Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Robert Martin is Appointed Sr. Vice President of Business Development for Bekins Van Lines

Robert Martin is Appointed Sr. Vice President of Business Development

May 23, 2008 – Hillside, IL – Mike Petersen, President & CEO of Bekins Van Lines, LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Martin as Senior Vice President of Business Development.

Mr. Martin brings to the position over 30 years of extensive industry experience in general management and sales at both the agent and van line levels. Michael Petersen, President & CEO of Bekins Van Lines stated, “We are fortunate to have an executive of Robert Martin’s caliber join the Bekins family. His wide range of industry knowledge and experience will enable him to reinvigorate Bekins sales and help us continue Bekins leadership position in the industry.” He added, “His management and sales skills are second to none”.

Mr. Martin comes to Bekins from a competitive Van Lines where he most recently served as Vice President and General Manager. He has held several executive level positions in domestic & international moving as well as president of a midsize relocation company. His vast knowledge of national account and relocation markets will help Bekins continue to position as a major, high quality provider of choice in both the domestic and international relocation industry.

Announcing ReloServe

As an affiliate of the California-based Move Management Group, ReloServe deals directly with van line agents in the New York/New Jersey area, providing origin and destination services to agents who, in the interest of keeping their salespeople selling, have opted to outsource such functions as visual surveys, quality control visits, and more. For details, visit www.reloserve.com.

ReloServe managed to land two new accounts in the weeks prior to this rollout, so now that it’s officially up and running we’re expecting great things in 2008 and beyond!

Lincoln Moving & Storage Company Joins Bekins Family of Agents

May 6, 2008 – John Alianello, Vice President of Agency Development for Bekins Van Lines announces its’ newest agent, Lincoln Moving & Storage serving the Cleveland, Akron, Canton & Mansfield, OH marketplace. Located at 8686 Brookpark Road, Brooklyn, Ohio, Lincoln Moving & Storage operates a 53,000 square foot heated warehouse equipped with an alarm and sprinkler system and offers records and containerized storage. The new Bekins agent is owned by the Roush, Dietrich, and Carcioppolo families with Gene Dietrich serving as President.

John Alianello stated, “We are pleased to have Lincoln Moving & Storage as the newest member of the Bekins family. They have such a rich history in the Cleveland, OH area and we are pleased that this quality focused organization has joined our organization”. Anne Dietrich added, “our transition to being a Bekins agent has truly been a pleasant experience. After decades in the moving and storage industry, it is a re-energizing experience to be working with Bekins, whose ethics and missions parallel those of our family business. We look forward to becoming a strong and integral part of Bekins for both booking and hauling.”

About Lincoln Moving & Storage
The Lincoln Moving & Storage Co. opened in 1904. In 1975 Lawrence H. Roush, owner of Parma Movers, a local and Ohio moving and storage company, purchased The Lincoln Moving & Storage Co. They outgrew their warehouse and offices and moved to Brooklyn, OH in 1998 where they have been headquartered ever since.

Dircks Moving, Logistics and Real Estate Moves With Mayflower


DIRCKS MOVING, LOGISITICS AND REAL ESTATE MOVES WITH MAYFLOWER

Valley mover celebrates 18 years of business in Arizona

PHOENIX – Dircks Moving, Logistics and Real Estate will officially become an agent of Mayflower Transit beginning on May 1, 2008. Mayflower is part of the largest moving network in the world and is comprised of over 700 agents.

“All of us at Dircks are thrilled about our new alliance with Mayflower. We’re grateful for our successful past and look forward to the future with Mayflower, working with our current clients and our potential new customers that this association will provide,” said Dircks Moving President Chip Dircks.

“We are pleased that Dircks Moving is joining the Mayflower team,” said Richard H. McClure, CEO of Mayflower. “Dircks’ commitment to customer service and professionalism is a perfect match for the excellence that is expected and delivered at Mayflower.”

With this new partnership, Dircks Moving becomes a stockholding Mayflower agent, the moving industry’s growth leader.

“One of the primary reasons for our new alliance with Mayflower is that they are owned by their agents, which affords greater service to our customers and allows us to assist with Mayflower’s future,” said Rick Dircks, Executive Vice President for Dircks Moving. “As successful business owners, the opportunity for Chip and I plus our entire staff to become involved with Mayflower is tremendously exciting.”

Dircks Moving will hold a Mayflower launch party at their headquarters on May 9 for its customers and business partners as well as celebrate their 18 years in business. The Mayflower Hot Air Balloon rides will be featured along with appearances from members of the Phoenix Suns Dancers as well as the Gorilla. Dircks Moving is a proud partner of the Phoenix Suns.

ABOUT MAYFLOWER TRANSIT

Mayflower Transit, founded in 1927, is one of the nation’s oldest and largest van lines and transports household goods, electronic equipment, trade show exhibits and displays, works of art and specialized freight, utilizing a network of 700 affiliated agents throughout the United States and around the world. Mayflower’s headquarters are located in suburban St. Louis. Further information about the company is available at www.mayflower.com.

ABOUT DIRCKS
Dircks is a full service moving, logistics, and real estate company that specializes in the transportation and storage of household goods, computerized equipment, office and industrial equipment and other commodities. Dircks serves individual customers, as well as corporations and various government agencies in local, long distance and international moving, move management, storage and distribution projects. Dircks is an agent for Mayflower, the most recognizable name in moving, and Dircks founded RE/MAX Platinum which is part of the RE/MAX network that sells more homes than any other real estate company in the world. Brothers Rick and Chip Dircks founded Dircks in May of 1990 and have developed it into the most diversified moving company in Arizona. For more information, please visit www.dircks.com.

Bekins Van Lines Donates Moving Services to Family In Need

April 24, 2008 -- Bekins Van Lines recently assisted a family in need of moving some of their most needed items to their temporary home in Miami from Minnesota to be closer to their baby recovering from a multi-visceral organ transplant surgery recently performed. Baby Sidney Markie received this transplant surgery in March and is getting stronger everyday, but has a long recover ahead. Bekins will also donate moving services to the family when the baby is able to go back home to Minnesota.

Bekins was put in contact with the family when one of their customers, Les Velte of Consumers Relocation Services contacted Bob Dalaskey asking us for assistance. Bob Dalaskey, Vice President of Sales for Bekins stated “Bekins is very happy to assist Sidney and her family in their time of special need. We all wish her the best, and will keep her in our thoughts and prayers.” In addition to the moving, Mark Eschbacher of AE Worldwide, Mahwah, NJ donated their crating service for their items so they were assured of damage-free items on the move. Mr. Dalaskey added, “We would also like to thank Kevin Mortland of Twin Cities Moving Systems in Eagan, MN and Joseph Sabga of Bekins of South Florida in Ft. Lauderdale, FL who helped us make sure the loading and unloading of the goods went smoothly on loading day and at delivery.”

Cheryl Murray, grandmother of Sidney Markie added, “We couldn’t be happier with the service provided. Everyone was so nice this morning, so professional and caring. May God bless you all! You are all part of a little miracle in process. Thanks again to Bekins for their help.”

Bekins Van Lines has a long standing tradition of assisting others in time of need. Whether it is raising money for nationwide organizations like Ronald McDonald House Charities, or local groups like the Hibiscus Children’s Center in Florida, assisting in the aftermath of national emergencies like 9-11, or weather related tragedies like Hurricane Katrina, Bekins Van Lines family rises to meet the challenges out in front of us all. Mr. Dalaskey added, “With the ever increasing pace and challenges of day to day business, it is good to take time to recognize the human part of our business, and to be able to assist someone who needs our help and support.

To learn more about Sidney, click here for her story http://cotaforsidneym.com/. If you’d like to send a donation, click on this list below and please make it in honor of Sidney Markie.
https://www.kintera.org/site/c.dqLQI3OEKpF/b.505171/k.B0C9/Donate_Online_Now/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=dqLQI3OEKpF&b=505171&en=efKDLMOuEfIHLRPxE5KKL5OIIgKMLWMrGaIHIPNsGcKTIaJ

Bekins Van Lines Announces 2007 President's Club Winners

March 14, 2008 – Michael Petersen, President & CEO is proud to announce Bekins President’s Club Winners for 2007. The Bekins President’s Club sales contest recognizes Bekins top salespeople, achieving the highest percentage sales growth in Bekins household goods division or high value products/tradeshow division based on volume group categories. The contest runs for the entire calendar year and President’s Club Winners receive a travel certificate for a vacation of their choice, as well as a President’s Club trophy. Mr. Petersen stated, “We are fortunate to have such a terrific group of sales professionals representing Bekins. These salespeople have shown their commitment to Bekins and are the ‘best’ of the best”. The following are the Bekins President’s Club winners.

Volume Group A:
Darcy Quinn
A and P Moving, Inc.
Novato, CA

Volume Group B:
· Billie Jo McCullen
Worldwide Relocation Services
Smithfield, NC

· Tom Norgard
Sea/Cure Moving
Tuckerton, NJ

· Bruce Rosene
Boyer-Rosene Moving & Storage
Bensenville, IL

Volume Group C:
· Jeff Jones
True Van Lines
Dallas, TX

· Mike Boerman
Boerman Moving & Storage
Woodridge, IL

Volume Group D:
· Jeanie Scott
Olympian Worldwide Moving & Storage
Phoenix, AZ

HVP/Tradeshow:
· Bob Land
Showtronix, Inc.
Lake Forest, CA

· Donna Quarino
Pinnacle Worldwide Relocations
Lake Zurich, IL

Bekins International Names Rodney Amos, Manager, International Military Operations

HILLSIDE, IL. – March 4, 2008 – Bekins International Group, a global relocation and distribution services company, today announced the appointment of Rod Amos to the position of Manager, International Military Operations.

In his new role, Mr. Amos, will report to the Vice President of Bekins International and will be responsible for all international military move management services. Additionally, he will assist in the implementation of the Bekins International Group’s Families First move management program and drive the development of international GSA business opportunities for the agents of The Bekins Company. Additionally, Mr. Amos will work as an agent liaison assisting agents and customers with all facets of the military international relocations.

Mr. Amos brings over twenty years of experience to this position, working most recently for Gateways International in a similar role. His international household goods experience includes Military and GSA Account forwarding. Mr. Amos resides in Naperville, IL with his wife and two sons. Jim Gaw, Vice President of Bekins International stated, “We are fortunate to have such a seasoned International expert and know that his experience will assist us in meeting the needs of our customers.”

About Bekins International Group
Bekins International is an industry leader in international relocation, freight forwarding, and moving and storage services. Bekins International is licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission as a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) and an Ocean Freight Forwarder (OFF). More information about Bekins International can be found on the groups’ website, www.bekinsintl.com.

Bekins Announces Drivers of the Month

Steve Yacko, Director of Fleet for Bekins Van Lines announced the Bekins Drivers of the Month for September, October and November, 2007. Drivers of the Month are elected for their superior professionalism, timeliness, communication and customer service skills. All Drivers of the Month are eligible to receive 2007 Driver of the Year awards. The following are the Bekins Drivers of the Month winners:

September Winners:
• Household Goods (HHG) Fleet – Pernell Baker – Roanoke, VA
• Agent HHG Fleet – Mario Martinez – Novato, CA (Driver for A and P Moving)
• Metro/Truckload Fleet – Robert Streit – Newhall,CA
• High Value Products (HVP) Fleet – Dallas Grathler - Peoria, IL
• HVP Mileage Fleet – Surajudeen Giwa – Alief, TX
• Agent HVP Fleet – Joseph Hardin – Hazelwood, MO (Driver for A. Frisella Moving & Storage)

October Winners:
• Household Goods (HHG) Fleet – Clifford Bowe – Laurelville, OH
• Agent HHG Fleet – Thomas Palmer – St. Petersburg, FL (Driver for Boerman Moving & Storage)
• Metro/Truckload Fleet -- Wallace Sparks – Hendersonville, NV
• High Value Products (HVP) Fleet – Richard Anderson - Hector, NY
• HVP Mileage Fleet – Luc Tchaha-Batipe – Charlotte, NC
• Agent HVP Fleet – Marvin Nelson – Crescent City, CA (Driver for Pacific Storage Company)

November Winners:
• Household Goods (HHG) Fleet – Ernest Castro – Whittier, CA
• Agent HHG Fleet – Edward Smith – El Paso, TX (Driver for True Van Lines)
• Metro/Truckload Fleet -- Larry Jackson – Dunellen, NJ
• High Value Products (HVP) Fleet – John Bennett - Tucson, AZ
• HVP Mileage Fleet – Wladyslaw Skolimowski – Newark, DE
• Agent HVP Fleet – Robert Malcolm – West Valley City, UT (Driver for Sugar House Mvg & Stg)

About Bekins Van Lines
Bekins Holding Corp. is the parent company of Bekins Van Lines. Bekins Van Lines divisions include Bekins International Group and Bekins Tradeshow Services. The company has been providing quality household goods relocation services and high value products transportation services domestically and internationally for corporate accounts and private relocation customers since 1891. More information about Bekins can be found on the company’s website at www.bekins.com.

Bekins Van Lines Announced 2007 President's Club Goal Achievers

BEKINS VAN LINES ANNOUNCES 2007 PRESIDENT’S CLUB GOAL ACHIEVERS

Michael Petersen, President & CEO is proud to announce Bekins President’s Club Goal Achievers for 2007. The Bekins President’s Club sales contest recognizes Bekins top salespeople who achieve the highest percentage sales growth in Bekins household goods division or high value products/tradeshow division based on volume group categories. The contest runs for the entire calendar year and President’s Club Winners receive a trophy and a cash prize. Michael Petersen stated, “We recognize these top salespeople for meeting their goals in such challenging economic conditions. This is a testament to their outstanding sales skill and perseverance.” The following are the Bekins President’s Club Goal Achievement winners:

· Bruce Crabtree – Hansen Bros. Transfer & Storage – Seattle, WA
· Jeff Badgett – Bekins Moving Solutions – Coppell, TX
· Mike Boerman – Boerman Moving & Storage – Woodridge, IL
· Gail Bovey – Bekins Moving Solutions – Chatsworth, CA
· Tom Busnardo – White Moving & Storage – Denver, CO
· Ann Denis – Brandon Moving & Storage – N. Little Rock, AR
· Joe Hagemaster – Hagemaster Moving & Storage – Chicago Heights, IL
· Jim Mazzuca, Jr. – Boyer-Rosene Moving & Storage – Bensenville, IL
· John Mentel – Good & Fair Carting & Moving – Kenmore, NY
· Robert Neiman – Bekins A-1 Movers – Woodbridge, VA
· Anthony Parente – Liberty Movers – Leicester, MA
· Dean Quarino – Pinnacle Relocation Services – Lake Zurich, IL
· Brian Reppert – Hansen Bros. Transfer & Storage – Seattle, WA
· Randy Rhodes – True Van Lines of Hilton Head – Bluffton, SC
· Adolph Silva – True Van Lines – Farmers Branch, TX
· Jim Simpson – All Around Moving & Storage – Romulus, MI
· Evelyn Wanless – Springfield Van & Storage – Springfield, IL

About Bekins Van LinesBekins Holding Corp. is the parent company of Bekins Van Lines. Bekins Van Lines divisions include Bekins International Group and Bekins Tradeshow Services. The company has been providing quality household goods relocation services and high value products transportation services domestically and internationally for corporate accounts and private relocation customers

Bekins A-1 Movers Inc. Achieves Records Revenues and Profits

(March 31, 2008-Wilkes Barre PA)

In a year when the rest of the moving industry was reeling from the effects of the nationwide housing slump and related mortgage foreclosures, Bekins A-1 Movers, Inc.
continued its rapid growth rate, exceeding $87,000,000 in revenues in 2007, a 43% increase over 2006.

In making the announcement, Chairman David A. Caruso and President, Terry Kostoff indicated the company shifted focus into its Military, International, and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment segments to offset domestic Private Relocation declines.

Also, in 2007, a new Division was formed under the banner of CHRONOS, a segment which could be the wave of the future for the industry …..intermodal transportation utilizing portable storage devices.

The Company, which expects equal or greater combined returns from these groups in 2008, just completed its Annual Conference at Harrahs, Las Vegas with over 125 attendees.

Bekins A-1 Movers, Inc., is the largest agent for Bekins Van Lines, with 19 Operating Branches and 23 Profit Centers nationwide. The Company has been providing quality household goods relocation services since 1982.

More information on Bekins A-1 Movers can be found on the Company’s Website at www.Bekinsa1.com or by contacting Beverly A. Jones, Assistant to the President.

Business is Booming!

Business is booming for Worldwide Relocation Services in Smithfield, NC. In the month of March, they have already registered, booked and hauled more then they did in June of last year. They are currently 197% ahead of March and April of last year, and April is just starting. (at the time of this announcement) For their first full year as a Bekins Agent, they were the #2 National Account Booker in the Bekins System. They had the #1 Sales Person in all of Bekins System - Billie Jo McCullen. They are again a Performance Excellence Award Winner.