product spotlight:
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To help promote all the fantastic new and improved 5.11 products in the Spring/Summer 2009 catalog, we're proud to offer a special FREE gift to our customers. When you buy $75 or more in 5.11 products, we'll send you a FREE multi-tool while supplies last. There's no special code to enter or specific products to buy. Just pick your favorite 5.11 gear totaling over $75, and we'll send along this $25 multi-tool free!
:: Shop for 5.11 Gear Now!
If you'd like the brand new 5.11 catalog, just send us an email and request one! We'd be happy to drop the Spring/Summer 2009 catalog in the mail so you can shop at home, on the road, in the office, or anywhere.
:: Request a 5.11 Catalog
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The new police chief in Portland, Maine, is making some small changes that have had positive ripples throughout his police force. James Craig has had stints in Detroit and Los Angeles, and seems to have brought the best of all he learned to Maine's largest police department. Though his changes are small when taken individually, officers are praising the improved morale and efficiency that they represent.
Most of the policy shifts are as simple as allowing detectives to take patrol vehicles not used by officers that shift, and requiring officers to wear headgear only during planned events like parades and presentations. Officers had been lamenting constantly adjusting the hats after getting into and out of patrol cars. He's also ensuring officers get one weekend day off each month whenever possible. This is a perfect example of how making small concessions on behalf of management will lead to improved morale and performance on behalf of employees.
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from the president |
We were proud attendees and supporters of the Team Software Inc. seminar in Texas this past April. We were invited to the event by Gary Kuty of Kuty & Associates. Gary's company specializes in helping guard companies to market their core strengths to the potential clients in their market area. Team Software Inc. helps business owners streamline their accounting and management procedures by creating software that replaces many aspects of a traditional HR department. Business owners can save money by automating some core operations, using time clock logging via phone, and providing self-serve interfaces for both employees and customers so they can manage their own invoices, pay stubs, schedules, requests and more.
 The Team Software event, "Turning Troubled Waters into Calm Seas," brought 25 CEOs and CFOs from around the country to San Antonio to discuss the changing economy and demands of the security industry. Executives represented all types of security companies, from a one-person organization to a 50-year-old, 3,500-officer company. The full-day seminar was thorough and packed with proven strategies. We covered 5 basic areas important to every guard company:
- How to Make Your Web Site Work for You, Not Against You
- New to the Federal Market – is a GSA Schedule Right for You?
- The Effects of Legislation & Unionization
- Security Efficiency & Effectiveness – Selling a Solution vs. Pure Man Hours
- Challenges and Opportunities When Selling a Security Guard Company in Today's Economy
Unitex Direct sponsored an after-event cocktail reception to bolster the personal connections established among presenters, attendees and sponsors.
It was a success for us to attend, and I encourage all of our customers to take part in similar educational events. Click here to contact Gary Kuty if you're interested in attending the next Kuty & Associates seminar. The more people you get to know, the more resources you can pull from to help grow your business. I appreciate Gary Kuty and Team Software for inviting Unitex Direct to be a part of such a positive event!
Dan Mendelson,
President, Unitex Direct
ext. 230
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BUSINESS RESOURCE |
Focus on running your business, not on searching for government information.
One of the promises of the Obama administration has been to make government more transparent and easier to navigate. This has taken the form of lots of new online resources, one of which is the newly redesigned www.business.gov.
Business.gov re-launched in February and looks nothing like the dull page it once was. Now with an easier navigation, more comprehensive features, and a newly launched interactive community (http://community.business.gov), Business.gov should be a bookmark on your favorite browser.
What is Business.gov?
It's a one-stop source for all the government information small businesses need to operate while staying compliant with laws and regulations.
Why use Business.gov?
Instead of looking all over various government websites, business owners can find federal, state and local information, all in one place.
Who uses Business.gov?
Anyone who needs financing, information on starting a business, or details on permits, labor laws, government contracts, taxes, environmental rules, etc.
Who manages Business.gov?
It's managed by the US Small Business Administration in partnership with other federal agencies.
By streamlining so much information through a single website, Business.gov helps you save time and get back to running your business.
Part of the team creating the site is Dan Mendelson's own son, Ari Mendelson. Ari is a recent graduate in business and IT, so this project blends his two talents beautifully. We're proud of the valuable work he's doing on the Business Gateway Project. Take a look at the huge collection of resources available to all small businesses, and find out how you can leverage everything the government offers into bigger profits and faster growth for your small business.
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CUSTOMER PROFILE
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(Unitex Direct customer since 2004)
Dale White
Principal, Gallagher Security
President, MCSA
Gallagher Security is a Michigan-based contract security company with 75 years of experience providing private security. The agency includes uniform guards, vehicles, armed personnel, major event security, crowd management, K-9 units and other services. Its specialty is providing security for major events including music concerts and tours, annual conventions, sporting events, on-location film shooting and VIP cast protection, and other large-scale events. It prides itself on non-violent responses to all situations.
One big event Gallagher Security handles is the International Auto Show. What goes into security for a major event like that?
The prep time for that is very lengthy. We train and hire an additional 150 to 200 personnel to help with that event. We go in very early in December – the event itself doesn't start until around January 7th. It's one of the most secure-focused events in the state, so we work closely with all of the state agencies including the ATF, State Police, FBI, Detroit Police Department and Wayne County police. They put about 750,000 people through that show in a week. And the week before it opens – Press Week – we put about 6,000 to 7,000 journalists from around the world through. This is a huge event not only for the state of Michigan and the city of Detroit but also for Gallagher Security, and we've handled that event for about 10 years now.
Is security for annual events like the International Auto Show the same from year-to-year, or are you constantly changing your security approach?
You always have to look at the changes, especially in the environment we're in now. We have to look at pricing, service level, and so on. We're almost at a state of depression here in Michigan, so you have to focus more and more on customer service, the training of your people and the constant feedback of your client to tweak what you are doing for them.
Why does Gallagher Security continue to use Unitex Direct for its uniform needs?
We are always impressed with the customer service we get from Unitex Direct. We receive all of our orders quickly, and it's always exactly what we ordered. It's easy to work with a company that is so friendly and looks out for our needs. I'd say the price is what got us to place our first order with Unitex Direct, but it's the customer service that keeps us coming back.
You serve as president of the MCSA (Michigan Contract Security Association). What is the major goal of the association?
We've been around for about seven years. We developed this organization to make our industry a little more professional. We have someone who is overseeing the government in our state as well to make sure we aren't getting overlooked or abused by the laws. We make sure it's more professional and to make sure we have a say in our government. We have a legislation committee and a training committee, which focuses on major training issues and changes state-wide.
Can you tell us about the MCSA's specific agenda items for 2009?
Our big issue is to focus the state government on using Michigan-owned companies. That's a very big issue with us. If we're based in this state, we should have the first opportunities for the state security jobs. Regulating our industry is done by DLEG (Department of Labor and Economic Growth), and that's another group that we're working with because, up to this point, that's been a flaw on the part of the government. We don't have a regulatory association with the state anymore since DLEG is more or less handling all the licensing. So we're working with the state on that to make sure the companies out there are licensed properly and paying their people properly, and such items. We're a watchdog in that manner.
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Gallagher Security, Inc.