“The economy is brutal, but their business booms”

That was the headline - And, Interstate Batteries is listed as one of those businesses that’s booming. Below is an excerpt of the story on the USA Today site.

Getting a charge

Dallas-based Interstate Batteries, with 125 retail stores nationwide, seems to have little in common with Bathroom Magic. But Interstate is benefiting from the same do-it-yourself, cost-cutting fever sweeping consumers.

The 56-year-old, private company sells batteries not only for cars and trucks, but also for power tools, hearing aids, cellphones, cameras, laptop computers, toys and other devices. Interstate’s retail stores, called All Battery Centers, sell batteries that people can install on their own, or customers can pay to have them installed.

“October and December were the best months for revenues and profits in our company’s history,” says Mickey Elam, vice president at Interstate Batteries.

The company opened 43 new stores last year. It now has 125 stores in 41 states, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Elam says sales in October, November and December combined were up 12% year-over-year.

In December, Interstate began airing ads on cable TV featuring its top-selling auto battery, the green and white Mega-Tron.

“With the recession, people are not upgrading to new products, whether it’s cars or laptops,” Elam says. “Instead, they are trying to extend the life of their products.”

“Have It, Find It, Build It” - Click here!

Interstate Batteries was recognized by The American Heart Association on their “Fit-Friendly Companies” program list.

This program recognize companies that focus on a “culture of wellness” for their employees, and Interstate Batteries is one of those companies that see the importance of getting our team members healthier.

The American Heart Association’s Start! initiative calls on all Americans and their employers to create a culture of physical activity and health to live longer, heart-healthier lives through walking. At its core is the Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Recognition Program.

The program recognizes employers that champion the health of their employees by offering physical activity programs within the workplace. The program also provides encouragement and resources for companies that seek to improve their employees’ health and well-being. Since it was launched in 2007, the nationwide initiative has recognized more than 1,000 companies as Start! Fit-Friendly Companies. Gold-level status is awarded to companies that meet the Fit-Friendly criteria. Companies that take the program a step further and demonstrate successful outcomes or ROI from their wellness programs receive platinum-level recognition. “

You can see more information showcased in the Oct. 27 issue of Forbes magazine.

On November 1^st, 2008 Interstate Batteries team members participate in the 5K walk to benefit the Diabetes. The walk began at the American Airlines center. It was great opportunity to raise funds for this worthy cause!

Diabetes Statistics:

• Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.
• 20.8 million People in America have diabetes.
• 1.5 million New cases of diabetes were diagnosed in people aged 20 years or older in 2005.
• Approximately one in every 400 to 600 children and adolescents has type 1 diabetes.
• In Dallas County alone, there are an estimated 380,000 people diagnosed with diabetes.

Has the economy caused your current or recent employer to down-sized?

Are you looking to join a strong, established and progressive industry leader?   Well, look no further - there is a possibility your new career is waiting for you at Interstate Batteries!

Visit our Career Center, you may see something that sparks your interest and you can apply immediately. You may also see opportunities that maybe a fit for a family member, friend or even an ex-coworker. Direct them to complete an application online - we are always looking for talented team members.

We know there’s nothing funny about what’s happening to the economy today but it’s important to remember to smile - did you know that laughter can ease stress?  I hope we were able to relieve a little stress for you today.

We celebrated EGAD on October 31, 2008 at Medieval Times. It was a fun and informative day.  As promised, below are a few pics from the event.

I’ll bet you didn’t know that Interstate Batteries has an in-house studio. Here at our corporate office, we can produce many of our own videos, print media; various promotional and inter-office media too.

We have a lot of talented people throughout the company that brings such a wealth of experience and creativity to Interstate – it’s mind-boggling!

Advertising & Marketing

Every year, our EGAD event has had a theme and this year, we’re going to have a Costume Party theme! It’s not mandatory but it sure will be fun.

We are currently raising money for the Special Olympics through our participation in the Richardson Corporate Challenge.  In doing that, we’ve just started a contest where our home office members will select a team member of their choice, who is participating in the challenge to sponsor  and the individual with the most contributions will then get to the opportunity to wear a special costume to our EGAD event. The costume selection is either Shrek, Elvis or Maid Marian - this is going to be so interesting.

Our EGAD event is on October 31^st so stay tuned and check back to see who won, and to also see some other crazy costumes!

Looking for a new career opportunity? Well that in itself is a job but you can improve your odds. When you’re submitting your resume, don’t just send the resume in an email hoping it will be read. You should always make an introduction, write a brief note in the body of your email; sell yourself and what you can bring to the table.

Meet Our Chairman, Norm Miller

The God’s Love ad that is currently running in a test on Dish Network has created a quite a buzz! Below is an example of the positive feedback we’ve received. These responses include e-mails to customer service, fundraising, Norm Miller, Intercom and sponsorships. 

God’s Love Video!

Norm,
“You ROCK!  I saw your commercial about God’s love and checked out the
rest of the story on your website.  My wife and I praise God for your strength and determination in Jesus.  You really are living Eph. 2:10.”
In His abundant joy,
Tom

Merv Tarde, our VP of Technology Makes Headlines in Portugal

Intra CIOs Newsletter, a Portuguese monthly publication specializing in new management processes in the information systems field, recently interviewed Interstate’s Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer Merv Tarde about CIO Career Management.

“Three cheers for Merv”

Richardson Corporate Challenge (RCC) - 2008

This is our 3^rd year to participate in this worthwhile event to raise money for the Special Olympics.  Below are some of our winners.

More updates coming soon!

Health awareness is a critical part of keeping team members healthy, happy and mentally wealthy.  Interstate recently had a “Wii Luncheon” where team members were able to participate in an exciting fun competition. Here are a few pics from that event.