BRYAN TEXAS UTILITIES Bryan Grocery Stores: Provide Quality Products, Stellar Customer Bryan Texas Utilities Service and Economical Prices while 205 East 28th Street Bryan, TX 77803 Brightening the Community

Office Hours By Louellen S. Coker Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 6 PM www.BTUtilities.com Grocery stores provide the bare necessities of life and, through the food they Secure 24-hour Access sell, are an integral part of how people enjoy and live their lives. Bryan is (979) 821-5700 fortunate to have several large establishments to meet the grocery, meat, [email protected] seafood, floral and pharmaceutical needs of its citizens. While each store is different from the other, every site has the common goal of providing its General Manager shoppers the utmost in quality products, customer service and economical Dan Wilkerson prices possible. Whether homegrown or a national corporation, all the stores Board of Directors and their employees make the lives of their customers easier and brighter by Dr. Richard Alexander, meeting an essential need. Chairman Ronald Hale, Vice Chairman Bill Atkinson, Secretary Dr. Wendell Davis Hank McQuaide Lonnie Stabler Helping make your life easier. Frank Thurmond oe Albertson established Group Managers the philosophy of J. Kean Register JAlbertsons grocery store at Lee R. Starr the time he opened his first Richard (Rick) Vick one in Boise, Idaho when he Division Managers said, “You’ve got to give the Bernie Acre, customers the merchandise Information Technology they want, at a price they can Tom Hancock, afford, complete with tender, QSE / Power Marketing loving care.” Albertsons’ Michael Hering, employees who work in Located at 1901 South Texas Avenue, Albertsons is Bryan’s 1901 South Texas Bryan’s newest supermarket and strives to make its Production customers’ lives easier. Pat Kasper, Avenue location continue Transmission their founder’s view of Roy Trotter, business and work toward meeting to be Bryan’s number one food and Distribution the needs and making the lives of drug retailer, they want to be a part Phil Williams, their patrons easier. They strive to of making Albertsons the world’s Fiscal Services achieve these goals through top supermarket. Employees are exemplary customer service, handpicked by Store Director, Important Numbers employee development and Bonita Hebb who looks for traits Billing / Collections / Connects involvement in the community such as being team players, having (979) 821-5700 since the store opened in 2002. positive attitudes and possessing Electrical Outage / Lines Down Bryan’s Albertsons, through its 90 caring dispositions toward those (979) 822-3777 high-energy associates, provide a who shop in Albertsons. Energy Audits / Conservation level of customer service that is sure “As we work to make our (979) 821-5772 to make any shopping excursion customers’ lives easier,” Ms. Hebb Distribution / Line Design pleasurable. Not only do they want Continued on pg. 18 (979) 821-5770 Power Track Cards / Service MARCH 2004 • BRYAN TEXAS UTILITIES 17 (979) 821-5820 BRYAN TEXAS UTILITIES

Albertsons continued from pg. 17 replacement guarantee on their addition to flexible schedules, stated, “we are consistently hand-selected, carved and Albertsons offers scholarships and among the top performers in the trimmed as well as cut-to-order tuition reimbursement company for associate interaction, Blue Ribbon Beef and Steakhouse opportunities for its employees. customer service and scan Choice Beef selections. The store also provides many accuracy.” Employees understand Another example of this career opportunities through its the store is large and will offer commitment is the fuel center training programs. assistance in a manner similar to a and convenience store located in Ms. Hebb tries to maintain a doting relative, ensuring the the main store’s parking lot. diverse team of employees who customer has a positive Flowers can be wired to any reflect the diversity of her store’s experience while at the store. delivery area and customers can customers. Albertsons also has a Customers enjoy one-stop call ahead to place deli and bakery corporate-wide diversity training shopping in this conveniently laid orders for in-store pick up. program that allows employees to out store with different full- Another innovative pilot program recognize and appreciate diversity service departments throughout. that has yet to come to Bryan is in the workforce, marketplace Shoppers take advantage of Albertsons Internet shopping and representation while services such as 30-minute film with the option of in-store pick understanding differences and processing, fresh meat and up or home delivery. “We get a similarities. The result of this produce departments, full-service lot of positive feedback about the advanced training allows Ms. bakery and floral departments special services we offer,” Ms. Hebb to maintain a work along with a wide selection of Hebb reflected. “We continually environment that embodies an wines and beer. They can also find strive to add programs which will open door policy and team recipes and information about make our customers’ lives easier.” atmosphere. produce and meats located in Bryan clientele often seek To the Bryan Albertsons’ department displays. employment with Albertsons employees, customer service Albertsons recognizes the because, as Ms. Hebb explained, extends out into the community. needs of its customers are varied “they have consistently good Employees volunteer a and offers services that most other experiences as shoppers, considerable amount of their grocery stores do not provide. recognize the attitude of our time, money and energy to They currently offer a refund and employees and decide they want nonprofit organizations, to be part individuals and groups of such a throughout the city. The store good work donates product to different setting.” charities through varied Albertsons donations. Just a few ways offers its customers’ lives are made easier employees includes donated sandwiches to flexible Habitat for Humanity crews, schedules, library books to area schools, competitive American Red Cross blood drives, salaries and Food Bank support and the the Community Partner program. Albertsons provides its opportunity Albertsons is open 7:00 AM to customers a clean to advance 10:00 PM seven days a week, with store in which they in their pharmacy hours of 9:00 AM to easily purchase food, drink and other careers. 7:00 PM Monday-Friday and 10:00 necessities. “Many AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday. The Albertsons’ employees of our fuel center is open 6:30 AM to truly work to make your life easier. employees 10:00 PM for check and cash are customers and gas is available 24 students. hours a day for pay at the pump We customers. For more information understand their primary goal is about Albertsons, please visit to be successful in school. We www.albertsons.com or contact work with them to ensure they the store directly at (979) 822- are successful at both school and 8022 or the pharmacy at (979) work,” said Ms. Hebb. In 822-8155.

18 BRYAN TEXAS UTILITIES • MARCH 2004 BRYAN TEXAS UTILITIES

ppleTree Markets, Inc., with want to be treated.” its two Bryan locations at Tracy Davis, Vice President and A1760 Briarcrest and 2001 General Manager of AppleTree Highway 21, has been a positive Markets, Inc., stated, “Although part of the community since our stores are totally different 1975. AppleTree is managed and demographically, we do whatever operated by local owners and it takes to serve our customers.” employees who sell local produce Shirley and goods carefully selected to Stratta, Store meet the shopping needs of its Director of clients. This Aggie-owned and the Highway operated company, through its 21 location, two stores, sell everything attributes the national corporation stores offer success of her and emphasize customer and store to the AppleTree’s 2001 Highway 21 location community service. ability she has offers exciting Customer service is of to select her “Dollar” goods paramount importance to product. (shown above) as well as attractive AppleTree employees. Every “Because we pinatas for parties employee is accessible to the are (shown left). shopper and strives to make every independent, visit to either of the AppleTree we can stores a pleasant experience. Tony merchandise Kubicek, president and C.E.O. of for the clientele of the area. We little bigger and offers the same AppleTree Markets, Inc., also hire from within our amenities as its sister store with maintains the goal of AppleTree is immediate communities, giving us the additional offerings of a full- for his employees to “run the employees who are a reflection of service meat and seafood market, store so that customers are our customers.” pharmacy, 30-minute film treated as the employee would In the Highway 21 store, developing along with larger customers enjoy a bakery, deli, floral, beer/wine and bakery/deli dollar section, full-service floral departments. Jimmy Junek, Store department, groceries and fresh Director of the Briarcrest meat and seafood along with one location, proudly remarked, “We of the largest Hispanic food offer an excellent selection of sections in the area. Its staff of quality food and have employees approximately 55 people is who are willing to help our friendly and creates an customers with preparation ideas. atmosphere that ensures We also enjoy floral designers customers return time and who are on par with those in time again. expensive florist shops.” The majority of Ms. Department managers search Stratta’s employees have for the highest quality goods in been a part of this store for the Bryan area before going AppleTree customers enjoy a quality fish more than 15 years. Ms. elsewhere to stock their shelves. market (shown Stratta started her career Because the stores’ vendors are above) and the with AppleTree as a primarily local vendors, beautiful floral designs of Elaine checker and has worked in customers enjoy the freshest Garza, Floral just about every position in produce and meats available in Designer/Manager, the store over the last 35 the area at low prices. (shown right) at the 1760 Briarcrest years. Briarcrest AppleTree location. The Briarcrest store is a Continued on page 22

MARCH 2004 • BRYAN TEXAS UTILITIES 19 BRYAN TEXAS UTILITIES

-E-B Pantry stores provide contain a floral department, fish Bryan citizens with a nearly market and bakery under one H100-year tradition of excellence roof. Pantry stores are designed to in exceptional service, low prices provide about 85% of the items a and friendly shopping. Started in typical shopper frequently 1905 with an initial investment of purchases in a convenient and only $60.00, Charles C. and easy in-and-out environment. Florence Butt opened a small Because these stores are smaller family business in Kerrville, Texas and less expensive to build and that has since grown to be a operate, H-E-B was able to corporation which serves families expand in a manageable way and all over Texas with 300 locations keep prices low. and 56,000 employees. Bryan’s “These stores go beyond simply two H-E-B Pantry stores, at 2031 protecting the company’s market South Texas Avenue and 1905 share,” Max Castillo, Assistant Old Hearne Road provide jobs for Store Director of the Texas approximately 200 local Avenue store, explained. “Even residents. though they were built with low Charles Butt, grandson of overhead and maintenance in Trisha Goodrich, General Merchandise founder Florence Butt and mind, their quality and prices Lead (shown top), ensures the South Texas current Chairman and CEO, have created a customer base that Avenue shelves are fully stocked for her developed what he called H-E-B is much stronger than anyone customers. Pantry stores as a way to anticipated. In fact, Bryan’s Pantry Bob Luna (shown bottom), Meat Market economically expand H-E-B’s stores are so successful, we find Manager at the Hearne Road location, presence and protect the the need to expand in the area.” stocks only the freshest meats. company’s market share across Director of the Old Hearne Texas. These are different than the Road store, Mike McKinney, exceptional service, low prices larger H-E-B Food & Drug stores added, “H-E-B has seen such a and friendly shopping at our new designed to meet 100% of a positive response to our Bryan location while providing jobs to shopper’s needs and which locations that plans are underway more than 300 employees.” Plans to bring a large for the new store include a deli, format Food & drive-through pharmacy and Drug store to the more checkout stations among newly renovated many other exciting options that Tejas Center. We have not yet been determined. will offer our Mr. Castillo expressed, “We customers the same are able to create a friendly shopping environment for our customers because of our employees. We are more than just colleagues in our stores; we are partners and work together to ensure our customers have the best shopping experience possible.” H-E-B Pantry stores Shoppers enjoy quality food and low prices at Bryan’s H-E-B offer their employees success Pantry stores located at 2031 through training programs, South Texas Avenue (shown competitive salaries, flexible above) and at 1905 Old Hearne Road (shown right). work schedules, recognition and an open-door management Continued on page 22

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Bryan’s Kroger provides its community the Right Food at the Right Price daily.

Kroger moved to its current part of Kroger’s mission. Taking an active role in the location at 2104 Texas Avenue in Shoppers are not only able to buy community is a goal of this 1977 and continues its 35-year foods that meet their varied Kroger store. Mr. Farr believes tradition of being the “Right palates, they enjoy an employee “community involvement is Store” at the “Right Price.” and supplier base that reflects the important because it allows us to Kroger’s 80 employees strive to community. Kroger’s Supplier give something back to those who provide their customers with a Diversity Program, established support our store.” The store store in which they are more than 25 years ago, is conducts internal fund-raisers to comfortable to shop as well as one designed to foster the promotion, raise money for charities as well as that meets the particular needs of growth and development of providing in-kind support by the community. minority and women-owned manning the phone banks for Although this Kroger is businesses. telethons, supplying water for considered a “neighborhood Mr. Farr explained how his walks and contributing full meals store” it attracts customers from staff works to make Kroger a for Habitat for Humanity miles around for its convenient comfortable place to shop: workers. As a corporation, location and multiplicity of “Customer service is our main charitable giving is focused on five services. Customers enjoy a focus in the store. We take pride key areas as defined at bakery, bank, dollar department, in knowing our customers www.kroger.com—“being a ‘good pharmacy, full service meat and personally. Many of my neighbor’; hunger relief; seafood markets and full service employees have been with this education; advancement of deli and floral departments. store since its inception 35 years women and minorities and While built around the ago.” He commented, “We are women’s health.” structure that the Kroger really in the people business, we Local groups and nonprofit Company has found successful, just happen to end up selling organizations benefit not only this store is by no means a groceries as a by-product.” from very active Kroger “cookie-cutter” operation. This store enjoys such a volunteers but also from several People are comfortable shopping committed and loyal staff because unique avenues of charitable here because the particular Kroger promotes the vocational giving from the store itself. products are determined by advancement of its employees and Kroger provides assistance by Bryan’s demographics rather than offers excellent benefits. As a donating cash, gift certificates and Kroger’s corporate location in result there is little turnover in its products, discounted gift Cincinnati, Ohio. The needs of full-time staff. The store maintains certificates for resell and rebate the area are well-incorporated, as such loyal employees because programs. is evidenced by the weekly they offer very good benefits. Kroger is open daily 6:00 AM advertisements the customers Kroger provides tuition assistance until midnight. Pharmacy hours receive and the indicators with to qualified employees and many are 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM Monday which they are greeted when corporate training programs that through Friday, 9:00 AM until visiting the store. “We represent support employees’ career goals. 7:00 PM on Saturday and 10:00 AM our diverse neighborhood in our Mr. Farr expressed, “I want my until 4:00 PM on Sunday. For holiday recognition, products and employees happy to come to more information about Kroger, staff,” stated Store Director, work. To achieve this goal, I try please contact the store at (979) Wyman Farr. to make the work environment as 779-9251, the pharmacy at (979) Respecting the diversity of its inclusive, fun and stimulating as 779-7648 or visit communities is a very important possible.” www.kroger.com.

MARCH 2004 • BRYAN TEXAS UTILITIES 21 BRYAN TEXAS UTILITIES

AppleTree continued from pg. 19 Mr. Davis expressed, “is also a knowing its customers and customers also enjoy consistency large part of giving back to the spending the time required to and friendliness in their grocery community that supports us. Our ensure their needs are met. store’s staff. Mr. Junek has worked community involvement includes Customers appreciate the with AppleTree for nearly 38 everything from donating to and attention and care they receive years, and sets a good example for supporting the local food bank as and remain loyal to the stores, his 100 employees. “We have well as supporting the local with many being very little turnover with many of schools and other organizations multigenerational shoppers. Mr. our staff having between five and geared toward helping children.” Junek concluded, “We make a twenty years experience,” Mr. AppleTree also supports the point to know our customers on a Junek said. He continued, “We community while building first-name basis. We have a special make it a point to speak to every Bryan’s economy through its bond because we provide them customer when we encounter continued practice of working the food they need for all the them in the aisles.” with handicapped young adults. events in their lives. We are a The result of AppleTree’s “These employees have all turned family-oriented store and strive to philosophy of customer service is out to be true blessings to both pass that feeling on to them.” a pleasurable shopping the store and our customers,” AppleTree provides quality experience. Mr. Davis explained, stated Ms. Stratta. service and products at both of its “We have a can-do attitude for Employees enjoy flexible work stores. The Highway 21 store is our customers. We will do schedules, competitive pay, open daily 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM whatever it takes to ensure we career advancement and can be reached at (979) 778- have what they need, even if it opportunities, excellent benefits, 0134. The Briarcrest store is open means going to a competitor’s insurance and a 401k program. daily 6:00 AM to midnight with store and purchasing an Mr. Kubicek stresses the pharmacy hours 9:00 am to 6:30 unavailable product.” Mr. Junek importance of employees. As a pm Monday through Friday and and Ms. Stratta commented, “It result, employees support each 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM on Saturday. takes us all to run the store. We other with the unified goal of Customers can contact this store feel that if you treat the customer providing customers with the at (979) 846-9600. right, they’ll be back.” best possible service. “Community involvement,” AppleTree prides itself on

H-E-B continued from pg. 20 to stock a wide variety of the programs, the Assistant Directors policy. “necessities,” allowing customers of both stores strive to increase Each location creates a friendly to quickly purchase the freshest their commitment to community shopping atmosphere by playing meats, produce, dry goods and projects. Mr. McKinney expressed music geared toward the general merchandise. Their the sentiments of both stores demographics of customers, airing inventories reflect the culture of when he affirmed, “Our sporting events over the PA the community that forms a five employees find it truly amazing systems as well as having live and mile radius around the stores, and fulfilling to see the impact of multilingual announcements making them truly an extension our community involvement, throughout the day. Mr. of their customers’ pantries. whether in the excited eyes of a McKinney stated, “We really H-E-B Pantry stores have been child we work with through the enjoy watching the transformation successful due the organization of schools or youth sports or in the some of our customers go the stores and the low prices gratitude of people who benefit through. They walk in with the shoppers find. Mr. McKinney from food drives and our disaster cares of their day very evident and observed, “Pantry stores are relief donations.” smiles come to their faces as those designed for efficiency. We Bryan’s H-E-B Pantry stores are cares slip away while shopping. consider what our shoppers buy open daily 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. We regularly see them singing and stock just those items, For more information about H-E- along or laughing at our eliminating unproductive shelf B, please visit www.heb.com or employees’ live and creative space. The reward is low prices call the Old Hearne Road location announcements we run and convenience.” at (979) 778-1077 or the Texas everyday.” H-E-B’s service extends out Avenue store at (979) 775-3088. Both stores employ persons into the community. While who have many years of employees participate in local experience and have the expertise charities as well as corporate

22 BRYAN TEXAS UTILITIES • MARCH 2004 BRYAN TEXAS UTILITIES What America Means to Me Call for 39th Annual Youth Tour Entries Essay Contest

our area high school students will have the opportunity to join hundreds of other teenagers from aroundF the nation on a 12-day, all expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. In June 2004, Bryan Texas Utilities will send four students to our nation’s capital to promote a better understanding of rural electrification, become familiar YYouthouth with our country’s historical and political environment and meet their elected officials. This contest is open to all high school students in the BTU service area whose parents are not employed by BTU. Students are requested to write a 750-1,000 TTourour word essay about “What America Means to Me.” BTU’s judging committee will review all entry forms and essays submitted by 5:00 PM, Friday, April 16, 2004 to determine the four award winners. Winners will be notified by May 7, 2004. 2004 For entry details and an entry form for the 39th Annual Youth Tour Essay Contest, please visit www.btutilities.com or contact contest coordinator, Mike Connor at (979) Entry Deadline: 821-5830. Friday, April 16, 2004

2004 BTU Triathlon Comes to Lake Bryan ryan TexasYouth Utilities is proud to sponsor the first annual BTU Triathlon at 7:00 AM on Sunday, April 4, 2004. Racers will completeB a 500m swim, 31k bike ride and 5k run for this endurance event. Participants will receive a commemorative t- shirt and finisher medals. Overall male and female winners will be awarded $500. For more information, please contact Sharon Parker at (979) 695-7050 or [email protected] or log on to www.powerpedal.com/triathlon.html.Tour Register early at signmeupsports.com as late as March 24, 2004.

Register at signmeupsports.com by March 24, 2004

MARCH 2004 • BRYAN TEXAS UTILITIES 23 BRYAN TEXAS UTILITIES

Employee Spotlight Flo Fields — Dispatching Service with a Smile By Louellen S. Coker

lorence Fields, lovingly called Acquisition (SCADA) system to the structure of the rock garden FFlo by her friends and monitor line loads and potential “I am particularly proud of my coworkers, has been a Service problems before they become rock garden because I did it all Dispatcher for Bryan Texas outages.” She continued, “The myself from conception to Utilities since she joined the SCADA system has improved my creation,” she said excitedly. company in 1981. She has work load, significantly decreased When the weather keeps Mrs. brightened the lives of colleagues the number of outages we Fields inside, she busies herself in and customers throughout her experience and increased the kitchen baking goodies to tenure with BTU. customer satisfaction.” The share at BTU. Laughingly, she Originally the sole dispatcher, dispatch department currently has said, “My coworkers seem to she works with all departments as eight system operators who enjoy the things I create in my she processes connect and manage the phones 24 hours a kitchen; so much so that they tell disconnect orders, coordinates day. me the only good thing from my street and security lights and takes Mrs. Fields has been a part of eventual retirement will be their trouble and outage calls from the Bryan community since she ability to lose weight!” customers and assigns field people moved here after she married in Mrs. Fields is also very active at to correct the problems. She also 1957. She feels her time in and First United Church in Bryan, of is the third person backup to the knowledge of the area is a true which she has been a member for system operators on duty in the asset to BTU. “Because I have six years. She attends Bible studies event of a power outage. Mrs. been here to grow with the area, and the Sunday morning Adult Fields also follows up with I am able to work with the Sunday School class. She is customers to ensure their power service men more effectively and currently the chairman of the is indeed restored. in the end we have happier Fellowship Committee, where she During her 23 years at BTU, customers,” she explained. and the other committee Mrs. Fields has seen many Her life outside BTU is very members plan events away from changes. She reflected, “I active and provides a perfect the church. remember when all orders and balance to the rigors of her Even though she is very active, outages were recorded by hand. position. One of her favorite Mrs. Fields carves out time in her We now use a state of the art hobbies is gardening. She fills her schedule each year to travel. She Supervisory Control and Data need to be out in her yard by takes guided trips with a group of caring for her rose, hyacinth, friends or her daughter, Sheila jasmine, canna, lily and crepe Fields. While she does not know myrtle plants. “I really enjoy where her travels will take her flowers,” stated Mrs. Fields, next, she mentioned, “I am “especially during the spring looking forward to taking an when my crepe myrtle plants Alaskan cruise in the near future. bloom in every color.” Everyone tells me how beautiful She added serenity to the and remarkable this trip will be.” beauty of her flowers earlier this Mrs. Fields is an exemplary year when she created a 12 by 12 employee and brightens the day of foot rock garden among her those around her through her Flo Fields provides her customers and flowers. Mrs. Fields created the dedication to her job, her coworkers the utmost in care as she perfect contrast to her flowers by colleagues and BTU customers. monitors BTU’s dispatch lines. using sand and river rock to form

24 BRYAN TEXAS UTILITIES • MARCH 2004