2013 how-to

HOW-TOGUIDE Discover the secret

behind services, products and getting things done

2013

2 Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

As the pioneers settled the United States, they found it necessary to move packages from one location to the next. That’s why in 1775, the Second Continen-tal Congress created the United States Postal Service.

Today, the United States Postal Service employs more than 574,000 workers who drive 218,000 vehicles deliv-ering packages to homes and businesses.

The second largest deliv-ery service is UPS, which delivers more than 15 mil-lion packages per day. The company serves more than 220 countries each day. The company was started in 1907 by James E. Casey as the American Messenger Company.

The third largest delivery service is FedEx with its 42,000 delivery vans and trucks. In the United States, they drive more than 2 mil-lion miles each day. Freder-ick Smith conceived the idea for the company as a stu-dent at Yale University.

Whether you want to deal with one of these three big providers or a smaller com-pany, there are key steps you should consider.

Delivery optionsThe first question that

a person hiring a delivery company should ask is about delivery options. Most com-panies offer a wide range of delivery options, including same day delivery and over-night delivery.

When hiring a company it is important to know when the company will deliver your package and the conse-quences if they fail to do so.

ReputationThe second question a

person will want to consider is the reputation of the com-

pany. It is important that you give your package to a company you can trust. Any delivery service should be willing to furnish you a list of satisfied customers in your area.

You also should ask about what type of insurance is included with the shipment or if it can be purchased separately. Many shipments have great value. Know how to insure the package and how to collect on the insur-ance if necessary.

Finally, you should ask whether the company is bonded. Bonding assures the customer in the unlikely event that an employee tries to steal your package.

ReliabilityLook for a delivery ser-

vice with a long track record and lots of happy clients. It helps to have some inside information from friends or co-workers about what services they use, so ask around.

Read reviews of the ser-vice on the Internet. Call the Better Business Bureau to ask about any complaints against the company.

ConvenienceSince business happens

all the time — even after hours and on weekends — you need to consider whether a delivery company is able to work around your schedule.

Delivery services ought to make your job easy. The best companies will go out of their way to make sure you have a good, trou-ble-free experience.

It’s a good idea to look for a delivery company that offers after-hours service for those times when you might need it. This typically will cost more, but convenience and speed will make it nec-essary for your most critical deliveries.

PricingPrices matter, of course,

but for a delivery service, it ought to be fairly low on your priority list. As long as their prices aren’t extremely out of line, it’s worth it to pay a few extra pennies or dollars for a company that meets your needs.

Delivery services typically are too mission-critical to pinch pennies. If you end up going with a cheaper service that leaves a bad impression with your customers or can’t deliver a critical package on time, you’re ultimately going to lose money. It’s not worth the risk.

All delivery services are not created equal. The low-est price is often not your best deal.

Make sure you study your options before shipping that next package.

How tochoose a delivery service

INDEXInside this guide find tips on how to ...

... choose a delivery service

... choose an auto repair shop Page 5

... choose an eye doctor Page 6

... choose a tax pro-fessional Page 8

... save on heating costs Page 11

... choose a used car dealer Page 12

... choose a tire shopPage 14

... choose a decking company Page 16

... select the right caterer Page 19

... choose kitchen and bath design Page 20

... start a small busi-ness Page 22

... choose the best cuts of meat Page 23

... understand the opera Page 25

... successfully imple-ment a smoke-free workplace Page 26

... choose a veterinar-ian Page 29

... know when it’s time for a new car Page 31

3Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

4 Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013 12406589-1-30-13H

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www.universitychevron.com

University Chevron is your AAA Approved “one-stop” auto repair, auto maintenance and refueling facility in Fairbanks, Alaska.

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Good Old-Fashioned Customer Service UNIVERSITY CHEVRON is a modern auto repair shop with good old-fashioned customer service. We use the latest computer hardware and software to diagnose your vehicle.

Training is a priority with us so that we can stay abreast of the industry’s fast-occurring technical changes. Our highly trained service advisors are committed to listening to you and are ready to answer all your questions and plan your auto repair service.

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No one likes to think about needing an auto repair shop, but selecting a good one is like having health insurance: You hope you never need it, but you have it “just in case.”

When it comes to cars, all vehicles eventually will require repairs or service. You could even say three things in life are certain: death, taxes and car repairs.

Having an existing rela-tionship with an auto repair shop will save time and hassle when your car needs an immediate repair.

If you’re not sure how to build a good working relation-ship with a shop, try taking your car in for regular tune-ups and maintenance; a well-cared-for car will run longer and more smoothly, as well as incur lower operating and service costs.

Some things to keep in mind when searching for an auto repair shop:

• Less than 40 percent of new auto shop customers are walk-ins. Most people are referred by friends, relatives, or co-workers. If you haven’t received any recommenda-tions, make sure you ask your prospective auto shop for references.

• The Better Business Bureau can help you deter-mine whether the repair shop’s performance and reli-ability measure up to the industry standards for exper-tise and professionalism.

• If you travel often, look for an auto repair shop that offers a national warranty. For instance, a warranty of 12,000 miles or 12 months is handy for repetitive issues.

• Check the shop’s range of services and whether the shop has the latest tech-nologies to properly diagnose problems with newer cars. For example, can your prospective shop handle brake systems, electrical components, and warranty repairs? Do they provide a loaner, rental car, or

shuttle service while your car is being repaired?

• Look for a good customer satisfaction policy, good condi-tion equipment and lighting, and cleanliness and organiza-tion. These factors all contrib-ute to the level of profession-alism, to gaining customers’ trust and to optimal service.

• Look for brand names and proper certification. Does the auto repair shop use brand-name parts? These parts are engineered to meet the manufacturer’s specifica-tions and likely will come with a warranty.

Are the auto technicians certified by a specific car manufacturer, the National Institute for Automotive Services, or Automotive Sci-ence Excellence? Is the shop

approved by the American Automobile Association? If so, this indicates a customer approval rating of 90 percent or better and the ability to

adequately perform the ser-vices they advertise.

• Whether you are consid-ering a big name franchise or an independently owned shop,

compare the usual services and fees of each shop to famil-iarize yourself with average price ranges.

Don’t select a shop based purely on lower prices; shoddy service or poor quality parts can mean more repairs and higher costs in the long run.

After you’ve chosen a facil-ity, try to establish a good working relationship with the mechanic. Since your car needs preventive maintenance anyway, take it to your new mechanic for a trial run such as an oil change or air condi-tioning check.

Some services might be offered free of charge; these can provide you with a good idea of the service you will receive.

How tochoose an auto repair shop


Are street signs or the newspaper looking a little fuzzy these days? It’s probably time to see an eye doctor.

If you’ve never been before, choosing an eye doctor can be a bit daunting. There are several kinds of eye care experts with a lot of differ-ent specialties.

To help guide you, here are some things to consider when selecting an eye doctor.

Finding an eye doctorIf you’ve never seen an eye doctor

before, how do you find one? Start with:

• Ask for recommendations from your family doctor (or pediatrician). Your doctor will have the names of eye doctors in the area. He or she may have a sense of who would be a good fit for you or your young children.

• Talk to your family, friends and co-workers. Think of everyone you know who wears glasses and/or contact lenses; they all have eye doc-tors.

• Seek information from dif-ferent medical organizations. The websites of the American Opto-metric Association and the Ameri-can Academy of Ophthalmology both offer ways to find local eye doctors.

Questions to ask an eye doctor

• What type of eye doctor are you? There are two types of eye doctors, optometrists and ophthal-mologists. There is a lot of overlap in the services they offer. What is the difference?

Optometrists, also known as ODs, are doctors of optometry. They have medical training and are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of eye related diseases. They offer comprehensive medical care for the eye, but do not perform surgery.

Ophthalmologists, also known as MDs, are doctors of ophthalmology. They also have medical training but specialize primarily in the surgical

aspect of eye care.• Is one better than the oth-

er? No. It just depends on your eye care needs.

• How long have you been in practice? Experience does matter

to some extent. An eye doctor may be better at diagnosing your prob-lem simply because he or she has seen more patients.

Make sure your eye doctor has experience treating the condition for which you are being seen.

• Do you take my insurance? This is really important, though you should ask before making your appointment.

• What are your credentials? With the advent of social media and online access to professional licensure, it is important to note the doctor’s reputation within the com-munity and what other people think about the provider in question.

Assessing an eye doctorAfter your appointment, ask your-

self some questions.

• Did you have to wait a long time to be seen? If you did, you might want to ask the office staff about the average waiting time before appointments.

• Did the exam feel thorough? If you feel like the doctor was rushing you, that’s not a good sign.

• Did the doctor take the time to listen to your questions and answer them clearly? This is really important. If you don’t like your eye doctor, you’ll be less likely to get yearly check up’s and that’s not good for your health.

If the doctor didn’t meet your expectations, don’t be afraid to try someone else. Your eye health is an important key for a long and healthy life. It is worth the effort to take the time to find and eye doctor you trust.

How tochoose an eye doctor

With the advent of

social media and online

access to professional

licensure, it is important

to note the doctor’s rep-

utation within the com-

munity and what other

people think about the

provider in question.


Now an Accredited Dry Eye Center

West Valley Vision Center, Inc. has installed a TearLab ® Osmolarity System and its staff has been fully trained on the use of this breakthrough technology. The center is one of the first in the Fairbanks area to be able to provide TearLab testing for Dry Eye Disease (“DED”).

DED is a common condition in which the eye does not produce enough tears to keep the surface of the eye sufficiently lubricated. It affects approximately 40 million people in the U.S. and 100 million people worldwide. In the U.S., less

than 5% of the DED patient population has been diagnosed and is being treated, according to Healthcare Maintenance Organizations data. In its mild to moderate forms, it can impact vision

and the ability to go about daily activities. In its more severe forms, DED can lead to permanent loss of vision.

The TearLab Osmolarity System uses a novel lab-on-a-chip approach to measure tear osmolarity and can produce a sample-to-answer result in less than 30 seconds. TearLab eliminates the challenges that previously prevented accurate point- of-care testing for osmolarity.

W EST V ALLEY V ISION C ENTER , I NC .

West Valley Vision Center, Inc. 570 Riverstone Way, Suite 3

479-4700 www.akwestvalleyvision.com

12406549-1-30-13HT

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Do your eyes water outside in the cold air? Does your vision fluctuate while you’re on your computer? Do your eyes feel gritty, itchy, and dry? You could have dry eyes. Tear production naturally decreases with age. The volume of tears can be as much as 60% less at 65 than at 18. Medications like decongestants, antihistamines, diuretics, heart disease and ulcer medications, anti- depressants, and drugs containing beta blockers can also cause dry eyes. Environmental factors like sun, wind, dry or cold air can also have an effect. West Valley Vision Center can help, in the Ridgeview Business Park off Chena Pump.


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How tosave heating costs for your home


How tochoose a used car dealer

When you have worked hard and saved up everything that you have, finding the best used car dealer is important.

You do not want to end up with a lemon that you cannot return. You also do not want to pay more than you should. Of course, the dealer will need to make a profit — which is perfectly reasonable — but you still should have an idea of the price you should pay for the vehicle you want the most.

When it comes to spending money, there is always an intelligent process you must go through to avoid making mistakes that you can take back. Here are some tips on how to choose a used car dealer.

Choose your vehicleOne of the worst mistakes that

you can make is attempting to shop for a car with-out knowing what you want.

The first step in the process is deciding what kind of car you want. If you do not know the exact make and model of the vehicle you desire, you should at least narrow it down to the automobile type.

Decide whether you would like a sports car, an SUV, a pickup truck or a van. That way you will not waste your time looking around at shops that do not have what you need.

Search the NADA or ‘book value’

The next thing you want to do before you choose a dealership is get an idea of the amount you want to spend with the dealership.

You can search the NADA at nada.com for the make and model of the car you desire. That way you have a general idea of the price range you want to stay in.

It will keep you in perspective so you know roughly what to pay for a particular car.

In addition, search newspapers and online sites to see the asking

prices for cars that you’re interested in buying.

Talk to friends and family

The first thing you can do to find a reputable dealer is speak to your closest friends and family members.

If they buy used cars like most people do, they will be perfect sources of information on how their dealer treats its customers.

If you come across more than one positive family review of a specific dealership, take that as a sign to check that dealer out. Your family will never steer you into giving your money to a bad dealer.

Search locally and online

Next, you want to gather a list of local dealerships. You can find this information in your telephone book and online. Write down the address-es of the top used car dealerships.

Call them up and make an appointment to come look at their inventory. You can even ask them what kind of financing they have and if they offer extended warran-ties on their vehicles.

Try to make appointments with all the establishments on the list. You are going to research many dealerships before you choose. Pick-ing a place to buy a car from should not be decided on quickly and in haste.

Visit the dealershipsStop by each dealership that you

have on your list. Look around for cars that you want.

Have in-depth conversations with the sales clerk to find out if he is someone you are comfortable doing business with.

Ask about the financing options, the warranty programs, the main-tenance, past owner reports and anything else you can think of that makes you feel more secure.

Do not make a purchase on the first visit. You have more shops to look at. Grab a business card and move on to the next location.

After you have stopped by all loca-tions on your list, you can research customer reviews of those you thought were the best establishment.

This is how you will narrow it down to the No. 1 dealership. The dealer with the car you want for the lowest price with the best customer review will win your business.

One of the

worst mis-

takes that you

can make is

attempting to

shop for a car

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2525 S. Cushman

452-5707

2009 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED THIS BURNT ORANGE JEEP HAS LOW MILEAGE & DRIVES GREAT. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, HARD TOP, CD PLAYER, FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, ALLOY WHEELS & BUCKET SEATS. 24,828 MILES. STK #11811 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,995

2011 KIA SOUL THIS FRONT WHEEL DRIVE COMES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, 4 CYCLE ENGINE, AIR CONDITIONING, CD PLAYER, ANTI LOCK BRAKES, SIDE AIRBAGS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS, HAS 17,000 MILES SO LOTS OF FACTORY WARRANTY STK #F11389B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,995

2011 NISSAN FRONTIER CREW CAB PRO 4X, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, 4X4, HEATED LEATHER SEATS, SUNROOF, ALLOY WHEELS, TOW PACKAGE, ALL THE POWER OPTIONS, BLUE EXTERIOR WITH BLACK LEATHER STK #F12037A $23,995

2010 FORD TAURUS SEL ALL WHEEL DRIVE, THIS FULL SIZE SEDAN COMES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, V6 ENGINE, POWER LOCKS AND WINDOWS, CD PLAYER, COMES WITH STABILITY SYSTEM, SIDE IMPACT AND SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS, HAS 35,552 MILES STK #F12134 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,995

2011 DODGE CARAVAN PLENTY OF ROOM FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY AND THEIR GEAR. A RELIABLE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VAN WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, AIR CONDITIONING, POWER WINDOWS AND LOCKS, AND PLENTY OF FACTORY WARRANTY REMAINING, 20,175 MILE STK #F12223 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,995

2010 MINI COOPER S 50TH ANNIVERSARY MANUAL TRANSMISSION, LEATHE INTERIOR, SUNROOF, HEATED SEATS AND MUCH MORE. LESS THAN 19,000 MILES ON THIS BEAUTY STK #F12004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,995

2011 FORD FIESTA SE THIS 4 DOOR SUB-COMPACT SEDAN COMES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, 4 CYCLE ENGINE, POWER WINDOWS, AND LOCKS, AIR CONDITIONING, CRUISE CONTROL, SEVEN AIRBAGS, STABILITY CONTROL, ONLY HAS 22,000 MILES SO STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY. STK #F11638 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,995

2011 CHEVY CRUZE IT TOOK AWHILE BUT WE FINALLY HAVE SOME OF THESE GREAT GAS MIEAGE SEDANS IN. 1.8 LITER WITH POWER WINDOWS AND LOCKS, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND WE HAVE A FEW TO CHOOSE FORM, 19,630 MILES STK #F12260 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,995

2010 CHEVY AVEO LT 4 DOOR SEDAN 4 CYLINDER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, AIR CONDITIONING, POWER WINDOWS AND LOCKS, CRUISE CONTROL AND TILT WHEEL, AM/FM/CD PLAYER, ONLY 31,500 MILES STK #F11478........................................................ $10,995 $10,995

2011 TOYOTA CAMRY THE MOST RELIABLE MID SIZE SEDAN ON OUR LOT. THIS RED FRONT WHEEL DRIVE CAMRY HAS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, POWER WINDOWS AND LOCKS AND IS BELOW NADA BOOK, 26,980 MILES STK #F11957 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,495

2010 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS 4 CYLINDER AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, THIS SEDAN HAS POWER WINDOWS AND LOCKS, TILT WHEEL AND CRUISE CONTROL CD P& A LOW MONTHLY PAYMENT STK #F10070 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,995

2011 CHEVY MALIBU LTZ V6, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, LEATHER INTERIOR, ALLOY WHEELS, CRUISE CONTROL AND TITL WHEEL, POWER WINDOWS, AND LOCKS, 4M/FM/CD PLAYER, SUPER SWEET AND ONLY 20,500 MILES ON THIS BEAUTY. STK #F11799 ................................................... $18,995

2011 FORD ESCAPE XLT THIS ALL WHEEL DRIVE SUV COMES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION V6 ENGINE, POWER LOCKS AND WINDOWS, CD PLAYER, ANTI LOCK BRAKES, STABILITY SYSTEM, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS, HAS 27,512 MILES SO STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY STK #F12272.................................................... $19,995

2010 TOYOTA COROLLA LE 4 DOOR, 4 CYLINDER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, POWER WINDOWS AND LOCKS, CRUISE CONTROL AND TILT WHEEL, AIR CONDITIONING, TOYOTA RELIABILITY BUILT IN, EXCELLENT ECONOMICAL TRANSPORTATION STK #F11718 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,995

2011 DODGE W-1500 QUAD CAB SLT THIS 4 WHEEL DRIVE FULL SIZE PICK UP COMES EQUIPPED WITH POWER LOCKS AND WINDOWS, CD PLAYER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, V8 ENGINE, TOW HITCH, HAS 25,826 MILES ON IT SO STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY STK #F11087 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23,995

2011 CHEVY K-1500 EXT CAB 4X4, 5.3 V8, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, POWER WINDOWS, LOCKS AND MIRRORS, TILT STEERING AND CURISE CONTROL, CD PLAYER, ONLY 13,000 MILES WITH LOTS OF REMAINING FACTORY WARRANTY. STK #F10033A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $26,995


Tires are an important element of an automobile’s operation. They are respon-sible for making sure a car stays in contact with the road and provides the safest possible riding experience.

Tires also can affect an automobile’s steering effi-ciency and balance. For that reason, you must make sure you take the proper steps when you choose a tire shop.

You want to make sure you pick an organization that will deliver you high quality tires that will pro-tect you and your family members.

The following are steps in the process of how to choose a tire shop:

Choose your budgetMoney is one part of the

decision making process. You definitely want to take a dive into your finances and figure out how much you have to spend on tires. Look for shops with financing or lay-a-way if you need a payment plan. Also look for shops that carry a variety of original equipment tires as well as aftermarket brands. Most likely they will have something for your budget.

Choose type of tiresThere are so many differ-

ent tires available for you to choose from. Knowing what you want requires an analy-sis of your area and your driving patterns.

If you live in an area that is mostly dry and warm, a standard tire will be fine. However, when you live in a climate where there is a lot of snow, ice and extreme weather, you will want to choose snow tires, or tires that can be driven on snow and dry land. Talk to the sales staff at the tire shop about your driving patterns. They can help you choose

the tires that will service your needs best. Most likely, an independent tire shop will be your best bet because they focus on understanding their products.

Choose an outletNext, you must choose

where you want to purchase your tires. You have several options. You could walk into a national chain store and purchase them. You also could stop by local auto shops and see what they have available for you.

There are pros and cons to each way of purchasing tires. Purchasing tires from a national chain store might be more expensive than any other method mentioned. Getting tires from a local shop might be slightly less expensive than a national chain store and the war-ranty is usually much easier and faster. You have to weigh advantages and disadvantages and come up with a solution that is best for you.

New or usedYou also must decide

whether you are willing to purchase used tires or if you want to only buy brand new tires. The disadvantages of buying used tires are huge, but they would be of great benefit to a person who is working with a small budget.

If you choose to go the used route, please inspect the tires thoroughly for signs of extreme wear and tear. Any bubbles, holes or cuts are a cue not to pur-chase the tires. If there is any metal showing, you defi-nitely will not want to pur-chase the product. The local tire dealer usually inspects their used tires before sell-ing the product. Typically there is no warranty with

used tires.

Check out shopsThe last thing you will

want to do in this process is check out local shops. No matter where you decide to purchase from, you must vis-it the establishment and take a good look at their line of products and their personnel.

You most likely will be purchasing your tires from this same person for years, especially if you are shop-ping with a local tire dealer. Staff tends to stay employed longer with local businesses than at national chain stores. It is important that you and he can develop a strong busi-ness bond. Ask the tire stores a few questions before you purchase. Ask if they have trained and certified sales staff; ask if their tire

people have been nationally certified. This can make a huge difference in the quality of work you receive. Find out how many years they have been in business and what types of warranties they carry. Local shops usually are helpful. National chains offer warranty, but it could take a while.

Finally, check out the waiting areas; is this a place you would like to wait while your services are performed? Last but not least, buying good tires for your vehicle can greatly help driving per-formance, but you are behind the wheel.

How tochoose a tire shop

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Adding a deck onto your house is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while staying close to home. Done right, a deck will add value to your home and make it more enjoyable for many years to come.

If you’re thinking about building a deck, a good place to start is by getting a quote from a quality local installer with a good reputation. Here are some things to look for:

Local knowledgeThe requirements for building a

deck will vary dramatically depend-ing on where you live.

Particularly in northern climates, where seasonal temperature changes and heavy winter icing will deter-mine how deep the deck’s footings need to be, it’s important to find a contractor who not only knows your local area but also will work with your city or borough’s build-ing department to make sure all the local regulations are met.

The type of footings, height of rails, distance between railings and types of materials are all things that can — and usually are — speci-fied by local rules. Make sure your contractor knows all these rules and, just as importantly, gets all the required permits.

Solid reputationYou also should look for a contrac-

tor that has been in business for a long time in your area.

Because they’re exposed to Mother Nature all year long, one of the unique things about decks is that they can deteriorate quickly if they’re not built well and main-tained properly.

Try to get references so you can see the contractor’s work around your area. Ideally, you’ll be able to see work done by the contractor sev-eral years ago so you can gauge how well their work holds up throughout time.

A good contractor will carry their own insurance policy because your homeowner’s policy usually won’t cover accidents that workers have on your property.

They’ll also have plenty of satis-

fied customers in your area, so ask around. One of the best ways to find a good decking company is through word of mouth.

The projectFinally, you need to make sure the

decking company has the skills and background to match your job.

Decks are a lot like cars. You can get a run-of-the-mill Chevy deck, or you can opt for the fancy Cadillac deck. Not all decking companies will be qualified to do both jobs.

You’ll want to talk in detail about exactly how your deck will be designed and built. Ask about options for the materials, stains and finishes, and try to visualize how the finished deck will fit with your home’s architecture.

Pay close attention to the main-tenance requirements they recom-mend, too. There are some new, syn-thetic materials that hold up much

better than natural wood throughout time. While they’re typically more expensive, their lower maintenance needs and longer lifespan could make them a good value.

In the end, you should choose a

decking company that makes you feel comfortable. With the right combination of knowledge, skill and background, you can find a company that will be a pleasure to do business with.

How tochoose a decking company


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As you begin to plan any special event or festive occa-sion, it is critical that you find the best caterer avail-able in your area so you are sure to host a party that is successful and enjoyed by each and every one of your guests.

It is not enough for a caterer simply to create impressive, tasty dishes. He or she also needs to exhibit a sense of professionalism and commitment when it comes to his or her work.

Anyone planning to host a party ought to take a spe-cific set of steps to make sure they have selected a high quality caterer.

• An initial guideline is to avoid trying to hire a caterer at the 11th hour. It is recommended that you speak with multiple catering companies before making a selection so you find the one best suited to your needs. To do this, you will need to set aside a good amount of time.

• The interview process is critical if you are to suc-ceed in choosing the right catering company for your party. Several criteria should be used to assess each of the catering firms you decide to interview.

As an example, each caterer should have a posi-tive record with the local health department, demon-strating their commitment to clean kitchen and food handling practices. This serves as a great indicator of a caterer’s overall quality.

Certainly, a catering firm should never be engaged unless you have sampled their food. It is common for caterers to bring selections from their menu to an ini-tial interview. Should this not be the case, it is wise to request samples before pay-ing any deposits or advanc-ing funds.

• Once you have selected a caterer you believe is a

good fit, it is important to communicate about schedul-ing. It can be risky to hire caterers who have packed schedules. Rather, it is wise to use companies able to spend a great deal of time and effort on your party. If it seems the caterer might have difficulty dedicating enough time to your event, you probably should hire someone else.

• Experienced caterers can be of tremendous assis-tance as you plan a large event or festive celebration. Those who typically do not use caterers can benefit greatly from the help of a knowledgeable, cooperative professional. Such caterers are great resources regard-ing what types of food would work well at a given event and the quantities that would be needed.

There are companies that specialize in catering elaborately themed parties, and such firms can help you

select the specific types of foods that would perfectly

complement your celebra-tion. There also are caterers

with expertise in helping you craft a menu that is cus-tomized to your guest list.

• Finding a caterer who is willing to help you with the entire planning process of your meal from hors d’ouevres to dessert is some-thing you likely will find extremely worthwhile.

• Finally, it is always wise to check a company’s repu-tation before making any substantial financial com-mitments to them.

Ask the caterer’s repre-sentatives for client refer-ences that you can call to discuss the company’s work. In addition, online resources exist through which you can often find valuable caterer reviews from previous cus-tomers.

• You also should be ready with information such as the number of visitors you are expecting and the general type of fare you wish to provide before formally hiring any company.

Once they have been hired, the caterer will expertly guide you through the party-planning process. So long as you have chosen your caterer with care, your event is certain to be a rous-ing success.

How toselect the right caterer

It can be risky to

hire caterers who

have packed sched-

ules. Rather, it is

wise to use compa-

nies able to spend

a great deal of time

and effort on your

party.


When it is time to remodel your kitchen or bath, you will want to con-sider three key factors. The design should be functional, should look great and should be within your bud-get.

You may be able to do some of the work yourself, but for some work, it will be important to hire a certified kitchen and bath design professional (CKD, CBD).

FunctionThe first task you will need to

decide when remodeling a kitchen or bath is the function of the room. Some people love to eat in their kitchens, while others have a sepa-rate dining area. Some people love to get dressed in their bathroom, while others choose to do this in their bed-rooms.

Make a list of all the things that you do in the kitchen or bath. Num-ber this list from most important to least important. Sometimes choices might be tough to make, but taking your time and making wise decisions now will pay rich dividends in the end.

Now make a list of the items you need in your bathroom or kitchen. Do you need the washing machine and dryer near your kitchen? How about a closet in your bathroom? Knowing the answer to these questions will bring about your remodeling success.

Finally, make a floor plan. Consider where everything should go to let you take the fewest steps. After a hard day at work, you will be glad that you have designed your kitchen or bath so that you take the fewest steps.

Also consider if you enjoy enter-taining in your kitchen. If you do, then make sure to include this in your floor plan. Consider adding a bar or a table for entertaining.

Almost all homeowners wish that they had more storage space, so make sure and incorporate as much storage space as possible.

DécorLook through home design maga-

zines to see what designs you like the best. Cut out those designs that particularly appeal to you. Make notes

on what you like the best about each design. When it is time to remodel your kitchen or bath then you should have a great idea of what you love.

If you are selling your home soon, it is important to consider what the future homeowners will enjoy. In the kitchen, consider using stainless steel appliances. They look great in any décor and are very easy to clean.

Also consider using neutral flooring. Neutral floor coverings are a sustain-able, low-maintenance material that generally makes a good choice for a kitchen or bathroom.

When painting, choose a neutral col-or. This will open up opportunities for a variety of decorating options making it easier for you to change your decor as time goes by. If the time comes to sell

your home, it also will allow potential buyers to visualize themselves creating a room of their own in that space.

You will want both your kitchen and bathroom design to coincide with the design of the other rooms in your home. If your house is designed in a contemporary, modern, traditional or Asian style design, you will want the kitchen and bath to blend with that decor.

Many experts suggest that you spend the majority of your money when remodeling a kitchen or bath on the countertops. A new countertop helps to set the décor for a room.

A great way to incorporate colors into a room is with small accent pieces. By incorporating them with small pieces it is easier to change décor, if you change your mind.

BudgetRemodeling can be expensive.

Experts recommend you spend up to 20 percent of your home’s value on remodeling the kitchen, and less than that on remodeling the bath.

Homeowners can save a lot of money by having their current cabi-nets redone, adding a fresh coat of paint, and installing energy efficient appliances. Make sure and leave room in your budget to hire professionals to do the electrical and plumbing work, along with any other tasks you’re not comfortable doing yourself — includ-ing creating a design from scratch.

How tochoose kitchen and bath design

If you are selling your

home soon, it is impor-

tant to consider what the

future homeowners will

enjoy. In the kitchen, con-

sider using stainless steel

appliances. They look

great in any décor and are

very easy to clean.


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After


Small business is the backbone of the American economy. Small busi-nesses also are the largest creator of new jobs. It has been estimated by the Small Business Administration that 60 percent to 80 percent of all new jobs in the United States are created by small businesses.

The dream of starting a successful small business is one that is shared by millions of individuals and is one of the major reasons so many foreigners emigrate to the U.S. So, what does it take to run a small business and how does one go about starting one?

The first thing to consider is wheth-er you are the type of individual who is ready, willing and able to run a small business. Not everyone is able to start and run their own business.

A small business owner wears many hats. He or she may need to do every-thing from answering the phones to making service calls. Incredible energy is required, and a business owner like-ly will have to work 12-hour days with little time off to make up for limited resources.

If you wish to be a successful entre-preneur, having a great idea and lots of passion is not enough. You will need a skill set and expertise that you may or may not have acquired as an employee.

It is possible to learn these skills, and there is help available through you local Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Administration and other not-for-profit agencies. The key is to seek out the knowledge you lack before it becomes an issue.

For those with the desire to succeed, there are a few things to consider:

1. Identify your business oppor-tunity. Think about your existing knowledge, skills and expertise and what you are realistically ready, willing and able to learn. Think about your passions, hobbies and interests.

If you get involved providing a ser-vice or product you are genuinely pas-sionate about, your long days and hard work will be more fun than it you are involved in something you dislike or know little about.

2. Determine if there is a need in the community for your prod-uct or service and research the competition. Knowing the market and your competition is a necessity if

you wish to succeed.

3. Understand that you will need to create a mission state-ment and a detailed business plan. A typical business plan should, among other things, include your vision, a description of the organiza-tional structure, how the business will be financed and how capital will be utilized. It also should include projec-tions of growth and profit goals.

Businesses with a good, solid busi-ness plan are much more likely to succeed as their founders have focused on all the elements of building a solid foundation.

4. Determine where you will find the capital to start your small business. Lack of adequate funding is a common reason for busi-ness failure. If you have a good busi-ness plan, funding your small business will be easier.

You will know what you need and have more credibility in asking for capital regardless of whether you are requesting a loan from a bank or a relative.

5. Explore the requirements for doing business in your area. Do you need a license or permit? Do you need to incorporate? At this point it may be wise to consult the volunteers at the Small Business Administra-tion. They can provide valuable advice about the benefits of particular busi-ness structures: a sole proprietorship, a limited liability corporation (LLC), an S corporation, a C corporation or partnership.

The type of business you choose also will affect how you pay your taxes, so it’s important to consult professionals about setting up your accounting.

6. Part of the fun of owning your own business is naming it. Put some serious thought into this. Remember you may be small and in a particular niche market now, but will the name fit if you expand into new products, services or markets? Is the name already being used?

It is important to choose a name that is unique so you are not forced to abandon the name because of trade-mark or copyright infringement.

How tostart a small business


choose the best cuts of meatFor an inexperienced cook,

choosing the right cuts of meat for a meal can be quite intimi-dating.

There are dozens of cuts of meat, and to further confuse the issue, there are different grades of those cuts.

In addition to the cut, one needs to choose from USDA prime, choice and select grades. The options can seem so confusing that a novice cook will sometimes give up in frus-tration.

Cooking a great meal with the perfect meat as centerpiece does not have to be daunting. All one needs to do is takes it a step at a time and learn a few basics.

To begin with, it is a good idea to talk to someone who is really knowledgeable. Whether you’re looking for beef, pork, poultry, lamb or more exotic meats, it helps to find a store with a friendly, knowledgeable specialist.

Many supermarket meat departments or butcher shops have staff from whom you get advice about different cuts or meat, how each cut should be prepared and which one would be best for the meal you wish to prepare.

At the better butcher shops, you can have meats custom cut for your needs. These cus-tom cuts often will deliver bet-ter results than off-the-shelf cuts.

Creating a tender, deli-cious piece of meat with just the right texture is more than having a good recipe.

Here are a few tips which,

together with the help of a good butcher’s advice, can help you create that perfect main dish.

1. Choose the right cut of meat for your recipe.

Traditional barbecue, for example, has its roots in tak-ing cheap, tough cuts of meat and cooking them slowly enough so that they become fall-off-the-bone tender. A bar-

becue brisket is one of the tough-

est, chewiest cuts of meat if cooked quickly over high heat. However, it’s one of the most delicious, melt-in-your-mouth meats if you smoke it slowly over low heat for hours.Other cuts, such as the Por-

terhouse or T-bone, are best cooked over high, direct heat for short periods of time. They become tough and lose their flavor and juiciness if grilled too slowly.

2. Each cut of meat has two variations you need to

consid-er: the

density or toughness of

the meat itself, and how much fat

is contained within it.

Density isn’t easy to see, so most cooks rely on cut to indicate density or toughness. Meat cut from different parts of an animal tend to be more or less tender or tough.

With regard to fat con-tent, many people look for “marbling” in the meat — small streaks of fat running throughout the cut — as indi-cating the best flavor.

However, the thickness and consistency of the marbling

also are important. Big veins of fat don’t cook down very quickly, so that piece of meat would need to be slow-cooked to release the flavor.

Small, thin ribbons of fat running consistently

through the meat are better for a traditional steak cooked

over high heat.

3. Examine the color of the meat and ask whether carbon monoxide is used to keep it looking red.

Meat naturally browns fair-ly quickly when exposed to air. So if you find bright-red meat without any additives used to preserve color, you know it’s an ultra-fresh cut.

If you are an inexperienced cook, you might wish to start with a cheaper cut of meat, such as a sirloin steak for grill-ing. Once you’ve become an expert at grilling it to perfec-tion, try the more expensive cuts such as New York strips, T-bones, filet mignon and Por-terhouse.

Ultimately, it is your exper-tise along with the meat you select that combine to make a great meal.

There’s nothing like savor-ing the taste of a tender, juicy steak or roast. With a little planning and knowing the right cuts, you can create a heavenly dining experience.

How to

If you are an inexperienced cook, you might wish to start with

a cheaper cut of meat, such as a sirloin steak for grilling. Once

you’ve become an expert at grilling it to perfection, try the more

expensive cuts such as New York strips, T-bones, filet mignon,

and Porterhouse.


understand the operaHow to

Opera, to some, might sound intimidating, especially for the novice who thinks it’s just one big song belted out in Italian. But as one famous soprano noted, everything you need to understand an opera is in the music.

Whether you are seeing your first or 50th opera, there are some basic things you can do to help your enjoyment of the perfor-mance:

• Read the plot synopsis in the program so you will have an understanding of the story that you will see onstage.

• Use your eyes as well as your ears. The music, chore-ography, lights, costumes and sets are all integral to the performance and heighten the opera experience. Most likely, there will be English translations called “super-titles” projected above or beside the stage; however, you don’t want to get so absorbed in the supertitles that you miss the action.

• If you can, listen to part or all of the opera before attending the performance. You might recognize portions of the music from popular movies, television or even commercials.

For the beginner, many opera experts recommend starting with Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro.” It’s light and comic with upbeat music the non-opera expert can enjoy. Other popular “first” operas are Puccini’s classic “La Boheme,” Verdi’s “La Traviata,” Bizet’s “Carmen” and Strauss’ “Die Fleder-maus.”

To help ease into the opera consciousness, here’s a quick primer on what one needs to know before taking in the big show:

ARIA: A solo piece written for a main character, which focuses on the character’s emotion.

BARITONE: The male singing voice that is higher than bass but lower than tenor.

BASS: The lowest male singing voice.

BRAVO: Literally, a form of applause when shouted by members of the audience at the end of an especially pleas-ing performance. Strictly speaking, “bravo” is for a single man, “brava” for a woman, and “bravi” for a group of performers.

CADENZA: A passage of singing, often at the end of an aria, which shows off the singer’s vocal ability.

CHORUS: A group of singers, singing together, who sometimes portray ser-vants, party guests or other unnamed characters; also the music written for them.

COMPOSER: A person who writes music.

CONDUCTOR: The leader of the orchestra, some-times called maestro.

CONTRALTO: The low-est female singing voice.

CRESCENDO: A gradual increase in volume. Orches-tral crescendos were one of Rossini’s trademarks.

CURTAIN CALL: At the end of a performance, all of the members of the cast and the conductor take bows. Sometimes this is done in front of the main curtain, hence the name curtain call. Often, however, the bows are taken on the full stage with the curtain open.

DIRECTOR: A person who instructs the singer-actors on their on-stage movements and in the inter-pretation of their roles.

DIVA: Literally “goddess,” it refers to an important female opera star. The mas-culine form is divo.

ENCORE: Literally means “again.” It used to be the custom for a singer to repeat a popular aria if the audience called “encore”

loudly enough. This still is done in the middle of an opera in countries such as Italy, but it is rare elsewhere. Soloists frequently give encores at the end of a con-cert but not an opera.

ENSEMBLE: Two or more people singing at the same time, or the music writ-ten for such a group.

FALSETTO: A method of singing above the natu-ral range of the male voice. Often used in opera for comic effects such as a man imitat-ing a woman.

FINALE: The last musi-cal number of an opera or the last number of an act.

GRAND OPERA: Strictly speaking, opera without spo-ken dialogue. It is usually used to refer to opera which uses a large orchestra and chorus and grand themes. Puccini and Verdi are com-monly referenced as compos-ers of grand opera.

INTERLUDE: A short piece of instrumental music played between scenes or

acts.LIBRETTO: The text or

words of an opera.MAESTRO: Literally

“master”; used as a courtesy title for the conductor. The masculine ending is used for both men and women.

MEZZO-SOPRANO: The middle female singing voice, lower than soprano, but high-er than contralto.

OVERTURE: An orches-tral introduction to an opera. (French: ouverture; German: ouverture; Italian: sinfonia).

PIT: A sunken area in front of the stage where the members of the orchestra play.

PRELUDE: Usually a short introduction that leads into an act without a break, as opposed to an overture which is longer and can be played as a separate piece. Wagner called his introduc-tions preludes even though some are quite long.

PRIMA DONNA: Liter-ally “first lady”; the leading woman singer in an opera.

Because of the way some have behaved in the past, it often refers to someone who acts in a superior and demanding fashion. The term for the leading man is primo uomo.

PRINCIPAL: A major singing role, or the singer who performs such a role.

RÉPERTOIRE: Stock pieces that a singer or com-pany has ready to present. Often refers to a company’s current season.

SCORE: The written music of an opera or other musical work.

SOPRANO: The highest female singing voice.

TENOR: The highest common adult male singing voice. (Countertenors are uncommon.)

TROUSER ROLE (also known as a pants role): A role depicting a young man or boy but sung by a woman, usually a mezzo-soprano.

VIBRATO: A natural wavering of frequency (pitch) while singing a note.


Participate a lot or a little. There is a lot you can do to reduce secondhand smoke exposure: • Encourage your favorite restaurant or business

to go smokefree. • Promote businesses that are already

smokefree. • Promote smokefree housing • Participate in activities and events to create

awareness. • Do something meaningful for the community,

help save lives, and connect with other people fighting for the same cause.

MEMBERSHIP/SUPPORT FORM Name:____________________________________________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Daytime Phone:_________________________________ Evening Phone:______________________________ Email:____________________________________________________________________________________ Please check all that apply:

I support the work of Interior Alaska Coalition of Tobacco Free Advocates and its efforts to reduce tobacco use and exposure in interior Alaska. I would like to become a member of Interior Alaska Coalition of Tobacco Free Advocates.

If asked, I would be willing to: Attend Coalition meetings Write or add my name to a letter-to-the-editor Represent coalition at local events (health fairs, chamber of commerce meetings, events, etc.)

Donate time Please mail to the TCC address above Vision: “To have a tobacco free interior Alaska by choice” Mission: “To reduce tobacco use and exposure in interior Alaska by effecting a change in individual views and behaviors towards tobacco through advocacy, education and cessation.

I ACT FREE Vision: “To have a tobacco free Interior Alaska”

Mission: “To reduce tobacco use and exposure in Interior Alaska by effecting a change in the individual views and behaviors towards tobacco through advocacy, education and cessation.”

EVERYONE DESERVES TO BREATHE SMOKEFREE AIR!

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For more information, contact: Tanana Chiefs Conference Prevention 122 First Avenue, Suite 400, Fairbanks, AK 99701 907-452-8251 x 3167 or 1-800-478-6682 x 3167 Email: [email protected]


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Many pet owners look upon their pets as members of their family. We feel the same way! Our mission at North Pole Veterinary Hospital is to act as advocates of the Human Animal Bond by dedicating ourselves to practicing quality medicine, providing comfort and compassion for our patients, providing education and support for our clients, and by treating them both as family.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Care Credit, Pet Insurance

Voted 2012 Fairbanks Daily News-Miner Reader’s Choice #1 Veterinarian Hospital Recognized with the Small Business Family Friendly Workplace Award in 2012


For many people, animals are considered members of the family. Finding a veteri-narian to care for your pets is an incredibly important first step to ensuring your pets’ long-term health.

In today’s economy, pet care is one of the first things that owners forgo. Providing a seemingly healthy pet with routine care (also referred to as wellness or annual care) is often looked upon as unnecessary. After all, how many humans actually go to the doctor once per year if you’re in good shape?

What many fail to think about is that pets age much more quickly than humans. Pets’ bodies and internal workings can change rapidly in a matter of months.

By taking your pet to the veterinarian annually, you can often have an illness diagnosed in its beginning stages, saving you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in the long run.

Routine veterinary care will prolong the life of your pet and ensure they enjoy that life to the fullest.

Finding a veterinarian that suits both you and your pet can seem intimidating. Follow these guidelines to easily find a team of animal health care professionals that will provide for your pet with the best care pos-sible.

Ask aroundSeek out references from

friends and family. Speak-ing with current and past clients often can give you great insight into a vet-erinarian and their hospital team. Note things that are important to you and be sure to ask specific ques-tions of these references to get good quality informa-tion.

What is the hospital’s mission statement? Does it align with your core values and how you feel about your pet?

When bringing your pet to see the veterinarian, your interactions will involve every part of the hospital. The front office team, the technician team and the doctor. It is OK to expect the “full meal deal” when you take your pet to their appointment.

You want to find a veteri-narian that is professional and compassionate and who is supported by a staff that

provides warmth and atten-tiveness to you and your pet at every stage of the visit.

The hospital team should strive to educate you in all areas.

There should be no sur-prises regarding the medical care your animal receives, nor the financial costs that it will involve. You don’t want to leave a vet’s office feeling emotionally over-whelmed and financially drained.

Scour the Internet for reviews from clients and check with the Better Busi-ness Bureau in your state to

see if any complaints have been lodged and how they were resolved.

If there are additional services that are impor-tant to you like obedience training, extended weekday hours or canine playtime centers (Alaska’s winters are long, cold and dark ... canines get cabin fever, too), be sure to find a veterinary hospital that provides such options.

Make a visitOnce you’ve narrowed

your list of choices, visit the veterinary hospital. Look for a hospital that is clean and well maintained.

The staff should be friendly and welcoming. Pay close attention to how they interact with clients and pets. It is reasonable to expect that the employ-ees within the hospital are exhibiting behaviors that demonstrate their love for animals.

Look around the waiting room area. What is hanging on the walls? Are there any special awards or recogni-tion for specific hospital achievements?

If there are clients in the waiting area, be sure to introduce yourself and see if you can ask them some questions. Find out if they are happy with the veteri-narian, the practice and the services offered.

Any veterinary hospital should welcome guests and potential new clients. If you feel uncomfortable at any point in your visit, chances are you should look else-where.

Cost comparisonThe reality is, as much

as we love our animals, cost of services often drive what care we provide our pets.

Finances often are a factor in whether we can provide the gold standard of care throughout our pets’ lives and whether we can comply with certain recommenda-tions made by your pets’ doctor.

Get a feel for hospital prices and make sure they are within your budget. When price shopping, be sure you are comparing apples to apples. For exam-ple, when asking the cost of a routine procedure such as a spay or neuter, does the cost include pain medication or not?

Find out what sort of payment options, if any, are available.

What credit cards are accepted? Does the hospi-tal have specific financial protocol in place? Will your patronage or account histo-ry provide you any benefits if an unforeseen emergency arises and your pet needs immediate care that you cannot afford?

Does the hospital have information or recom-mendations regarding pet insurance? Will they work alongside you in billing the pet insurance companies or insist you take care of it on your own?

At the end of the day, your pets’ health should be a cooperative undertaking between you and your vet-erinarian.

A visit to the veterinary hospital should be an expe-rience that is warm, wel-coming and educational. You don’t want to leave feeling as though your concerns were of little value, feeling confused about a diagnosis or that your time was essen-tially wasted.

Finding the perfect vet for you and your pet will help ensure that the life you share together is a healthy and happy one.

How tochoose a veterinarian


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know when it’s time for a new carHow to

If you are over the age of 16 and drive a car older than 4 years old that you don’t love, whether you know it or not, you are among the mil-lions of American consumers who are “in the market.”

And being “in the mar-ket,” there’s a 60 percent chance you will buy a new or pre-owned car, truck or SUV in the next 90 days, and a 90 percent chance you will make a purchase within the next 12 months.

Why? Because Americans love their cars. And when they stop loving them, well, “you know honey, you just don’t excite me anymore.”

Luckily, your minivan doesn’t know of it’s lack of looks, charm and perfor-mance, so you should bear no guilt in flirting with other cars, even going so far as to openly ogling your neighbor’s new SUV. Check out those curves. Nice stor-age. Um, um, um. Are those wheels stock? You could even take a test drives with “no strings attached” and never see any of those cars again.

And, there are lots of legitimate reasons to do it: people work hard and get promoted. They graduate, they move, they marry and have kids. Their transmis-sions falter, their brakes are squeaky, the heater blows cold, the back seat smells funky or they get a dog. They want and deserve a new ride.

Why upgradeBut also among the moti-

vators are the developments of new technologies to keep us safer, more comfort-able, and more efficient as we commute from home to job to store, to practice, to errands and to all of life’s natural daily events. Cars do more, better. They do it lon-ger and with more efficiency

than at any time in the his-tory of transportation.

And the best news for consumers is that you now have more information and more control than ever before. Online resources like Autotrader.com, Cars.com or your local dealers website, give you the ability to shop much larger inventories, compare makes and models, get trade-in values, apply for financing, and enhance your purchase comfort level with-out ever leaving your home or office.

Use a dealershipSo with all these resourc-

es, do you really need a dealership? The answer is a resounding “Yes.” Why?

Because 70 percent of consumers intending to buy a particular make and model actually end up buying a different make and model. Dealership sales staff are expert in helping match cars with new owner’s lifestyle, needs, wants and budget.

Dealership pre-owned inventory changes daily and a good salesperson will keep you in the loop as possible matches occur.

High demand pre-owned cars, trucks and SUV’s are often sold before they ever hit online inventory so hav-

ing a relationship at the dealership level can help when you have identified your top choices.

For new car shoppers, dealership sales staff are expert in their product, man-ufacturer rebate programs, and have relationships with finance options. This combi-nation can significantly ease the process of engaging all the moving pieces of your transaction.

The trade-inAnother major factor for

both new and used car buy-ers is what to do with your current fading flame. Deal-

erships can take your trade in and work it into the deal or consign it for you so you can be in your new relation-ship within a few hours of finding car love. No posting ads, answering calls, incon-venient and uncomfortable negotiations with strangers. And with KBB and other resources, you can maximize the value you receive.

So good luck with your pending nuptials, promotion, move and children.

May your transmission, brakes, heater and interest-ing smell serve you well. And when another hot car drives by, ogle on, my friends, olgle on.

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