Monthly Meeting and Presentation by Andrea Dobson

This month's regular meeting includes a special presentation by Andrea Dobson, retired TriMet mechanic/ instructor, and AWA member. She will be talking about her involvement in a clean water project for Nicaragua, a humanitarian trip to Cuba and more.
Andrea embodies the reality that we are not just all about cars, but are a diverse and far reaching community. Come hear her presentation and visit with us.

When     Wed, June 30, 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Where	Re-Born Automotive, Inc. 1800 SE M L King Jr. Blvd. Portland, OR

Meeting Minutes for May 26th 2010

• Welcome Members/Visitors:

Kathy Garbe, Esquire Motors; Liz Dally, Hawthorne Auto Clinic Inc.; Terica Devoreh-Spratt, Hawthorne Auto Clinic Inc.; Betty Kendall, retired instructor PCC; Norma Holcombe, Sherwood Automotive; Margaret Ragan, NATA; Sarah Heidler, Esquire Motors; Rebecca Vierck, Re-born Automotive; Kim Kittinger, PCC automotive instructor.

• Fundraising projects

- April 30th and May 1st Women in Trades Fair, Friday was an exciting day of scavenger hunts on cars and a wonderful power point presentation by Sarah. There were about 75 girls who participated and all seemed to have a great time! Thanks Sarah for organizing and thanks to the volunteers Becky, June and Betty!
Saturday there was a steady stream of people. Dawn made an automotive wheel to spin- using most all automotive parts! Once the wheel was spun, a trivia question was asked and great automotive conversation followed. People really enjoyed spinning the wheel and playing automotive trivia! Thanks Dawn for making the wheel and thanks to Betty and Terica for volunteering!

- May 8th, Plant and Rummage sale a huge success! The weather was beautiful and brought out lots of people to shop! The grand total was $782.01 – our most successful sale yet! Thanks to everyone who brought rummage and plants and volunteered their Saturday to raise money. Thanks also to Hawthorne Auto Clinic for the use of the parking lot!

- August 15th – Hawthorne Street Fair and Sunday parkways will bring a huge crowd on Hawthorne, it was decided to hold a craft and rummage sale in the parking lot of Hawthorne Auto Clinic. Craft items will include: pictures, wreaths, jams, soaps, aprons, flowers and herbs. If anyone has more crafts or rummage to donate, please contact us! We also need volunteers to organize and volunteer for Sunday – Join us for the fun!
Informational links:
eventful : hawthorne-street-fair-2010
portland on line

- Date to be determined – Ocktoberfest! Our latest and greatest idea to have a fun Ocktoberfest to raise money instead of the concert this year. More details to follow….

- More ideas???? If anyone has an idea for a fundraiser this year, please contact us! We’d love to hear from you.

• Education

- Car Care Class – Sarah will be working on a standardized curriculum for this workshop and is working on ways to promote it by working with other organizations, such as CarHelp.
More info to follow….

- Website report – The meeting minutes will be available. Be sure to check out the myspace page and blog page!!!!

- Mentoring program – Betty has been talking to PCC students and is gathering a list of students that we will invite to a meeting. Kim is involved now with helping to encourage the students to come to our special AWA June 30th meeting. We will discuss our different experiences in the field and Andrea Dobson will give us a presentation of her latest projects.

• Treasury Update
- $1892.06 in checking account, we will give $1,500 to PCC for the next scholarships, leaving a balance of $392.06

• New Business
- A reporter is interested in AWA and will be invited to attend our special June meeting.

- Business cards with AWA info were discussed and agreed it would be a good idea to have on hand to give out. We are working on it….


Next Meeting is June 30th at Reborn Automotive 1800 SE MLK, 503-231-4947, a special meeting featuring Andrea Dobson’s presentation. Don’t miss it!!!!!

Please join us for our Annual Margarita Meeting, July 28th at Who Song and Larry’s in Vancouver.

We hope to see everyone at the next meeting to help organize fundraisers, share new ideas and especially to have lots of FUN!!!!!

Meeting Minutes for March 31st, 2010

• Welcome Members/Visitors:

Kathy Garbe, Esquire Motors; Liz Dally, Hawthorne Auto Clinic Inc.; Terica Devoreh-Spratt, Hawthorne Auto Clinic Inc.; Betty Kendall, retired instructor PCC; June Boone, retired Hawthorne Auto Clinic Inc.; Norma Holcombe, Sherwood Automotive; Margaret Ragan, NATA; Sarah Heidler, Esquire Motors; Rebecca Vierck, Re-born Automotive.

• Fundraising projects

- April 30th and May 1st Women in Trades Fair, Sarah and Dawn are organizing. They will be working on an exciting booth and fun workshop for the students. Becky, Sarah, June and Betty will be working on April 30th. Terica, Dawn and Betty will be working May 1st

- May 8th, Plant and rummage sale to be held at Hawthorne Auto Clinic, please contact us for rummage sale donations drop off etc. We will also be offering to make up planter boxes and a group will go out to businesses to plant. Start time is 8am-3pm, set up time starts at 7am! June will make a banner to hang up

- Summer concert canceled?- Costs for the concert may be too high. It was discussed of getting donations from businesses in the industry instead of having the concert. More to report later.

- More ideas???? If anyone has an idea for a fundraiser this year, please contact us! We’d love to hear from you!

• Education

- Canceled! April 17th- Girl Scout Merit badge class, canceled due to lack of participants

- Car Care Class – Sarah will be working on a standardized curriculum for this workshop and is working on ways to promote it by working with other organizations, such as CarHelp.
More info to follow….

- Website report – The meeting minutes will be available. Be sure to check out the myspace page and blog page!!!!

- Mentoring program – Betty has been talking to PCC students and is gathering a list of students that we will invite to a meeting. She will work on a letter to send to students or potential members, hopefully to invite to a special May meeting.

• Treasury Update
- $1,210.05 in checking account

• New Business
- Annual dues are due!! Thank you to all for the continued support! If you have not paid the dues yet, please send the $35 dues to Margaret, fill out the form and mail a check.

- Business cards with AWA info were discussed and agreed it would be a good idea to have on hand to give out.


• Next Meeting is April 28th at Reborn Automotive 1800 SE MLK, 503-231-4947


We hope to see everyone at the next meeting to help organize fundraisers, share new ideas and especially to have lots of FUN!!!!!

Pictures from the Very Successful Rummage and Plant Sale this year!

Breaking News: The end of the road for Mercury.

It's official. Ford Motor Company has sealed the casket on Mercury. After 71 years, Mercury will be shuttered to allow Ford to focus on expanding the Lincoln brand. Mercury currently only accounts for 0.8% market share for Ford. Per Ford, production is expected to come to an end in the 4th quarter of this year. FMC will also be working closely with dealers to help lessen the pain they will ultimately feel. I predict that many dealers who will now be stand alone Lincoln dealers will start looking into the options of either moving or selling their Lincoln franchises to their Ford brothers to combine both brands under one roof. Ford themselves may make this decision also. While we hate to see the brand die, it does make sense. Mercury really doesn't have a car that is unique to them, except for maybe the Grand Marquis. And the last really cool Mercury was the 2003-2004 Marauder. In recent years the company has really only been badge engineering Ford vehicles and stealing sales from Ford. In the mean time though, lets have a toast to the brand that gave us iconic cars like the 49/50 Mercury, the Cougar, the Marauder, and many more fine vehicles over the last 71 years. See the official press release below.

Source: Ford Motor Company.

FORD TO EXPAND LINCOLN LINEUP AND BRAND EMPHASIS; MERCURY PRODUCTION ENDS IN FOURTH QUARTER OF 2010

• Ford is expanding its Lincoln lineup with seven all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles in the next four years – including its first-ever C-segment vehicle
• Lincoln's plan accelerates with more investment and attention on standout product design, class-leading technology and powertrains delivering top performance and fuel efficiency
• Lincoln product development, marketing, sales and service resources expanding as the brand competes with Cadillac and Lexus in the marketplace
• Ford will end production of Mercury vehicles in the fourth quarter of this year to fully devote its financial, product development, production and marketing, sales and service resources toward further growing its core Ford brand while enhancing Lincoln
• Existing Mercury owners to receive continued access to parts and service support at Ford and Lincoln dealers; current Mercury vehicle warranties and Extended Service Plans will be honored; special offers available on new Mercury vehicles through the summer
• Affected dealers to receive specialized support during the transition, as the company continues its transformation to a more profitable dealer network

DEARBORN, Mich., June 2, 2010 – Ford Motor Company will expand and enhance its Lincoln brand lineup with seven all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles in the next four years as part of an aggressive growth plan focused on standout product design, class-leading technology and new powertrains – all aimed at competing with Cadillac and Lexus in North America.

Ford also will end production of Mercury vehicles in the fourth quarter of this year to fully devote its financial, product development, production and marketing, sales and service resources toward further growing its core Ford brand while enhancing the Lincoln brand.

"We have made tremendous progress on profitably growing the Ford brand during the past few years. Now, it is time to do the same for Lincoln," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "The new Lincoln vehicles will transform luxury for North American premium customers through an unexpected blend of responsive driving enjoyment and warm, inviting comfort. We will also offer our customers a world-class retail experience through a vibrant retail network."

Lincoln's hallmarks will be refined, modern design, the most fuel-efficient premium powertrains and industry-leading technology that create a unique driver experience both in the cabin and on the road.

"Profitably growing Lincoln in North America is an important part of our One Ford plan," said Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. "Our Ford brand is gaining momentum and winning customers around the world. Now, we are going to use the same laser focus to further strengthen Lincoln and deliver even more products luxury customers really want and value."

Foundation Set

The future of Lincoln is building from a strong base that includes the all-new flagship MKS large sedan, the all-new MKT seven-passenger crossover and a significantly refreshed MKZ mid-size sedan – all now in showrooms. The hybrid version of the MKZ will reach showrooms later this year and is expected to be the most fuel efficient premium sedan on the market.

Lincoln's product actions continue later this year with the debut of the significantly refreshed 2011 MKX crossover, the first vehicle to feature MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology.

This will be followed by another six all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles within four years developed with Lincoln's DNA of standout design, precise and confident driving experience, class-leading technology and powertrains delivering top performance and fuel efficiency.

Lincoln will be led by expanded product development and marketing, sales and service teams to support the brand's growth plan and ensure it has a strong cadence of distinct products that are well positioned in the market. Plans for Lincoln include:

• Lincoln's first-ever C-segment vehicle
• New Lincoln-exclusive powertrains, including an all-new V-6 engine and advanced fuel-efficient transmissions
• EcoBoost engines available in all Lincolns – from the Navigator full-size SUV to the new C-segment Lincoln
• Fuel economy leadership with each new vehicle – leading to Lincoln emerging as the most fuel-efficient luxury lineup on the market

 

More useful technology and features than any other competitor – with a special focus on comfort and convenience. New advanced features include: fully retractable glass roofs; adaptive computer-controlled suspensions; electronic, push-button gear-selectors; active noise control; and exclusive MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology

"Lincoln vehicles will reward drivers with smooth, effortless power complemented by agile handling and responsive steering," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president, Global Product Development. "The cabin is a sanctuary with segment-leading quietness, genuine materials and intuitive, useful technology."

Lincoln has started gaining traction with customers, as evidenced by market share gains during the past five years. Lincoln's share of the retail U.S. luxury vehicle market has grown from 4.5 percent in 2005 to 6.3 percent through the first quarter of 2010.

In addition, Lincoln's reputation with consumers has risen, with favorable opinion and purchase consideration reaching its highest level in the past five years. Lincoln's long-term durability was second only to Porsche's in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Survey.

Mercury

Mercury originally was created as a premium offering to Ford and was an important source of incremental sales. However, the continued strength of the Ford brand – particularly during the past three years – has accelerated the migration from Mercury to Ford for many customers.

Today, Mercury's customer profile, pricing and margins are almost identical to Ford, but Mercury's incremental sales have been declining.

The majority of current Mercury sales are to fleet buyers and customers purchasing through employee, retiree and friends and family discounts, which Ford anticipates largely can be satisfied by Ford brand vehicles.

Of Ford Motor Company's 16 percent market share in the U.S., Mercury accounts for 0.8 percentage points, a level that has been flat or declining for the past several years. That contrasts with the Ford brand, which has increased market share by 2.2 percentage points so far this year on the strength of new products and improved quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value.

Ford's strengthening financial position – including the return to profitability and positive cash flow – allows the company to absorb short-term costs associated with the discontinuation of Mercury and to consolidate future product investments into Lincoln.

Today, there are no stand-alone Mercury dealerships in North America. Ford is working closely with dealers to maintain properly located stand-alone Lincoln or Ford-Lincoln dealers, which will offer dealers and the company the greatest opportunity for long-term profitable growth.

New operational standards developed with the company's dealers will facilitate a Lincoln customer experience that exceeds the expectations of North American luxury customers.

Personal Attention

Ford will work closely with Mercury dealers and customers during the transition, including providing existing Mercury owners with continued access to parts and service support at Ford and Lincoln dealers and by honoring current warranties, including Ford's Extended Service Plans.

"We are 100 percent committed to supporting Mercury owners through Ford and Lincoln dealerships and working hard to keep them as valued customers in the future," Fields said.

"At the same time, we will work closely with our dealers to phase out Mercury franchises and continue to build a healthy, growing Lincoln with strong new products and a profitable dealer network that delivers a world-class customer experience."

Mercury owners will receive additional details in the coming days explaining the transition and assuring them that Ford and its dealers will continue to provide all necessary parts and service support for Mercury products.

Ford has notified Mercury dealers of the decision and provided details of a financial package that includes payment in exchange for resigning the franchise.

Ford today also informed dealers of special offers on new Mercury vehicles that will be available through the summer to support the sell down of current Mercury inventory and remaining Mercury vehicle production.

"We are taking decisive action and moving into the future with the right plan to deliver profitable growth for all stakeholders," Fields said. "These moves position us to continue building momentum through strong brands, great products and an unwavering focus on the customer."