strawberries by the HNI Truck Group 1621 Colonial Parkway Inverness IL 60067 847.330.5000 toothpicks, dip each one into the chocolate mixture. 4. Place strawberries on waxed paper and let the chocolate cool.

The Custom Companies, Inc. - 317 W Lake Street Northlake, IL 60164 - www.customco.com VOL V No. 6 Feb. 2012 / Mar. 2012 Page 12 Toyota Lift Truck of Los Angeles & The Custom Companies

by Mark Schiele The Toyota Lift Truck Company of Los Angeles Service Team visited Rick Bulaon at The Custom Companies Carson California Location. The meeting was to develop the groundwork for a strong working relationship between the two companies. Rick Bulaon of Custom and Jim McManus, General Sales Manager for Toyota Lift of Los New Hires Angeles surveyed the fleet of recently purchased lift trucks. We are excited about this new lift truck purchase and will continue to upgrade our equipment as needed. This new equipment will enable Custom to be more productive and better service David Alvarez our clients needs. Clarence Cross Erik Diaz Erik Goff Roger Peralta

CDN OFFICE Don’t forget Andy McDonald to Spring Ahead on March 11th!

The Custom Companies, Inc. - 317 W Lake Street Northlake, IL 60164 - www.customco.com VOL V No. 6 Feb. 2012 / Mar. 2012 Page 13 ASSOCIATES HR CORNER by Michele Marek AT WORK

Values are traits or qualities that are considered worthwhile; they represent your highest priorities and deeply held driving forces. When you are part of any organization, you bring your deeply held values and beliefs to the organization. There they co-mingle with those of the other members to create an organization or family culture.

Value statements are grounded in values and define how people want to behave with each other in an organization, an institution, a company, or a family. They are state- ments about how the organization will value customers, suppliers, and the internal community. Value statements describe actions which are the living enactment of the fundamental values held by most individuals within the organization. CHI INTERMODAL The following are examples of values. You might use these as the starting point for thinking about and articulating your values as a human being. Jeff Paolello

Examples of Values ambition, competency, individuality, equality, integrity, service, responsibility, accu- racy, respect, dedication, diversity, improvement, enjoyment/fun, loyalty, credibility, honesty, innovativeness, teamwork, excellence, accountability, empowerment, qual- ity, efficiency, dignity, collaboration, stewardship, empathy, accomplishment, cour- age, wisdom, independence, security, challenge, influence, learning, compassion, friendliness, discipline/order, generosity, persistency, optimism, dependability, flexi- bility CHI SAFETY Why Identify and Establish Your Values? Mark Dannhauser Your values are made up of everything that has happened to you in your life and include influences from: your parents and family, your religious affiliation, your friends and peers, your education, your reading, and more. Effective people rec- ognize these environmental influences and identify and develop a clear, concise, and meaningful set of values/beliefs, and priorities. Once defined, values impact CHI TRUCKLOAD every aspect of your life.  You demonstrate and model your values in action in your personal and work be- Scott Ten-Broeck haviors, decision making, contribution, and interpersonal interaction.  You use your values to make decisions about priorities in your daily work and home life. Your goals and life purpose are grounded in your values. Choose the values that are most important to you, the values you believe in and that define your character. Then live them visibly every day at work and at home. Living your values is one of the most powerful tools available to you to help you be the per- son you want to be, to help you accomplish your goals and dreams, and to help you lead and influence others. Don't waste your best opportunity.

The Custom Companies, Inc. - 317 W Lake Street Northlake, IL 60164 - www.customco.com VOL V No. 6 Feb. 2012 / Mar. 2012

Page 14

Treasure Hunting for Adults: The Bare Bones of Tax Sales… by Daniel Leach

Tax Sales have become the highest marketed investment opportunity in the past 2 years. SPRING Annual Tax Sales that would normally draw 20% capacity are now turning people away at EQUINOX the door. With stocks and bonds failing to deliver to investors the same rate of returns, Tax Sales have become very popular. And what’s funny is that despite its recent surge in popu- The Sun is at its larity, Tax Sales have been one of the oldest methods of investing in the United States for lowest path in the the past 200 years. sky on the Winter As stated before Tax Sales are commonly held once a year. Oftentimes they are held ei- Solstice. After ther in the county courthouse or county treasurer’s office. Depending on the county, you that day the Sun can either purchase Tax Deeds or Tax Liens. And to any savvy investor, it’s important to follows a higher note the difference: and higher path Tax Deeds allow you to purchase the home outright. The bid for the property starts with through the sky the taxes that are due. With no redemption period, if you have the means to purchase, you each day until it is can buy a home for pennies on the dollar. However, with multiple people and investment in the sky for ex- groups bidding on the same piece of property, it’s easy to have the property’s value be driven up to the standard market value. Plus, examining a home’s interior is not allowed actly 12 hours. On until after the property is yours. Meaning you could very well buy a gem on the outside, the Spring Equi- and have it be junk on the inside. nox the Sun rises On the other hand, Tax Liens allow individuals that don’t have excessive means to partici- exactly in the east pate in the Tax Sale. Tax Liens allow you to purchase delinquent taxes on a home to gain travels through interest. What happens is that the delinquent property taxes are auctioned off to private the sky for 12 citizens and banks, with the promise of large interest (sometimes 9-25%). The homeown- hours and sets ex- ers are given a deadline to payback the delinquent taxes and interest. If they don’t, then actly in the west. the home is yours once title clears. But, remember, interest is measured per year. So if you On the Equinox purchase a $1,000 lien, and if the homeowner pays back in 1 month, then you only make this is the motion $10 off your investment. Take into account the fees to register, and price per parcel pur- of the Sun chased, and there goes more than the money you made. through the sky All these things, plus specific rules and regulations of individual counties, make Tax Sales a for everyone on big risk-big reward. Yet, regardless of economic status, there is something for everybody earth. Every place at a Tax Sale. Just remember though, as the old proverb states: “Let the buyer beware.” on earth experi- ences a 12 hours day twice a year on the Spring and Fall Equinox.

The Custom Companies, Inc. - 317 W Lake Street Northlake, IL 60164 - www.customco.com VOL V No. 6 Feb. 2012 / Mar. 2012

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ISN’T LOVE GRAND? ...by Marcelo Domingo

It happened when I was 16 years old, when you do everything yourself except when your parents help you. I had done something incredibly stupid to my girlfriend. INTERMODAL Remember dating when you were sixteen? WATCH That person was the most important thing in the world except when you broke up with Don’t expect them. It was Valentine’s Day and I totally for- trailers-on- got. My girlfriend showed up at my locker with a card and a kiss and looked at me expectantly. I felt the panic in my face flatcars to go and saw the anger and disappointment in hers. Then, silence. Remember the away anytime “silent treatment” when you weren’t supposed to talk to her at all but she got soon, but expect even angrier because you wouldn’t say anything? it to increasingly

be via 53-foot I was sitting in my house after school, miserable and my mom walked into the room. She saw the look on my face and the card from my girlfriend trailers, says an in my hand. Then she walked upstairs and brought down a golden box FTR senior con- marked “GODIVA.” “Your father forgot too,” she said. Mothers, they never sultant, who knew anything except when they knew everything. called them “a

major conduit I thought it would never work. And when I showed up at my girlfriend’s door, box in hand, her face still looked like murder, but she took the box. I sat by which new there in silence and she opened it. I couldn’t believe it. The first chocolate and trucklines get her scowl softened, another and she looked me in the eye. Then another and into using rail in- then another, pretty soon it was a good Valentine’s Day. termodal.”

So what is it with this magic good mood stuff? Why does it work? There’s a science to it. Chocolate contains phenethylamine (PEA), which stimulates the nervous system, triggering the release of endorphins that give a sense of well being. Also chemicals in chocolate increase the activity of do- pamine, a neurotransmitter directly associated with pleasure. Finally, choco- late can boost brain levels of serotonin, the “happy” neurotransmitter. Useful facts for when you’re in the romance doghouse.

So millions of couples are rejoicing in love in a storm of endorphins, do- pamine and serotonin; isn’t love grand? And you can feel secure in the knowl- edge that the science of chocolate is there to rescue your special relation- ship…unless they’re into diamonds. Love, it’s so simple, even when it gets complicated.

The Custom Companies, Inc. - 317 W Lake Street Northlake, IL 60164 - www.customco.com The Custom Companies, Inc. Page 16

317 W. Lake Street Northlake, IL 60164 Phone: 708-338-8888 CUSTOMER SERVICE, SUPPORT AND CARE Fax: 708-338-9550 At The Custom Companies, our main objective is to deliver your goods E-mail: [email protected] on time and in perfect condition. We understand the importance of a great customer/vendor relationship. Our customer service center is just a The Full Service Transportation Company phone call away to provide a rate quote, track a shipment, schedule a pickup or access accurate documentation. In today’s fast paced environ- www.customco.com ment, we work to provide transportation solutions that fit every economic situation.

Our “Customer First” program ensures that your shipments will be deliv- ered on time, and with the highest degree of care. In order to maintain these standards, we measure performance levels on every shipment. As a result, our internal operational systems are constantly improving to pro- vide better, more accurate service, allowing our transportation specialists to meet your growing needs.

Newsletter Committee Members Marcelo Domingo Lisa Ludwikowski Crafts by Ruth Matt Foley Michele Marek All items shown below are hand- Carol Guarino Dan Mason made by Ruth Cecconi. If you have Petra Gumieniak Tom Mroz any questions or would like to place Jeff Guthman Mark Schiele an order, please contact Ruth at Daniel Leach 815.409.0431 or CHI Driver Chuck Cecconi.

Prices range from $2.00 for ornaments to $20.00 for the jewelry and candle holders. She also makes vintage crystal rosaries for $50.00

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