Archived news files for August 2003
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Vantage Plane Plastics Employee Recognized in Success Story
August 27, 2003

The following article featured in the Alva Review Courier this week. Original article was written by Melinda Barton (NWTECH)

Web and Graphics Designer Tonya Randall turned a part-time job into a full time career. In February of 2002, Randall was a student in Northwest Technology Center's E-Commerce and Web Services Program. Randall applied for a part-time position at Vantage Plane Plastics working as a Web Designer. She was hired full-time at Vantage Plane Plastics four months later after completing Northwest Technology Center's E-Commerce and Web Services program. The E-Commerce and Web Services program at Northwest Technology Center is taught by Tami Frascht.

Vantage Plane Plastics, a local manufacturer of after-market aviation interiors and a division of Vantage Associates, Inc. has expanded its marketing and e-commerce department to include an on-line catalog also available as a shoppable CD Catalog.

"There is always something new to do and I use all of my talents in my job. We are always moving forward and always changing." stated Randall, a 1998 graduate of Vici High School. "I didn't take any computer classes until my senior year of high school when I took three classes in a row. My high school teacher, Lisa Stewart laid the foundation for my computer skills. It was in her Yearbook and Newspaper classes that I started taking an interest in layout design."

Randall enrolled in Northwest Technology Center's E-Commerce and Web Services Program in the spring of 2001. "I was given the opportunity to fill an opening in the program." stated Randall, "The program was being piloted at Northwest Tech for implementation throughout the state."

In December 2002, Randall completed an Associates Degree in Information Technology and Web Development from Northern Oklahoma College (NOC) transferring credit earned while at Northwest Technology Center through its articulation agreement with NOC, some transfer hours from Oklahoma State University and completing the required NOC hours. Randall is a member of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals.

"In the past year, we have designed letterhead, flyers and websites for Vantage Plane Plastics. We are really expanding and have been working on websites for American Iron Sports, the Alva Chamber of Commerce and Vantage companies including, Vantage Glassform, Vantage Master Machine, and Vantage Associates, Inc." stated Randall.

"Northwest Tech provided the opportunity that I couldn't find other places. The hands-on training prepared me for the work place. Mrs. Frascht's approach allowed me to study what I was interested in. It was key to the versatility of the skills I have now."

According to Frascht, "Tonya Randall was an ideal student. Her enthusiasm for learning and positive attitude were amazing. Tonya was a great leader and helped motivate her classmates by her outstanding work ethic and desire to excel. She realizes the importance of life-long learning and strives to keep her skills updated. She was a tremendous asset to the E-Commerce and Web Services program at Northwest Tech."

Vantage Plane Plastics E-commerce and Marketing Team includes Jeff Henderson, Marketing/E-commerce Director; Manoj Vijayaraghavan, Software and Database Engineer; Randall, Web and Multimedia Designer; Bryan Bartlett, Network Administrator/Programmer; and Misti Petermann and Jenny Swafford, E-Commerce Support.

"Northwest Technology Center opened doors and advanced my skills. They are so good about promoting their students." remarked Randall who lives in Burlington with her husband Aaron, a math teacher and academic coach at Burlington High School.

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Alva's Downtown Square Lights up for Relay for Life 2003
August 25, 2003

Relay for Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day, cancer will be eliminated. To join the fight, the Alva community rallied together in Alva's downtown square, raising a total of $31,000 for cancer research.

Relay for Life's theme this year, "Happy Birthday Relay", was a luminary experience for all who were involved, and will not be forgotten for years to come. Alva's downtown square lit up with luminary bags donated by families and friends in remembrance of loved ones lost. Laps began around Alva's Square at 7p.m., August 22 and ended at 7a.m., August 23. Team members walked endlessly around the square, knowing that their efforts to fight the disease will help save people's lives. The dedication from team members was shown even more during the Luminary Ceremony, where a silent lap was taken around the square in remembrance of loved ones lost to cancer.

Vantage Plane Plastics team members were overwhelmed with emotion, determination, and dedication in raising funds to help fight the cause. This was the second year for Vantage Plane Plastics to be involved in Relay for Life. Vantage Plane Plastics raised a total of $2,379.30 this year. To raise the funds, team members washed cars, donated items for a garage sale, had delicious snacks for employees on sale in the office, washed local planes owned by pilots, had individual fund raising and donated a basket filled with goodies in the auction. The Vantage Plane Plastics basket sold for $375 during the auction.

This year's Relay for Life festivities included the Mr. Relay Contest, magic tricks by Glenn Schlarb, "Let's Make a Deal" game, the auction, and more. The Mr. Relay Contest had some interesting participants who had the crowd roaring with laughter. Vantage Plane Plastics contestant, Cory Blackledge, also know as "Mary Lynn Beauderang Monroe" won 2nd place, with singing "Happy Birthday, Mr. President", and unexpectedly planted a kiss on NWOSU's president, Paul Beran.

Vantage Plane Plastics would like to thank the following businesses for their donations, Smok-Shak, McDonald's, VIP, Michelin and Ditch Witch, and everyone who made donations online, or in person in the Relay for Life event of 2003.

Please join us again next year for the ongoing efforts in fighting cancer. Remember that any donation counts, whether it's time or money, you can make a difference in finding the cure for cancer research. For more information please go to www.cancer.org or call toll-free at 1-800-ACS-2345.

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Introducing Express Lookup
August 13, 2003

Get your quote in seconds, with the Express Lookup Module created by Vantage E-Business Solutions Center. The Express Lookup Module allows customers to view all available parts that Vantage Plane Plastics offers on one page.

Express Lookup revolutionizes the ordering process. Visitors to www.planeplastics.com can select the make, model, and serial number of their aircraft, and within seconds see a complete list of parts that Plane Plastics, Ltd. manufactures. At the top of the list is a line drawing showing how the parts fit into the aircraft. The graphic can be enlarged to match numbers with the part listings. Express Lookup also offers choices for parts that Plane Plastics, Ltd. manufactures more than one variation. In addition, the list includes parts that are pending FAA approval.

Currently, Express Lookup has the Cessna 150/152 aircraft available for lookup. As we continue to develop the module, more aircraft will become available.

E-Business Solutions Center uses the latest technology to provide customers immediate, accurate, and expert results. Vantage Plane Plastics strives to better serve the aviation community.

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This years Accredited Plane Installers Banquet was held July 31st at the Gardenview Restaurant, in Oshkosh, WI during the EAA Air Venture Show. The guest speaker, Dr. Lou Alpinieri, CEO of Vantage Associates Inc., addressed approximately forty-two people who attended the festivities.

Vantage Plane Plastics presented awards for the top U.S. Installer and top International Installer. AeroDesigns received the top U.S. Installer award, and AlloJet received the top International Installer award. A drawing was held in which only the Plane Installers who had achieved set sales goals were eligible. From this drawing, Airparts Company received a $5,000 cash prize and AeroDesigns received a $2,500 cash prize. There were also numerous door prizes given away to installers as well as guests. In addition, Vantage Plane Plastics was recognized by Aviation Market Center as their “Preferred Manufacturer of Interior Plastics.”

Vantage Plane Plastics would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for making the banquet a success: Cessna Owners Magazine, Piper Owners Magazine, Luscombe Aircraft, LP Space Aero Plastics, A.R.F.C. Visors, AlloJet, Aviation Designs, Signature Flight Design, Airtex, Airparts Company, Flying Colors Glass, Aviation Market Center as well as other special guests.

Vantage Plane Plastics would like to thank all of the Accredited Plane Installers worldwide for their hard work and dedication to the Accredited Plane Installers Program.

more photos...

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Business Express Available Online
August 7, 2003

Vantage E-Business Solutions Center has created an even better way to service Vantage Plane Plastic business customers. The new Business Express Module is an online ordering service that is available 24/7 for our professional customers’ convenience.

Select business customers are now able to go online and order all Vantage Plane Plastics parts and accessories, build and save quotes, and view delivery status. The Business Express Module will allow business customers to receive their specific discounts on our manufactured parts, special discounts on accessories, and the ability to view their order history, credit notes, and return merchandise authorizations.

By calling Vantage Plane Plastics, our business customers will receive assistance from our customer service representatives in setting up their individualized account. After the initial setup, Business Express customers can log on to their account through the website and immediately review their account information and start placing orders.

Business Express uses the latest technology to provide customers immediate, accurate and expert results. Vantage Plane Plastics continues to strive to better serve the aviation community. If you would like to be set up as a Business Express customer, please give Vantage Plane Plastics a call today at 1-580-327-1565.

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