“Fulton to host fall cleanup Saturday - Clinton Herald” plus 4 more

“Fulton to host fall cleanup Saturday - Clinton Herald” plus 4 more


Fulton to host fall cleanup Saturday - Clinton Herald

Posted: 25 Sep 2009 07:53 AM PDT

Published: September 25, 2009 09:56 am print this story

Fulton to host fall cleanup Saturday

FULTON, Ill. — The Fulton Association for Community Enrichment (FACE) and the Fulton Chamber of Commerce are pleased to offer again a household hazardous waste and e-waste clean-up day on Saturday, September 26 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the former Fulton Fire Station, downtown Fulton.

The disposal service is provided free to Fulton City and Township residents only, courtesy of the City of Fulton, Fulton Fire Department, Fulton Township and Fulton Association for Community Enrichment. Additional donations to help fund this event are needed and appreciated. Last year, the cost of disposal services was nearly $4,000 and was funded by donations and local taxing bodies.

In addition to household hazardous waste and e-waste disposal, battery disposal (car and boat), newspaper recycling, and a sign-up sheet for appliance pick-up will also be made available.

The mobile household hazardous waste unit from the Clinton County Landfill will be on-site for this collection. Only household hazardous waste will be accepted (not waste from schools and businesses). Household hazardous waste consists of those products used around the home that contain harmful ingredients.

Check out the labels on containers under the kitchen sink and in the basement and garage. Words on the labels such as "Warning," "Keep out of reach of children," "Danger" or "Toxic" indicate that the product is hazardous. Some of the general categories of household hazardous waste include oil-based paint, household cleaners, automotive products, gardening chemicals, and home improvement materials. The sponsors reserve the right to restrict quantities, if that becomes necessary.

Latex paint, motor oil, household batteries, prescription drugs and engine coolant will not be accepted at the clean-up site. The City of Fulton website lists all the details (www.cityoffulton.us) on what will be accepted and where or how to dispose of other items that will not be accepted at this clean-up.

Disposal of Old PCs: There will be two city pickup trucks at the fire station that old PCs can be placed in. This e-waste will then be taken to the Scott County Demanufacturing facility where it will be broken down and handled securely. This is a "first-come, first-serve" offering. When the two trucks' beds are full, no more PCs will be accepted. For City of Fulton and Fulton Township residents only.

Disposal of vehicular lead-acid batteries: Alfie Norman will be on-site and will accept 6, 12, and 24 volt lead-acid batteries from vehicles--motor cycles, autos, boats (deep cycles), RVs, and heavy equipment. He has a certified disposal firm that stops by his shop every month to provide final disposal. This service is open to the public.

Household appliance pickup scheduling: A sign-up sheet to make arrangements to have your used appliances picked up, at no cost, will be available. This service is open to the public.

Newspapers: The Fulton Boy Scout Troop 117 will be on-site accepting newspapers and what comes in newspapers, such as promotional fliers. Other items such as phone books or mail can not be accepted. While it is not required, bundled newspapers would be appreciated. This service is open to the public.

As a reminder, the City of Fulton will also provide their annual bulky waste pick-up day on Saturday, Oct. 3, for items that cannot be accepted at the Fall Clean-Up Day on Saturday, Sept. 26. Items that can be placed at your regular trash site on Oct. 3 include: one large piece of furniture, televisions, latex based paint, bicycles, etc.

For questions, to make a donation, or more information about the event and a complete listing of acceptable items, visit www.cityoffulton.us or call (815) 589-4545.

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GM's Refund Promise Has Some Stop Signs - WPXI

Posted: 25 Sep 2009 07:39 AM PDT

Read Fine Print Before Taking Car Back

Posted: 4:30 pm EDT September 23, 2009Updated: 10:41 am EDT September 25, 2009

You fell in love with that $22,000 Chevy Malibu because of its color, style and price. After driving it home, you realize there's a lot to hate -- maybe the way it handles on the highway, the location of the cupholders or the shape of the seats.

Don't worry. Bring it on back for a refund, no questions asked, says GM's Chairman and new TV pitchman Edward Whitacre Jr.

But is it really as easy as returning an ill-fitting shirt to Macy's?

As with any deal, it's a good idea to read the fine print. As your love affair with the new car turns to hate, you'll need to drive very carefully and make sure to limit how many miles you put on the car. Don't die. And don't expect your wallet to be made whole even if you follow the fine print to the letter.

Q: So, I can bring back my car or truck to the dealer anytime?

A: Not so fast. No returns are allowed within the first 30 days of purchase. It's anytime between day 31 and day 60 of ownership.

That seems like a narrow window, but the policy makes sense for GM. Buyer's remorse can set in within days for new customers, who grouse over things like knobs and cup holders appearing to be in the wrong place. Owners can grow more accepting of problems over time, says Jack Gilles, director of public affairs for the Consumer Federation of America.

Q: Do I have to cite a defect?

A: No. You can hate the color for all GM cares. But the policy says a returned vehicle can't have more than $200 in damage -- and GM, through an inspection, gets to decide what constitutes that much damage.

Q: Wow, $200? Doesn't even a small scratch or dimple caused by kicked-up gravel cost that much to fix?

A: It's true the cost of vehicle repairs -- even small, cosmetic ones -- can easily exceed $200. (Repairs covered by warranty are excluded.) But GM insists it had to set a limit to protect itself from customers returning badly damaged vehicles and expecting a full refund.

Lena Pons, transportation analyst for the consumer watchdog group Public Citizen, says the amount of damage GM assesses depends on "how much they're going to nitpick" scrapes, dings and dents on returned vehicles.

Gilles says the $200 limit is on the low side -- particularly when coupled with the prohibition on returning before 30 days.

"You combine that with the 30 days, it's easier and easier to get $200 in damage," he says. Plus, with GM making the determination on damages, "it may appear that the cards are stacked against you."

The lesson for consumers: Be extra careful during those first two months if you're thinking about returning your new ride. And no car can be returned if it's been in an accident.

Q: If I keep the car free of dings, I get all my money back?

A: In this case, "money back" doesn't mean all your money. Just the cost of the vehicle and sales tax.

GM won't refund the title, registration and other fees, which can add up to several hundred dollars depending on your state.

"It's not really unfair because otherwise you've rented the car for free for 30 to 60 days," says Terry Connolly, dean of the Ageno School of Business at Golden Gate University.

GM also won't refund any accessories purchased through the dealer, like paint or rust protection, aftermarket equipment and the like. So choose those add-ons carefully if you think you might return the car.

Q: What else do I need to look out for?

A: Don't go on a cross-country jaunt. The new car or truck cannot have more than 4,000 miles on it. Also, owners must be current on payments.

Forget buying his and hers pickup trucks. Only one return is allowed per household. In addition, leased vehicles are not covered.

And if you die, no refund.

The program started Sept. 14 and runs through Nov. 30, which is the last day customers can take delivery of their new vehicles to qualify for a refund.

Q: How does this compare with the Hyundai Assurance program?

A: The Hyundai Assurance program, which the Korean automaker launched in January, also allows buyers to return their vehicle. But the key difference is a buyer is eligible only if he or she loses their source of income. In addition, the policy kicks in after two months of ownership, but is good for a year.

Q: If I return my vehicle and everything is in order, will I get my old car back?

A: No.

According to GM spokesman Pete Ternes, dealers aren't obligated to return the car you traded in. In any case, after 30 days it's probably sitting on a used-car lot or in the hands of another driver.

Instead, the dealer will treat the value of your trade-in as money toward your new car and refund you the full price, Ternes says.

Q: What happens to my returned car?

A: Dealers will put the returned vehicles up for sale on their used car lots. GM, through an insurer, then reimburses the dealer for any loss he or she takes on the refund.

Q: How much could this program wind up costing GM?

A: GM purchased an insurance policy through the firm cynoSure Financial Inc. to cover the cost of any reimbursements, spokesman John McDonald says. The policy was purchased using funds from GM's marketing budget, which that automaker does not disclose.

Q: With all the restrictions, why would anyone want to participate in this program?

A: Several consumer experts say the hassle isn't worth it, particularly when you consider that GM is quietly offering an incentive NOT to participate.

Customers who waive the return policy receive a $500 rebate toward the purchase of their vehicle. The sensible choice seems to be to settle on the car you really want and take the rebate, says Gilles of the Consumer Federation of America.

"In my book, spend a little more time checking the car out and take the 500 bucks."

___

On the Web:

Details on GM's 60-day return policy: http://www.gm.com/guarantee/index.jsp?brandIdgm



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Insurance Auto Auctions to Host World’s Largest Truck Convoy to ... - Businesswire.com

Posted: 25 Sep 2009 08:15 AM PDT

WESTCHESTER, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc. the leading hybrid model salvage auto auction company today announced their support of the World's Largest Truck Convoy and will host the celebration for participants and Special Olympics Washington athletes. This annual event which unites law enforcement and truckers to raise funds for Special Olympic athletes will be held Saturday, September 26, 2009. More than 3,000 trucks nationwide – big rigs to dump trucks – will traverse 1,000 miles during this Guinness Book of World Record breaking event. In addition, Insurance Auto Auctions will be donating a minivan to the City of Tukwila for use with their Police Department Explorers Unit.

"Insurance Auto Auctions has a long history of working with charitable organizations through its Donation Division and is proud to support the Special Olympics Washington athletes, event participants, and the law enforcement in the city of Tukwila," said Tom O'Brien, CEO. "We are pleased to offer our 35-acre facility in Tukwila, just outside of Seattle, as the destination for hundreds of trucks of all sizes for this grand event and historic celebration."

"We couldn't think of a better place to host this year's World's Largest Truck Convoy event than at Insurance Auto Auctions' facility," said Mary Do, Development Director, Special Olympics Washington. "The fact that there is plenty of room for hundreds of big rigs and to celebrate with all of the participants who help support our 6,700 athletes throughout Washington is simply extraordinary."

"On behalf of the officers in the city of Tukwila we thank Insurance Auto Auctions for their generosity and willingness to donate a vehicle for use in our Explorers Unit," stated Officer Ted Rutt of Tukwila Police Department. "We also are pleased to offer our police-escort to hundreds of trucks during the event that helps support Special Olympics Washington athletes."

About Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc.

Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc. provides the advantage in salvage auto auctions with their hybrid auction model combining live and live-online auctions, North America's broadest salvage auction facility footprint, a strong global buyer base and high vehicle returns. IAA's more than 150 corporate owned facilities across the United States and Canada provide vehicle suppliers and buyers with powerful solutions to process and acquire total-loss, recovered-theft, fleet lease, donation and rental vehicles. The IAA Hybrid Auction Model, including live, live-online, and proxy bidding, united with their mature global buyer base and diverse inventory produce some of the industry's highest returns for vehicle providers. With over 26 years in the industry, IAA holds the most comprehensive warehouse of salvage auction data. For more information regarding IAA visit our website at www.iaai.com.

About Special Olympics Washington

Special Olympics Washington provides year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. By participating in sports, physical fitness and healthcare education programs, Special Olympics Washington athletes increase self-confidence and social skills, improve physical and motor skills, and have better success in leading more productive and independent lives. Special Olympics Washington programs and services are provided at no fee to athletes and their families. Our organization relies entirely on private funding from individuals, corporations and foundations to cover the annual budget. For more information, contact Mary Do at (206)548-6702, or visit www.sowa.org.

Facts to note about the World's Largest Truck Convoy for Special Olympics:

  • Kickoff for 2009 Special Olympics Washington will take place Saturday, September 26, 2009 at the Tacoma Dome, Parking Lot G – the convoy departs at 9 a.m.
  • Police-escorted convoy arrives about 11 a.m. at Insurance Auto Auctions, Tukwila facility, located at 8801 East Marginal Way South.
  • Awards Presentation will be held at 2 p.m.
  • Special Olympics Washington rose over $25,000 in 2008.
  • Over 2,000 trucks participated and $643,000 was raised nationally in 2008.
  • 26 U.S. states and 4 Canadian provinces participated in 2008.
  • Currently there are 6,700 Special Olympics Washington athletes.
  • Meet and greet with Jack Jessee of TV series "Ice Road Truckers"

Suggested exit ramps for media to view the police-escorted convoy via overpasses include:

In Tukwila:

  • Southcenter Parkway/Tukwila Parkway
  • Exit 157 Martin Luther King Way Overpass

In Tacoma:

  • Exit 134 East 28th/Portland Avenue
  • Exit 137 54th East/20th Street East
  • Exit 142 B Federal Way- 188th and Orilla Road South
  • Exit 149 A and Highway 516



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ARI(R) and Other GFS(R) Partners to Conduct Global Fleet Conference in ... - PR Inside

Posted: 25 Sep 2009 07:25 AM PDT

2009-09-25 16:27:03 -

MT. LAUREL, NJ -- (Marketwire) -- 09/25/09 -- Automotive Resources International ( ARI : ), a leading global fleet solutions provider : specializing in complex car and truck fleets : , announced its second Global Fleet Services : (GFS) Global Fleet Conference to be held in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, September 30, 2009.

Fleet experts from around the world will present regional overviews.
Attendees will learn about best practices for managing global fleets, participate in round table discussions and network with fleet colleagues.

Other participating fleet companies include ORIX from Asia and Australia, EQSTRA from Africa, Renting and Total Fleet from South America and Johnson & Perrott Fleet from Ireland.

"Our objective for this second GFS global conference is to provide an informal, informative environment for attendees to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by fleet management professionals around the world," commented Carl Ortell, ARI executive vice president and COO and GFS chairman.

About GFS


Founded in 1994, Global Fleet Services is an alliance of premier fleet leasing companies that are recognized as the top tier market leaders in their respective regions. The alliance has been developed on the concept of members combining their strengths to best serve international companies with global fleet needs. GFS enables businesses to develop global strategic initiatives through benchmarking and identification of global fleet synergies as well as cost savings opportunities.

About ARI


ARI(TM), a subsidiary of Holman Enterprises : , based in Mt. Laurel, N.J., is an industry leader and the largest privately held fleet leasing and management company in the world.
As a single-source fleet management leader, ARI customizes innovative solutions that streamline fleet operations, help lower the cost of fleet ownership and create long-term value for customers. Today, with a workforce numbering more than 1,200 and offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Europe, the company manages more than 2,000 outsourced fleets (over 650,000 autos and trucks) in North America and, combined with its strategic partners, more than 1.5 million fleet vehicles globally : .
Add to Digg : Bookmark with del.icio.us : Add to Newsvine :

Contact:
Joanne Vencius
ARI - Automotive Resources International
(856) 787-6548
jvencius@arifleet.com :




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Chrysler: Check engine now - CNN Money

Posted: 25 Sep 2009 06:20 AM PDT

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Three months after coming through a federally-financed bankruptcy, the new Chrysler Group still faces serious trouble with no quick solution in sight.

The carmaker may have been given a sleek and shiny new balance sheet, but the products on the showroom floor are the same stale cars and trucks from before and there's not much new to look forward to.

In the hyper-competitive American car market, that empty product pipeline is potentially disastrous. Newly designed and engineered cars and trucks are what keep automakers in the game.

"It's the most important thing," industry analyst Jesse Toprak of Truecar.com said of new product offerings. "It's the lifeline."

Besides a new heavy-duty version of the well-regarded Dodge Ram pick-up going on sale soon, there's nothing new coming from any of Chrysler Group's brands before the middle of next year.

Chrysler needs to move fast to shore up its product plans, said Matt Stone, executive editor of Motor Trend magazine.

"I think they will run out of steam quickly," said Stone. "How long could they prop it up with color changes and incentives? Another year or two, maybe."

New car and truck models are important because consumers are always interested in the newest stuff, Toprak said, but all-new products with the latest engineering and the trendiest designs take years to develop -- time which many experts say Chrysler does not have.

To try to turn its own situation around before it's too late, Chrysler Group is expected to release a new revitalization plan in November. Interviews published recently by the industry newspaper Automotive News provide some insight into what Chrysler Group executives might be thinking.

Under the new plan, both the Chrysler and Dodge brands will undergo serious image makeovers.

Dodge will continue to be a performance-oriented brand but now focus more on fun-to-drive qualities than on raw engine power. Chrysler, meanwhile, will move upscale. Way upscale, setting its sights on competing with Cadillac, BMW and Mercedes.

A Chrysler spokesman would not officially confirm anything that was said in the Automotive News report.

When pressed by reporter at the Frankfurt Motor Show recently about Chrysler Group's dry product pipeline, Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne replied "Who says?" and told reporters to "wait until November."

New directions: In order to crank out new products quickly, Chrysler will likely depend on Fiat for much of the vehicle engineering needed. The Italian automaker's CEO now runs the show in Detroit after it took a 20% ownership stake in the new Chrysler Group.

Dodge's new image as a more fuel-efficient, but still sporty, car brand could benefit from Fiat engineering, said James Bell, an industry analyst with the Web site KBB.com. Fiat is well known for building just that sort of product and Dodge will only be following a larger trend in the U.S. away from big cars and big engines.

"I think it's where the business is going to go, anyway," he said.

While he agrees this strategy could work for Dodge, Motor Trend's Stone thinks a quicker path to profit for Dodge would be to just ditch cars altogether.

"I still think the best strategy for Dodge would still be to become an all-truck division," he said.

Gary Fong, who heads the Chrysler brand, as well as handling sales for all of the Chrysler Group brands, told Automotive News he wants the Chrysler brand to reach toward the high-end luxury car market. He described the goal as "a notch above Cadillac, a notch above Lincoln."

That idea is more controversial.

"Chrysler did used to be an upscale brand, but that is so ancient history," said Michelle Krebs, a senior industry analyst with the automotive Web site Edmunds.com.

Even in those days, Motor Trend's Stone said, Chrysler wasn't really in the luxury big leagues. Back in the 1950s, '60s and '70s -- remember Ricardo Montalban boasting of "soft Corinthian leather" -- it was more of a value-oriented alternative.

That's something Chrysler could shoot for again, he said, as it did with the current Chrysler 300, a car that offers luxury car looks for mass-market money.

"I think there's people proving there's room in that space," he said. Hyundai, for instance, is succeeding with its new Genesis sedan.

Under the best of circumstances, a luxury-leading Chrysler brand will take a long time to build, said Bell.

"To do what they're trotting out here is at minimum a decade-long project," he said, "and that's with killer product."

Another problem is that Fiat could do little to help Chrysler build real luxury cars, said Stone. Even Fiat's upper-end European brands like Alfa-Romeo and Lancia don't have cars that could readily be turned into American-style luxury cruisers, he said. Chrysler will have to start from nothing.

"You're talking scratch-built stuff here."

Gary Dilts, senior vice president of global automotive operations at J.D. Power and Associates, sees luxury aspirations for Chrysler brand cars as more of a vague, long term target than something anyone realistically expects in the near term.

"That doesn't mean you shouldn't shoot for it," he said.

"If there was ever a time to get out of jail, it's now," Dilts said. To top of page



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