Saturday, January 31, 2009

SUNSHINE AT LAST

South Haven is FINALLY IMMERSED in brilliant SUNSHINE. What great timing: ICE BREAKER 2009 is going on all over South Haven! Have you ever watched an ice sculptor carve up a big block of ice? It is truly amazing. (Even more so for those of us who can't draw stick people!) We've had more clients in today that were smiling than all of last week! I'm POSITIVE that SUNSHINE has made the difference. I remember watching the wacky TV show "Northern Exposure" when they had an episode about the lack of sunshine when everyone went a bit crazy. I've had to retrain my face to "squint" in the brightness!
You've just got to appreciate the seasons when you live in West Michigan! While I certainly do appreciate the seasons, there is no rule that says I can't like some a whole lot more than others!
Gotta go, my eyes are hurting from all of the sunshine coming in through the front of the Motorplex!!!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Cabin Fever and MORE DAYLIGHT

OK. Mother Nature you've had your fun in South Haven this winter. Enough is enough. We don't have any more room to pile snow! Walking our 2 Great Danes through the woods has become more cardio intensive for me than a work out at the health center! I'm a believer in CABIN FEVER and boy I've got a bad case of it. I WANT SUN AND WARM WEATHER NOW!
My favorite weather man, Craig James, retired recently. He was one of the few tv weathermen that didn't just read what the weather service sent over the wire. He actually knew the nuances of western Michigan. I can always remember what he said about February in Michigan: we actually GAIN OVER AN HOUR of DAYLIGHT during the month of February! FINALLY I can come to work when it is light out and get home before sunset. I might even be able to get in TWO walks with the Great Danes.
I know that CABIN FEVER also affects our business. While it may get real slow during snow storms, over the years I've found out the a good dose of CABIN FEVER results in earlier sales of Jet Skis and motorcycles. Quite simply: Most Michiganders get TIRED OF WINTER about now. Well let me tell you, VANDERZEE MOTORPLEX has the CURE for CABIN FEVER. Come on in, have a COKE at our soda fountain, and hey, come in on ANY SATURDAY and we'll grille you a HOT DOG TOO! We just want you to hang out at the Motorplex and who knows, you may just find that our "CURE" for CABIN FEVER is ON SALE!

Friday, January 16, 2009

ENOUGH ALREADY !!!

Our Motorplex crew has done an outstanding job of keeping our parking lot and driveway open!
I've lost track of how many times we have "broomed" the cars, moved the cars, and plowed the snow! I think that we shoveled the front walk every five minutes! I can only say "ENOUGH ALREADY!" We've just about run out of room to pile more snow! It is beautiful, though. When the sun comes out it is dazzling and everything looks crystal. This weather has also made it even more important to use the Internet to showcase our products and communicate with clients. I know that I wouldn't go out in this weather to look at cars! I've made it my goal to check and answer emails every 10 to 15 minutes! It is amazing how may people send emails after 10 p.m. That may be the most relaxing time some folks have to surf and research. I think that our country would be most vulnerable to an attack of our Internet network! It sure would bring our company to a halt!
SOMETHING TO PONDER as we get through this ARCTIC BLAST: Spring is only 65 days away! Now that is something to look forward to.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Thanks alot for that bit of encouragement!

I certainly have high hopes for the new President. But, oh my, what in the world was he trying to do yesterday when he said this economic recession could last for years! I'll bet that EVERY business owner in America couldn't believe that the head of our Country would make such a pessimistic statement. The psyche of America is so fragile right now that a statement with such an"ALARMING" warning just out of place. It was as if the President-Elect was setting up our lawmakers for a "pass my plan or else" confrontation. As my Dad taught me, "You can learn far more from listening, not talking!" Sure, there is a lot of work ahead of us, but my goodness, let the American Spirit know that once again when times are tough, no country has a stronger will than the United States. A plan for success will gain my confidence. Threats only make me wonder if you really have a viable plan of action.
Wow. I feel better already. I'll put the soap box away. Thanks Dad.

Monday, January 5, 2009

2009 brings guarded optimism

We're already 5 days into the new year! In these first few days of 2009 I've already noticed a change in attitude for some of our clients. It seems that from September through December all you heard on TV was gloom, despair and agony. We had an election hang over. Now there seems to be a hint of optimistic anticipation for the year ahead. I guess you could say that it wouldn't take much to improve on 2008. We continue to be impressed with the local banks and credit unions that work with the Motorplex to provide truly great interest rates! A 5.49% fixed rate with simple interest on our cars and powersports products is spectacular! Many of our clients will take advantage of reduced mortgage rates to refinance their homes and dramatically lower their monthly payment. That can result in more "room" in the family budget for recreational vehicles or a newer car.
Yikes, the new car market is still diving down with no relief in sight. Chrysler down over 50% in December?? Ouch. Our clients are just demanding more for their money and a "Nearly New" car certainly makes a lot of sense! That "new car smell" can cost you thousands of dollars! We think that buying a quality preowned car is the only way to go! You'll save so much that you can add a motorcycle or atv to your stable and have lots of fun to boot! Remember, spring is less than 75 days away!!!!!