Newsletter - Issue No. 4, July/August 2008

Phone 1 800 248-3887

Fax 1 800 523-6379

www.emery-pratt.com

news@emery-pratt.com

Issue 4 July/Aug 2008

Frequently Asked Questions

Need answers to your frequently asked questions? Find them here in our general questions and answers section. If you don't find the answer to your general question here, please call our toll-free line at 1-800-248-3887 and someone will personally assist you.

Q: How do I get a login and password?

A: Start with visiting our website at www.emery-pratt.com. You will be greeted by our welcome page. Looking at the screen in the upper left corner next to the Emery-Pratt logo, you will find Request Password. Click on that. On the following screen you will need to decide if you would like a Primary or a Sub-account. A Primary account allows you to select titles from our online database, place orders and view order history. A Sub-account allows you to select titles from our online database and place them in your book bag. These selections can then be reviewed and ordered by the Primary account. Sub-accounts may also, at the discretion of the Primary account, view order history. Choose your account and fill out the form that follows. Click the confirm information button. Please review the information on the next screen and then click the request password button. You will be emailed your login and password in approximately 1-2 business days.

Library Showcase

Shirley Roos

Holly Township Library Director

Holly Township Library

Holly, MI

How long have you used Emery-Pratt as a book vendor?

I looked back through my files and found the first invoice to Emery-Pratt was in September, 1983.

Why did you decide to order from us?

I became very unhappy with the jobber I was using at the time. I must have heard about Emery at one of our Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative meetings and thought I would give you a try.

Is there one service we offer that you find of great value?

I like the no shipping charge but with my memory I think the notice that I have already ordered a title is the best. The friendly call from an Emery-Pratt rep. Is so nice—asking how is the service and do I have any complaints.

Any other comments?

Thanks so much for the great Michigan service.

Tips to De-Stress at Work

  1. You will feel better if you eat properly. Begin the day with a balanced breakfast. Eat a healthy snack and try to avoid caffeine and sugar. If you feel tired, drink plenty of water as fatigue can be a symptom of dehydration. And avoid eating a heavy lunch as it will make you feel sluggish in the afternoon!
  2. Take occasional breaks from your computer screen during work. Look around to stretch your eyes from detailed work. If you feel distracted and cannot concentrate, try some deep breathing.
  3. Stretch if you feel tense in your lower back. If possible, take a brisk walk.
  4. Prioritize your work. Make lists, ask for support when you need it and give support to others.
  5. Use an inspirational quote as a screensaver!
  6. Always allow more time for a project than you think you need. If you finish ahead of time—GREAT!!
  7. Clean clutter off your desk and organize.
  8. Develop a sense of humor.
  9. On your commute home from work, go to a gym and exercise or listen to music or audio books.

The following is an old American Indian tribe saying:

“When you were born you cried and the world rejoiced.

Live your life in such a way that when you die

the world cries and you rejoice.”

In Memory

Mary Oviatt

1966-2008

Mary Oviatt began working at Emery-Pratt Company prior to 2004, working in our Business Development Department.

Mary was dedicated to the Lord, her family, and friends. For those of us who knew her, we will miss her zest for enjoying life.

In the Spotlight

In this issue of our newsletter we would like to introduce you to one of our outside account representatives, Kevin Coyle. Kevin originally started with Emery-Pratt in the late 90s, and then rejoined us again in August of 2007.

Kevin's responsibilities include calling on libraries in Southern Illinois and Kentucky.

When asked what the challenges of his job were, Kevin replied, “Helping and encouraging librarians (clients and those who are not yet clients) to overcome their reluctance to change, to try new things and ways to do their jobs more efficiently. Kevin also commented on how he strives to do a quality job: “Librarians' time is valuable to them and to me, so I always make appointments to insure that I will meet with the appropriate person.” Also, “If I promise to do something, DO IT, and follow-up with the client.”

Kevin has 3 grown children: Mary Catherine, Liam, Dennis; and eleven grandchildren. Kevin's wife Catherine is deceased.

When asked his hobbies, Kevin responded, “The three R's: rowing, running, and reading.”

Kevin also enjoys cooking and reading his favorite book The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer.

Kevin's relationship with the customers he comes in contact with is a valuable asset to Emery-Pratt Company. His hard work and dedication are certainly obvious! A hearfelt thank you, Kevin, for all your time and commitment—we are truly grateful!

WEB NEWS

As we surf the web, little thought is given to the many computers running software and processing requests behind the scenes that store the information we need. And because all we ever see is the screen in front of us we never give much thought to this equipment, we just expect it will always be available. But these machines need maintenance, upgrade and continued development so we can continue to surf the web with ease. And Emery-Pratt servers are no exception.

To this end, we have been working on a number of changes to our website in an effort to improve efficiency, as well as allow for future growth and development. Upgrades to equipment, software and programming provide greater speeds when searching titles and new options to make your ordering process easier.

New features include; login/password fields are now on the front page to make it easier for you to login, better layout of delete & hold checkboxes in the bookbag so you can better maintain your selections, and the added ability to create your New Title Selection Lists based on LC Classification Number. These changes, along with the equipment updates, give you greater control on how your orders are handled.

Just another of the ways that Emery-Pratt works to make your job easier.

Reflections of a Grateful Mother-In-Law

The following article was written by Emery-Pratt Administrative Assistant, Joanne Luchenbill, on the recent return of her son-in-law from Iraq:

On May 2, 2008 CW3 Andrew Mosciski, husband of Laura and dad to Michael, Emily and Zachary returned from a years tour of duty in Iraq. Andy's tour was spent in Baghdad in the green zone. Our daughter Laura, invited her extended family to be part of Andy's return celebration.

The day Andy's unit, the 177th MP Brigade, landed at Detroit Metro airport, all 108 were escorted to a complex near Taylor, MI. There, their families and loved ones were waiting for the long awaited reunions. We watched soldiers searching to find their loved ones and then the reactions of these soldier dads and moms seeing how their children had grown and changed. We saw a three year old touching his daddy's face and trying hard to remember if this man holding him was really his daddy.

Our son-in-law quickly went into dad mode telling his daughter, “That tan you're working on is unhealthy.” He was surprised to see that now both sons were taller than his 6'2” frame. Watching him embrace our daughter and knowing how much they had missed each other was almost too much to watch. My experience was a little like the church mouse watching the choir sing on Christmas Eve, pure joy.

Emery-Pratt would like to thank Andrew for leaving his home and family to serve our country. We continue to remember all the soldiers who serve and protect.

Extra! Extra!

  • Autumn (Sturm) Street (Business Development) was given a lovely baby shower on May 15, 2008. A very special thank you goes out to fellow employees Ellen VanderMolen, Rosie Hooper, Sue Hernandez, and Claudette Andrews for hosting the event. Autumn and her husband Kenneth are expecting their first child (Alexa Ruby) on July 8, 2008. They appreciate all the wonderful gifts for baby Alexa!
  • On June 25, 2008, Emery-Pratt employees were treated to a luncheon of pulled pork sandwiches, potato salad, baked beans, and brownies. This treat was sponsored by Thomson Reuters. Bill Gaffney, Senior Director Copy Sales PDR, attended the luncheon to personally thank Emery-Pratt company for the time and effort put into the selling of the PHYSICIANS' DESK REFERENCE and other medical titles

YOUR COMMENTS

“It truly has been a pleasure working with customer service. They have always been pleasant and most helpful. I also appreciate that you do not use an electronic answering system. It puts customers in a good mood right away. I can't say enough about your awesome website. It is sooooo easy to order. It saves a lot of time when the website is cooperative. I will miss working with everyone at Emery-Pratt. Thank you to all.”

Carol Gregorich

Harrisburg Area Community College

Harrisburg, PA

BOOK REVIEW

MASTERING THE SEVEN DECISIONS THAT DETERMINE PERSONAL SUCCESS

Author: Andy Andrews

I recently finished Mastering the Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success by Andy Andrews. This book tells of how as a young person, having lost both parents in a short amount of time, Andrews made a string of bad decisions that left him homeless and alone. In between odd jobs, he spent his time at the local library, because a library card was free. During this period he read hundreds of biographies of successful individuals and began to realize a similarity in each of their lives. He began to see seven basic decisions that all of them made to bring them to their level of success. Decisions that every individual can make to lead them to personal success.

As I read I realized that the simple, practical ideas Andrews presents can be used by anyone to improve many aspects of one's life, whether it be professional, mental, emotional, or spiritual. Ideas such as:

Concepts like these, along with many examples and letters from well known, successful individuals, show how anyone can make decisions to make their life successful.

I very much enjoyed this book. It was presented in a way that made me not want to put it down, and looked forward to reading it more. It also made me think about different areas of my own life where I could improve.

Reviewer: Mo Shattuck

Marketing Manager