Caroline's Corner

It is always amazing to me how we measure and remember our lives by milestones.  Since we last talked, I've attended the Inter City Temporary Services' (ICTS) annual convention. ICTS is a national recognized, non-competitive network of independently-owned staffing services from throughout the US who make it their goal to openly and willingly share helpful information about their day-to-day business operations.  Not surprisingly, I came home with great new ideas on how to better meet the staffing needs of our clients.

In June, most of my family gathered in Kansas at my brother Fred's home for a family affair.  While we were there, all five of my brothers went with my dad to his 65th high-school class reunion.  I’m happy to report, they had a grand time.

In September, in honor of my niece Ellie’s 2^nd birthday, her mom and I took her and her new little sister, Jennie, to their first movie.  Ellie enjoyed the Madagascar wild animals, but what she really LOVED was sipping on her first Coke.  Not surprisingly, sugar is always a big hit.

Recently, here at the Caroline & Company offices at 311 S. Providence Road, we’ve had our parking lot resurfaced.  So, if you want to stop by to discuss your unique staffing needs, we can guarantee your experience won’t be rough.   We love matching good jobs with good people!  No kidding, we really do.  

Hope to stay in touch,

Happenings at Caroline & Company

We’ve got a terrific new staffing assistant, Tenna Blaska.  Many of you may already know her.  Teena is a life-long Columbia resident who has a history of community involvement and an extensive background in management and sales. In the past, she has been associated with such area businesses as: CMI, Corporate Express, Central Missouri Business Systems and Casual Corner.  Needless to say, “We’re excited to have Teena on board.” 

On October 1^st Caroline & Company will have been in the staffing business in Columbia, MO for 23 continuous years – all under the ownership and leadership of our founder, Caroline J. Gower.

Weird Business Trivia

	Due to domestic violence, US companies lose anywhere from 3 to 5 billion dollars per year in absenteeism, medical bills, employee turnover and lost productivity.
	In 1929, before the great depression, the average US citizen earned $750 a year.
	The average American eats 18.5 lbs of turkey a year.
	Currently  the US consumes 1/3 of the world’s coffee, or over 4 billion cups each day.
	The first credit-card company, Diner's Club, started in 1950 with 200 cards.
	Approximately 70% of the US population wears glasses or contact lenses.
	During World War II, American troops required about one million pounds of dehydrated cranberries a year.

Socks, Undies & Jammies for Kids

This Holiday season - Caroline & Company, along with Santa and his reindeer gang, are once again teaming with Rainbow House (a local emergency shelter for abused and neglected children of all ages) in an enormous "Socks, Undies & Jammies for Kids" collection effort.  If you wish to be a part of this worthwhile cause, you are invited to drop off tasteful, new pajamas, slippers, underwear, pull-ups and/or diapers by December 22^nd in any size, color or design appropriate for kids, age newborn to eighteen.  Socks are also being accepted - but, pajamas and underwear are this year's priority.

Even though last year’s “Socks & Undies” Holiday campaign had a record response, it’s easy to see how Rainbow House depleted their donations.  Amazingly, they provide services to between 350 and 450 mid-Missouri children annually – around 40% of which stay at Rainbow's emergency shelter

Did you know that Consumer Reports found that the average child could use 6,000 diapers and pull-ups before being potty trained?  Other consumer sources have estimated that number to be as high as 9,000 items per child – imagine the quantities Rainbow House goes through in a year. 

It's Santa's goal to have a sleigh full of practical goodies by Christmas.  He wants to provide multiple pair of new pajamas and underwear for each and every Rainbow House child in the coming year.  Why not help?

His reindeer gang left a huge basket in our office lobby at 311 South Providence Road, Columbia, MO; and we really hope to fill it to the top.  Please give!

RESULT NOTICE:  Rainbow House, Caroline & Company and Santa wish to send a great big THANK YOU to all the media, businesses, schools, day cares, organizations and individuals  who so kindly and generously donated to this worthwhile Holiday effort.

As a result of their enormous compassion and generosity, 20,151 new socks, underwear, pull-ups, diapers, pajamas and more have been collected. 

Making the Most of the Temporary Staffing Staffing Opportunity

		Whether you’re an employee looking for the good job, or an employer wanting to find a first-rate individual for a unique position, temporary staffing could be the solution.  The resources below point out the “ins” and “outs” of capitalizing on this innovative employment resource.
Five Misleading Myths About Getting A Job Through a Staffing Company Tips on Working with Temporary Agencies The Most Appropriate Jobs for Temporary Workers Ten Ways to Get the Most from Temporary Workers

Saving a Business Dollar

In this day and age, when time and money are tight, entrepreneurs have a wealth of possible options to help them do more with less.
	50 Ways to Save Money in Your Business Great Bootstrapping Secrets: 45 Ideas that Can Save Your Business Money The Benefits of Outsourcing for Small Businesses Tapping the Potential of Temporary Workers How Plain English Can Save You Money

Reflective Thought

"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain

Pets in the Workplace

With school starting once again and no one in the house to watch Fido – do you, or don’t you, let employees bring their pets to work?  For that matter – should you break down and bring your own beloved cat or dog to the office? Below are points to consider when reflecting on this “furry” dilemma.

Pets in the Office Pets in Workplace Reduce Stress Study Shows Pets Provide More Benefits to Companies than Management Classes Pets In The Workplace

Recommended Web Sites

Business Letter Writing

Every Holiday season, businesses send tons of greeting cards and notes.  Plus, millions of us write letters as part of our work on a daily bases; but sadly, few of us know the keys to an effective business correspondence. Too many business communications are impersonal, longwinded, difficult and/or tedious to read.  On this website you’ll find loads of helpful links. The Seven Cs of Business Writing Putting Your Reader First Keeping to the Point Getting the Right Tone   Writing in Plain English Writing Powerful Headings Writing a Strong Opening Writing a Strong Close Avoiding Overused Phrases Business Writing Checklist

75 Years of Cranberries with Ocean Spray

Cranberries are unlike any other fruit in the world. All around the globe, the cranberry plays an important role in holiday traditions and a healthy way of life. Legend has it that Pilgrims served cranberries, along with wild turkey and succotash at the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth.

If you want to serve cranberries in some fashion this Holiday season, check out Ocean Spray’s  delicious recipes.

Appetizers Breads and Muffins Sauces and Dressings Main Courses Side Dishes and Salads Drinks and Cocktails Desserts

Virtual Bubble Wrap

With the gift season upon us, the need to properly package items for safe shipping drastically increases.  For tips and resources on packaging issues, check out Virtual Bubble Wrap.  Plus, if you get a thrill out of popping bubble wrap, you’ll find endless hours of virtual fun.

The Women's Exchange

The Women's Exchange showcases outstanding business women who endeavor to a make a positive difference in the world.  Read about their paths to success, as well as what inspires and motivates them.