Bernie exposed

[BMK]

Just an update on the young girl in the advertisement.

Chloe is currently in Germany studying under a Rotary funded scholarship. I was just told that she is being nominated a student of the year there. It was noted that she had a very high focus on her work and is still very interested in going into business.

Thought I would share the success...

Will keep you updated..

[BMK]

Mmmm now a leading womens magazine have picked up the story and are currently interviewing for a multi page spread.

'No Idea' what the magazine is called.....there's a hint..

Great coverage for the students at the school

[sambo]

The kind of advertising that money can't buy, Bernie!

[BMK]

Sambo,

Yes I'm pleased that the add has attracted the attention of other media areas. It has been good for the students to be involved in both making the advertisement and the follow up media.

They are all good kids with a bright future and you can't buy that.

How is the car going?.

The 2002 BMW has finally made it to the garage at home in Mt. Gambier. Todd has a re visit to the panel shop to fit a few trims and touch ups....

Bernie.

[sambo]

Bernie, as I'm moving house in a few weeks there have been a few distractions. Once the taxes, stamp duties and other rip-offs have been paid for I'll be buying the gearbox and the engine will be fitted up. Marty's helping with engine mounts and other cut/weld jobs and then I'll be bringing her home to the new, improved garage.

Somehow I think Todd's 2002 will be ready before my project!

[Jamo]

Good to hear when a student succeeds (I run across some of mine in business). Well done buddy.

[BMK]

Sambo

Don't know about the 2002 being done prior to your Cobra..

Todd is becoming particular about everything going on it. He did have one big win with some new wheels he purchased in the States.

He paid a bargain price for them and purchased when the dollar was in the .90c bracket.

So a win there for sure with .64c being the current exchange rate.

Bernie

[BMK]

Jamo

Great to hear when one of your students or past young employees achieve. I have kept in regular check with some of the students that went through the course four years ago.

One in particular is about to complete a double degree in Law and Business Studies. I can remember him saying he would do business with Law as he could see the link and advantage to his career.

It only takes one student to make it worth all the effort.

Bernie

[BMK]

Just had a nice email from New Idea magazine to say that they will run a feature story in 2009.

The project looks like getting New idea exposure which is sensational.

[Fordzilla]

Congrats Bernie, Nice Job!

[BMK]

Fordezilla

Mick,

Thanks, but the young students are doing all the work and getting recognition which is great.

Bernie

[Baz]

Bernie,

I know what you do for the youth of this Country and I really take my hat off to you. Take care mate and have a prosperous and healthy 2009.

Baz.

[BMK]

Baz

Thanks but the kids do it - I just have the priviledge to be their mentor. I can tell you it is great to see their progress through the course and then see many go into Under Graduate study in Business at uni.

Hope you have a good year also Baz.

Bernie

[BMK]

Baz

Just checked the Queens New Years list... missed out..

Have a good 2009

[Kittybec]

Hello Bernie - long time no see! I loved the TV add and have to agree with what others have said.
Hope to catch up with you around Easter 2009

Kind regards
Peter & Lyn McArthur
Adelaide

[BMK]

Kittybec

Lyn,

Yes great to hear from you. How is the Cobra going?

Look forward to catching you both at Easter.

Take care

Bernie

[BMK]

Kittybec

If you see this Post let me know about Easter. I'll PM you also.

Bernie

[sambo]

Bernie, you have a PM.

[BMK]

Sambo,

Thanks.

The price increases and the rubbish in the press is not accurate.

We increase when subject to price increases in labour and food costs.

Many of these we absorb during the year.

It is also rubbish that we employ young kids and get rid of them when they turn 18 or 21.

Damn I spend all the time and money training them and would love to keep them. You don't need to look to far in customer service to see a good 25 year old crew person can beat two 15 year olds hands down. I have some great Mums working for me that are real workers - they are always cleaning up after kids at home. They will clean the area fully whilst the young crew are talking and wandering about..

Not to mention that the Mums are very reliable and not subject to hangovers, nights out with friends, lack of interest, sickies, parties, love tiffs, arguments with friends and better offers...etc...etc.

Our prices in my location, just increased under 1% and this is a part increase based on our customers numbers and their frequency of visits to the store.

This is the tiered approach that has been reported. Just a pity that the whole story was not given. But then again the full story would not be sensational and news worthy.

In some areas/regions stores have increased more as they have the customer base or more visits per customer.

Just happens that these areas and stores are considered by the media as lower socio - economic areas - the media reporters words.



Put simply, if you have a strong customer base you can increase a full 2 or 3% as you are able to absorb a slight drop off in customers that we experienced after a price increase.

Therefore, many of the higher volume stores went the full increase and the lower volume stores will run a tiered increase over the next six months.

And customers do drop off and sample other competitors and after realising they are not as good or more expensive they come back.

Mmmmm, hope it makes sense. I responded here as there has been a lot of inaccurate information and part stories in the media.

Bernie