Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 2 September 1995 — Page 4

page A4

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2,1995

NORDSTROM Continued from A1

only makes good business sense for us to be inclusive of everyone. We want to be the store of choice for everyone. Diversity is part of the fabric of our company, and we look at diversity as a strength.” Terri Rose, promotions director for Nordstrom (Indianapolis and Minnesota), said she is “absolutely thrilled with the new opening here because it is such an opportunity to be a part of the revitalization of Downtown Indianapolis.” She added that the new store’s No. 1 priority is to open its doors and make new friends. Not only has Nordstrom made new friends, but it has also gained much respect throughout the city through its efforts in enhancing and helping the community. Nordstrom/United Way Community Service Day was held Aug. 24, one of several events planned for the entire family, in which more than500Nordstrom employees will undertake such tasks as planting shrubs, painting, cleaning and landscaping. Lisa Deweese, administrative assistant for Jameson Camp, a residential summer program for atrisk children, said Nordstrom employees worked very hard on Community Service Day. “They did an entire landscaping of the cabins and main center,” she said. “They even helped us clean all of our buildings after the summer camping session ended.” Bobby Deckard, camp director, said they saved camp employees a lot of man hours, and helped liven up the area with plants, “making it a little less plain.” Officials of The Salvation Army Harbor Light Center also praised Nordstrom for its time and effort. “They painted our detox area, homeless shelter and some hallways,” said Capt. Cindy Kennedy. “United Way sends someone every year and this year it was Nordstrom. They did an excellent job and we really appreciate it. They were all very friendly, interactive people.” Nordstrom took a different approach with the Children’s Bureau, much to the delight of Ann Frick, volunteer coordinator for the bu-

reau. “They put on a carnival for the children, with lots of games, activities, arts and crafts, a clown, magician, storyteller and folk singer,” an excited Frick said. “It was just wonderful. We had 175 people participating in the morning, 125 of whom were children. There were workshops for the adults, also. “They were great to work with. They also purchased all the supplies and equipment and provided snacks for everyone. They were very cooperative and had a lot of good ideas. They will be a great asset to the community.” According to J.J. Johansson, store manager, Dennis Agnos in media relations, and Marykim O’Brien in sales promotions, Nordstrom is also excited about its move here. “We love it,” said Johansson. “We’re excited to be here because it is the 12th largest city in the country. Indianapolis is also one of the top five convention centers in the country. But, most importantly, we look forward to being a part of this community, which offers a great quality of life with strong family values.” O’Brien agrees with Johansson about the quality of life in Indianapolis. “It is fabulous and affordable,” she said. “The people here are incredibly genuine and nice. We feel excited to be here in a great partnership with Indianapolis.” Among other features, Agnos talked about the beauty of the city. “This is a fantastic community,” he said. “It has a lot of cultural activities and diverse architecture. It’s a beautiful city. And, all of the people I’ve met are friendly. We are excited about being here and being a part of Circle Centre. “The response we’ve received from the community has been overwhelming. We’re looking forward to our opening gala on Sept. 6, in conjunction with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, the Indianapolis Chapter of Links, and the Junior League of Indianapolis.”

AFSCME Continued from A1

their ideas.” The competition has brought both sides — management and the workers — together for a better relationship. “Now, supervisors are taking on more of a hands-on approach towards their work,” said Quick. “The highest title used to be equipment operator. Now, it’s crew leader, which is a union position. The leader’s job is 85 percent role work; the other 15 percent is basically management work, which puts the paperwork together. So you get a two for one. You have a guy out there working and then, 15 percent of the time, he is putting paperwork together, reporting on his activities.” With Mayor Stephen Goldsmith really not making a stance on if re-elected would he stay in the position or run for governor, the concept of competition is here to stay. “With the success of competitive biding, I don’t think the concept will leave when he leaves, whoever follows him, because of the success of the programs which came about as a result,” said Ard. “We are now at the point that we are involved in designing the training curriculum all the employees will go through. “We have also changed the

terminology in bids and now we are going after jobs we used to have and, at one time, lost. As long as we can prove we can do the job of high quality, and save money, we will continue to do well.” Input and the willingness to listen to workers is what makes the concept of competition work. “When people listen and take your ideas into consideration and use them, it brings the morale of everyone up,” said Quick. As a result of the workers’ ability to save money and to prove their worth, several reforms have occurred: In-house conflict has decreased. Each worker has a pager by which to inform him or her about assignments, instead of being contacted by radio. Break rooms have central air conditioning. There is more interaction between management and the mayor. There is more cultural diversity in the workplace. Finally, many of the unions have equal representation, according to Quick. “Taxpayers see a difference in the quality of our work because our complaints are down,” said Quick. “No longer do people have the impression that we are standing around, leaning on shovels or at the liquor stores. Our complaints are down and the work is getting done.”

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

USPS 262-660

Published weekly by: The George P Stewart Printing Co., Inc., P.0 Box 18499,2901 N. Tacoma Ave , Indianapolis, IN 46218 Entered as Second Class Matter under Act of March 7,1870. Second Class Postage paid at Indianapolis, IN POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Indlanmpoll* Recorder, P.O. Box 18499, 2901 N Tacoma Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46218 Subscription price by mail in Marion County S26 per year, Outside county, $31 per year, single copy, 50 cents By carrier $26 per year, $16 for 6 mos ,50 cents per copy National advertising representative Amalgamated Publishers Inc., 45W 45th St, New York, NY 10036 Member of: Audit Bureau of Circulation, National Newspaper Publishers Association, Central Indiana Publishers Association, Hoosier State Press Association SUBSCRIBERS BY MAIL: We are not responsible for replacing issues missed due to change of address or late renewals. Please allow two weeks when placing a new subscription or change of

address order Call (317) 924-5143

The Largest Local Calling Area Around Free unlimited local calls all weekend for the first two months, when you sitjn a one year service agreement with GTE Mobilnet. With GTE Mobilnet, youjjet so much more than a phone. You jjet the people who give you 24-hour customer service. Youjjet the people who have the larjjest local calling area, with a satisfaction guarantee. You/jet the people who provide MobiLink services, for your callinjj convenience nationwide. And now, best of all you fjet a UPfli?? great weekend offer! Hurry, this offer ends October 2. So see GTE Mobilnet today; or call 1-800-555-7272!

The Sweetest Free Weekend Offer Mown. [rilsl Mobilnet More Than Cellular Phones, Cellular Service! I rcc wcckemlolliT docs noi include charges for long-distance or roaming New activations only ()nc year service agreement required on any published rate plan Offer ends October 2. 1WS

GTE MOBILNET

Castleton 6633 East 82nd St.

Greenwood 8940 US. 31 South

J