CAR sets new all-time record month (July)

It is hard to believe that we are wrapping up the 3rd quarter already. In fact we have been so busy we are behind with our newsletter as it is now a few days into Q4. CAR is pleased and proud to announce that we shattered our all-time monthly sales number which was last set in Jan. 2013. July 2014 was the best month in our 28 year history. Getting all our shipments out proved especially challenging as scheduler Carrie Hause was out on maternity leave until Aug. 3rd and former CNC Project Engineer Steve Gerrard’s last day was July 19th. Steve’s replacement, Bill Blakely (see next article) didn’t start until Aug. 3rd. Our skeleton crew was running on fumes but we pushed ahead and got the parts out the door. As always we need to thank the 3 pillars of our success- our customers, vendor partners and our dedicated staff for their continued business and hard work. We followed July with a great Aug. and Sept. was also a strong month.  With Carrie back full time and Bill at the helm of our CNC department we hope to break another record before the end of 2014.

As is the tradition when we break the sales record, CEO/Owner Charlie Rogers treats the staff to a meal. This time around, the lunch (dinner for night crew) was “make-your-own-garbage-plates”. For those of you that don’t live in the Rochester area, please click here to learn more about our local delicacy.

CEO Charlie Rogers grilling for the staff

CEO Charlie Rogers grilling for the staff

Welcome William Blakely

CAR is pleased to announce the newest member of management- William (Bill) Blakely. Bill is our CNC Project Engineer and replaces Steve Gerrard. Bill’s job duties include quoting new projects for our CNC customers, managing those projects once we receive the orders, and working with our machinists on the floor to ensure we are maximizing all efficiencies. Bill has a strong machining background and prior management experience. His mix of skills make him an ideal fit for this position and CAR is very lucky to have such a great talent on our staff.

Bill Blakely- newest member of the CAR crew

Bill Blakely- newest member of the CAR crew

CAR Company Picnic

A great time was had by all at the CAR annual company picnic. This year’s event took place on Sept. 6th at Powder Mills Park. The staff voted and majority wanted a clam bake so we went for it. Milt Cummings borrowed the steamer from his conservation club which held 170 dozen clams. We also had traditional picnic food and many employees brought yummy homemade treats to pass as well. The picnic also featured a keg of Rogers Beer (supplied by former CAR employee Al Rogers), face painting and bounce house for kids, raffle for top prizes, LuGia’s ice cream truck (supplied by Brian Rumsey) and a bocce tournament.

Milt Cummings and son Ryan defeated CAR employees Mike Mendolera and Emily Thomas to win the bocce tournament and the $100 cash prize, ($50 for second). Carrie Hause was the big winner in the raffle scoring the grand prize; a $100 gift card to the mall. It was a bit overcast but overall the weather held out and the CAR employees, their families, and friends were able to enjoy the festivities.

Bring on the clams...

Bring on the clams…

Face painting fun

Face painting fun

Congratulations Steve Cheesman

It’s official! Steve Cheesman married longtime girlfriend Jessica Lawrence on July 26th 2014. Steve Cheesman is one of our CNC mill programmers and loyal newsletters may recall previous articles on Steve both for graduating from our apprentice program and the birth announcement of the couple’s daughter.

The couple held both their ceremony and reception at Mendon Country Club. One hundred guests attended and the weather was perfect. Steve’s best man was 10 year old son Gavin and Jessica’s maid of honor was her cousin Kristina. The couple’s 4 year old daughter, Hailey was the flower girl. The new Mr. and Mrs. Cheesman reside in Farmington. Best wishes for a long and prosperous marriage!

The new Mr. and Mrs. Cheesman

The new Mr. and Mrs. Cheesman