Horizon Tank Lines
Post Office Box 2857
Durham, North Carolina 27715-2857
919-620-3231 Fax: 919-479-5615
E-mail: Email Contacts
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January
2007 Driver Awards Banquet Plans Have Begun
Our yearly Driver Awards Banquet plans have begun! There are some changes that our drivers should enjoy and look forward to. With the banquet being planned for March 2007, we are looking forward to enjoying the scenery and weather of a new location. The Landmark Resort in Myrtle Beach SC will be the hosting location of our next banquet. More information will be announced in early 2007.
New Satellite Office Opens
Due to the recent operational changes in the Greensboro area, we are thrilled to have recently opened a new satellite office for our drivers in the Hamlet NC area. With company growth in employees and equipment it was much needed. We are looking forward to being better able to service the needs of our customers and drivers in this area.
December
New Methanol Units Added to Fleet
We welcome the newest additions to our fleet. The first of 8 new methanol units has arrived at our Wilmington facility. These Polar External Ring Aluminum units feature the Scully intellicheck system, air-ride suspension, hydraulic primary valves, vapor recovery, bottom loading, oversized safety ladder with rails, wash ports, extra safety walkway, polished chrome rims, and highly visible LED lighting. With a 8500 gallon payload these units will easily handle high volume accounts and do so projecting a very professional and attractive image.
November
Drivers Recognized and Honored
The annual Driver Awards Banquet was held on March 11th in Carolina Beach, NC.
We were pleased to honor our drivers for the dedication and hard work they do every day. It's a tough world out there and we know we have the safest and BEST drivers out there!!!Drivers were awarded plaques along with some spending $$ to go along with it. Top honors were as follows:
Lee Taylor,
Wilmington NC based driver.
James McLaurin,
Hamlet NC based driver.
Barry Williams,
Wilmington NC based driver.
Jerry Long,
Greensboro NC based driver
Derre Chambless,
Charlotte NC based driver
Leland's "Completed 'Extreme Makevoer'" - we're finally done!!!
Horizon Tank Lines has installed a 175,000 BTU Clean Burn furnace to provide heat for our new shop during the winter months. This unit operates on the used oil from our tractors and enables us to be smart environmental stewards by converting our used motor oil into clean heat as well as reducing costs from purchasing LP gas or other energy fuels.In our effort to provide a safe environment for our mechanics, we have installed grounding systems on both sides of our shop entrances. Static discharge is always a concern when we work on our Flammable units and we decided to install the eight foot grounding rods prior to having the concrete poured. These units are tested with a ground meter perodically to make sure we have a safe ground and connection.
Part of the renovation includes a new dispatch center with design oriented around efficiency and ease of service to our driving staff. This enables the driver to personally work with the dispatch management team during the course of load assignment.
As part of our facility expansion we renovated the original workspace to create a lounge for the drivers. Here they can relax while they wait for their trucks to be serviced, finish paperwork, or just enjoy a cup of coffee while new bills are prepared.
Driver Awards Banquet Set for March
Plans are being finalized for the annual Driver Awards Banquet set for March 11th in Carolina Beach, NC. We're looking forward to another great time of fun, food and fellowship with our co-workers. Look for pictures next month of the festivities and awards presented.
Managers take time out to plan for Horizon's future!
December 3, The Marriot, Research Triangle Park NC was the setting for a Saturday workshop attended by all managers of the company. It was a time of LLC (listening, learning and changing). The workshop was facilitated by Glade Wilkes and Scott Claffey of Great West Casualty. Managers were encouraged to work together to achieve common goals for the good of ALL employees.
Drivers to Receive Referral Bonus
Congratulations are in order to Howard Piver of Wilmington and Fred Stanback of Hamlet on their referrals of new drivers to the Horizon team. Each will be receiving bonus $$ for their good work and effort in helping to make Horizon "THE BEST" place to work.
SAFETY - Is a MAJOR Issue with Horizon.
We are dedicated to provide a safe environment for our employees whether on the road or at a customer's facility.We are pleased to add some new "safety" features at Horizon.
We are now participants in the "Highway Watch" program. Homeland Security sponsors this program. Bobby Burns, our Safety Director recently became an authorized "Highway Watch Trainer". This course, sponsored by Homeland Security, teaches drivers to report suspicious activity on the road and at customer facilities. All Horizon drivers will be required to have this training.
In the near future, all drivers will be trained on the Smith System, the popular accredited driver-training course. Bobby Burns, our Safety Director is now a certified instructor for the Smith System and will be performing "in cab" training with all HTL drivers.
On a recent trip to Indianapolis, both Paul Collie and Bobby Burns became certified instructors for the "Defensive Driving Course for Professional Truck Drivers" (DDC-PDT). This course, sponsored by the National Safety Council, will bring classroom training to our drivers on this course.
So you see, we ARE dedicated to keeping our employees, customers and all those around us SAFE!!!
"UNDER CONSTRUCTION" Leland In Need of a Face Lift.
We are excited about the expansion of our Leland NC (Wilmington) facility. To follow are pictures of the new "face lift" in progress. This space is badly needed for our growing company.
January
Horizon's Leland Office Welcomes New Arrival
Tylar Miller arrived in this world on January 17th, weighing in at 7lbs 6ozs and was 20 inches long. The proud Mom, Laura Miller, works in our Leland office and assists Johnny with his everyday tasks there. We welcome Tylar as our newest family member here at Horizon.
Leland Receives Its Certificate of Occupancy
We're almost there!! We are so excited about the new expansion in our Leland facility and we should be in it full force very very soon. The space is much needed as we are growing with the addition of new tractors and new drivers in the area. Look next month for pictures of the new facility.
July
Savannah welcomes new Terminal Manager, Marie Bedgood.
We are excited about our newest addition to the Savannah terminal, Marie Bedgood. Marie comes to us with many years of experience in the bulk transportation industry and will be serving the facility as Terminal Manager. Welcome Marie, it's good to have you as part of the Horizon team!
May - June
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Horizon Tank Lines has just added 4- 2003 International Tractors along with 3- 5600 gallon Fiberglass tanks to the fleet. |
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February - April
We Celebrated Our Tenth Year Anniversary!!!
We've just completed 10 years of service in the field of liquid bulk transportation. We are so excited about the future and what it holds for Horizon Tank Lines.
We started out the new year with our Annual Driver Awards Banquet. This was held in January at the Marriott in Carolina Beach, NC. What a great time we had celebrating the 10 years and honoring our drivers.
The evening began with a guest speaker Glade Wilkes of Great West Casualty, who spoke words of encouragement in the celebration of our 10 years that we've been in business.
Following a brief speech by President, Charles Collie, the presentations and awards began. The evening ended with lots of prizes and celebration.
Many awards were given at the banquet. Those who require special attention are our drivers of the year.
Company driver of the year:David Passmore,
Wilmington NC driver
Company driver runner up of the year: Richard Harden, Hamlet NC driver
Owner Operator of the year:
Derre Chambliss,
Charlotte NC based driver
Owner Operator runner up of the year: Jerry Long, Greensboro NC driver
A new award this year went to the employee who referred the most driver new hires for the company.This award went to Bobby Patterson, a Hamlet NC based driver who referred several drivers during 2004.
Bobby was awarded a portable DVD player to install in his truck.
A special thanks to April Green of the Durham office who put a lot of time and effort into bringing this celebration together.
October - FebruaryWelcome Phillip Conway
November 1st, Phillip Conway joined our Savannah office as the new Branch Manager. Phillip is from the Augusta area but presently lives in Savannah. He comes to us with over 15 years experience in the transportation field. We are excited about him joining the team. Welcome Phillip.Should you need to contact Phillip, please email him at pconway@horizontanklines.com or call him at 912-965-1975.
Driver Praised for Safety Commitment
Safety Director, Bobby Burns, received a letter from a customer commending Augusta driver, Kenneth Armstrong on his commitment to safety and for demonstrating training discipline and knowledge of the product he was delivering.The customer states, "As an industry leader, safety is 'Number One'…we are committed to performing all activities in a manner that protects and promotes the health, safety and welfare of fellow workers, the community and the environment. "If it's not safe, we don't do it!". That is just was your driver did during a delivery to our customer…..The driver, Ken Armstrong identified an unsafe condition before unloading, notified customer service, and was prepared with an extra hook up connection. The customer was able to change to a safer connection and complete the unloading without incident."
Safety is "Priority One" at Horizon as well. We appreciate the job our drivers do and their commitment to safety. Thanks for a job well done Kenneth!!!
Horizon Adds New Equipment
With change brings excitement. How much more exciting than to see our drivers in new equipment!!! We take pride in keeping our equipment up-to-date and maintained. This year alone we have replaced/added 18 trucks. With newer and up-to-date equipment, we are able to service our customers better and remain a strong leader in our industry
Letter of Commendation Received
Our Wilmington North Carolina terminal recently handled a critical load from one of our new customers. With the coordinating efforts of Ty Stamm and Johnny McKeithan, Donald Stevens delivered a load of material that was critically needed in Canada. The customer was so impressed by our employees that a letter was sent commending them on their efforts, professionalism and service.We appreciate these employees. It is employees like this that keep our company in business. Thank you Ty, Johnny and Donald!!!
June - October
Welcome Rick Hutchins, Terminal Manager - Savannah Georgia Operations.
We welcome Rick Hutchins to the Horizon Team. Rick joins us September 13, 2004 as the new Terminal Manager for our Savannah, Georgia branch. He brings to us over 14 years experience in many areas of the bulk chemical transportation industry.Should you need to contact Rick, please feel free to call him at 912-965-1975 or via email at rhutchins@horizontanklines.com
Special Bonus Received
Congratulations to Alvin White, Owner Operator at our Wilmington NC facility. Mr. White had a DOT Inspection in August with NO VIOLATIONS. Because of his special efforts he was rewarded with a Gift Certificate. Thanks Mr. White for representing our company so well!!!
Horizon Announces Major Operational Changes and Additions
May brought with it some major operational changes within our company. We are pleased to announce the following changes:Paul Collie, our Executive Vice President, remains responsible for Safety and Maintenance. Bobby Burns, interim Terminal Manager in Greensboro, NC will once again be handling the day to day safety operations of the company.
Tom Clement, our present Sales Representative will add the responsibility of Terminal Operations to his list of duties. He is now our newly appointed Vice President of Marketing and Operations.
Ty Stamm, our Wilmington NC terminal manager will assume the role of Director of Operations. Ty will oversee each branch and will report to Mr. Clement.
John McKeithan, our Wilmington NC dispatcher will assume the role of our new Wilmington NC Terminal Manager.
Barry Glass has joined our team as our Greensboro NC Terminal Manager.
Most of the changes are "in-house" but we hope these changes will bring with it positive outcomes for our customers as well as our employees.
Horizon Increases Fleet
HTL is proud to announce that we're GROWING AGAIN!!!
We've just added several new trucks to our fleet. The driver spotted in one of these photos is Lenny Kellar, Wilmington NC driver, showing off one of the new units.
March - May
Welcome Liza!!
Congratulations are in order for our Vice President, Paul Collie and wife Dena on the arrival of a baby girl to their family.
Liza weighed in at 8lbs, 5 ounces on March 22 and was 20 inches long!!!
Driver(s) of the Year Awarded at Annual Banquet
Our annual Awards Banquet was held at the Sunspree Resort in Wrightsville Beach on February 22nd. There were close to 100 attendees at this year's event. We are really pleased with the outcome of this year's event. The food was great, the accommodations were great and the time of fun and fellowship topped off the evening. We were honored to have guest speaker, Glade Wilkes, representative of Joe Morten & Sons Insurance Company as well.
Congratulations are in order for the following employees:Driver of the Year Awards
The following were awarded a jacket, a watch, a trophy, a gold money clip as well as a nice $$ bonus:
Company Driver of the Year, Gerald Brown, Wilmington NC driver.
Runner-up Driver of the Year, Bobby Patterson, Hamlet NC based driver.
Owner Operator of the Year, Jerry Long, Greensboro NC based driver.5 Years Service Awards
The following were awarded a service watch as well as a nice certificate/plaque for 5 years of service to the company:
Bobby Burns, Safety Director, Greensboro NC
Connell Jones, Owner Operator, Greensboro NC based driver
Leonard Kellar, Wilmington NC driver
Dwayne Tinnin, Greensboro NC based driver
January/February
Driver Awards Banquet Planned for February
This month we will be hosting our annual Awards Banquet at the Sunspree Resort in Wrightsville Beach. This is a time that we look forward to - not just a "night away" from the regular routine of our daily jobs, but a time we recognize our drivers and just how important they are to us. Watch next month's website for details of the winners!
November/December
Welcome to Greensboro Dale!
We welcome our newest member of the Horizon team, Dale Sylvester, to our Greensboro terminal. Dale is the new Terminal Manager for our Greensboro operations. Dale brings to Horizon several years in the trucking industry. Welcome aboard Dale!
It's a Bird, It's a Plane……No, it's a Horizon truck making a delivery!!!
This is probably the most unusual delivery we've ever made.
What a Catch!!!
These were caught on a recent carrier/vendor outing. Good job guys!
2nd Quarter Safety Bonus Announcement
September 1
What a privilege to extend our congratulations to the following drivers who are eligible for the 2nd Quarter Safety Bonus;
Wilmington Terminal:
Suzanne Albea
Morris Allen
Gerald Brown
Cecil WootenDavid Passmore
Michael Grissett
Henry Jacobs
Billy Patton
Jay Norris
Howard Jacobs
Greensboro Terminal:
Jerry Long
Billy Leake
Bobby Patterson
James Brewer
Savannah Terminal:
Roy Brown
Richard Surrells
As you see, many of these are "duplicates" of the 1st Quarter Bonus. We appreciate all their hard work and effort as they represent our company. With drivers like this, we help insure our customers that our drivers are professional and the best in the business!!
Good job!!
1ST Quarter Safety Bonus Announcement August 1
What a privilege to extend our congratulations to the following drivers who are eligible for the 1st Quarter Safety Bonus;
Morris Allen
John Henry
Leonard Kellar
Jerry LongGerald Brown
Henry Jacobs
Howard Piver
Bobby PattersonMichael Grissett
Howard Jacobs
Cecil Wooten
Dwayne TinninIt's drivers like this that help make our company one of the leading in the industry today. Thanks to all of you for a job well done!!! We couldn't do it without you!
Savannah Terminal Manager Makes Headlines Again!!! It's always nice to hear "good things" about our employees. We've heard several nice things before about this manager and we have another compliment to add to her profile:
"Last evening we received one of the best compliments ever relating to the performance on one of our management team. Direct quotes included terms such as "a nomination for saint-hood" and that "I've never had a manager that professional that kept me up to date with all the events and time frames" pertaining to a customer service emergency". (Paul Collie, VP Operations).
Diane Lake, our Savannah Georgia Terminal Manager is who this article is speaking of. Well done Diane!! And thanks for always extending to our customers the service they deserve. Pleasing the customer is the business we are in and with employees like Diane, we know we're sure to please!!!
Congratulations on the New Arrival
Congratulations to our President, Charles Collie and wife, Betsy on the birth of a healthy new son, Jackson Collie. The newest addition was born in June and weighed a whopping 8lbs., 11ozs. Congratulations and best wishes to the entire family.
Horizon Now Capable of Handling ISO ContainersJuly 1
in Southeast Port Cities
Horizon Tank Lines is pleased to announce that we now have the additional capability to transport liquid ISO containers through the ports of Charleston, South Carolina AND Savannah, Georgia - for import or export. Please contact us through our website for any additional information or contact our Sales & Marketing Department at tclement@horizontanklines.com.
Horizon Receives Gold Award from Great West Casualty Company
Horizon Tank Lines was recently presented a Gold Award by Great West Casualty Company (headquartered in South Sioux City, Nebraska) as part of the 2002 National Fleet Safety Awards Program. The Fleet Safety Award Program drew over 350 entries from across the country. Carriers were recognized for achieving a low preventable accident frequency per million miles of operation. The Fleet Safety Awards program recognizes fleets in similar operations (truckload & less than truckload) with awards based on their year-end preventable accident results. The carriers then received a Platinum, Gold, Silver or Participatory award.
Savannah Employees Praised
June 1, 2003
Our corporate office received a letter from a NC based customer who needed assistance in our Savannah market area. The letter commended 2 of our employees from the Savannah terminal; Driver R. Scott Stevens and Terminal Manager Diane Lake. He writes,
I want to thank your company and especially Scott Stevens (the Driver) and Diane (the Dispatcher) from your Savannah office. They did an exceptional job to assist me in the movement of a salt solution from a Georgia plant. Scott and Diane went beyond the normal levels of assistance to be there to provide all the help I needed when I needed it. They are a tribute to your company.
We appreciate the great job these employees do. Keep up the good work.
Bobby Burns becomes
Horizon's Safety Director
April 1, 2003
Congratulations are in order for Mr. Bobby Burns who is now our new Safety Director. In this role, Bobby will be processing and training new employees, performing safety meetings, handling our safety bonus program as well as a host of other duties. Bobby has been with Horizon for several years as the Greensboro, NC Terminal Manager and we know he'll do a great job in this new capacity.
Rebecca Seldomridge Replaces Bobby Burns
as Greensboro NC Terminal Manager
We are pleased to announce the newest member of our management team, Rebecca Seldomridge. Rebecca comes to us with several years of experience in the liquid bulk industry. Rebecca will be replacing Bobby Burns as the Greensboro, North Carolina Terminal Manager. We are excited about her becoming part of the Horizon team.
Wilmington Dispatcher Called to
Active Military Status
March 6, 2003
In November 2002, Ron Buffkin, our Wilmington NC dispatcher was called into active duty with our US Military. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this time of deployment and we look forward to his safe return to "active" duty with us. We appreciate John McKeithan, one of our Wilmington drivers, stepping in to fill Ron's shoes during this time.
Bobby Patterson RecognizedThese comments were received from one of our customers regarding Bobby Patterson, one of our Hamlet NC based drivers.
for Professionalism and Expertise
I wanted to pass on to you comments I received today regarding deliveries at our facility in New Hill, NC. The site management was highly complimentary of Bobby Patterson for his professionalism and great attitude while making deliveries. They commented that Bobby is extremely efficient and very attentive in assuring that all aspects of the delivery are performed diligently with safety being of top concern. They wanted us to know that they enjoy having Bobby on site and feel very comfortable with his expertise and service. As you know sales and customer service doesn't end when the product leaves our plant. Bobby and the Horizon Tank Lines team represent a critical link in getting the "job well done" pat on the back. Bobby's great work on our behalf keeps the orders rolling in. I'm glad he's on our team.
This type of letter is the highest compliment one can receive from a customer. Well done Bobby Patterson! We would like to also commend Bobby Burns, Bobby Patterson's Manager for the great job in managing his drivers. Both Bobbys go the extra mile and put forth that "extra" effort for the company and its customers and we truly appreciate them!!
Hats Off to Drivers Gerald Brown
and Howard Piver for a Job Well Done!February 3, 2003
We would like to recognize Gerald Brown and Howard Piver, both of our Wilmington, North Carolina terminal for a job well done. In December we had a contest for our drivers regarding fuel efficiency. Gerald is being recognized for having the lowest fuel cost for the month of December. Howard is being recognized for obtaining the highest miles per gallon for the month of December. Thanks to you both for being great stewards of our company!!! We appreciate you both!
Hats Off to Driver Jeffrey Stewart
for a Job Well Done!January 3, 2003
We would like to recognize Jeffrey Stewart, of our Savannah Georgia terminal for a job well done. Recently he carried a load from Kentucky to Charlotte. We knew this was not going to be an easy task! The customer was so impressed by his job performance that they called TWICE to let us know what a great job he did. We appreciate you Jeffrey and for being a great steward of our company. Keep up the good work!
(submitted by Ty Stamm, Wilmington terminal)
2001 Driver of the Year Awards Presented Due to the events of September 11, 2001 our Annual Awards Banquet was postponed until August of 2002. At that time, the awards were presented at a company sponsored dinner and ceremony at the Carolina Beach Yacht Club in Carolina Beach, North Carolina. We are pleased to announce that two drivers were awarded. Our company Driver of Year Award was presented to Leonard Kellar of our Leland, North Carolina terminal. Our Owner Operator of the Year Award was presented to Brian Mayle of our Greensboro, North Carolina terminal. Both men received plaques, a watch and a little "something extra" for all their hard work and effort. We are so proud of these guys for doing such a good job for us AND our customers!! CONGRATULATIONS!!
Savannah, GA Terminal Opens Horizon Tank Lines operations continue to flourish and expand. We have had a small interest in the Savannah, Georgia area, but operations are really moving along now! Our terminal manager, Diane Lake, is working hard to build rapport with the customers in the Savannah market, and along with our drivers, give them the "service they've been waiting for"!!
There are six dedicated power units in Savannah, and the freight is taking some of us as far west as California. Those runs have made for some really happy drivers!!
Horizon Tank Lines was recently featured in Southern Motor Cargo, the Truck & Equipment Magazine of The South. This informative article was run in May 1999.
Taking Y2K By The Horns
By Virginia EdwardsAll right, so we're just days from hitting the big 2000, millennium-type year, and certainly a once-in-a-lifetime happening. Well, a once-in-a-lifetime happening for me, anyway. I believe this next generation of medical discoveries will open up avenues of extended lifetimes way beyond our current meager 75 year-old average. But that's another story. We're all staring down the throat of a brand-new bunch of decades and I'm certainly looking forward to it.
Beginning early this year, we had begun to hear so much more about potential problems arising from computers, which would be unable to handle the big date change. It is labeled the "Y2K bug." You all know about it. You have also had to do lots and lots of work to convince your vendors and customers that all necessary precautions have been taken to avert disaster when the clocks all over the world finally trip past December 31, 1999, and into January 1, 2000. Some of the published "fix-it-tricks" have been almost laughable. Others have sent us through gymnastics with our computers, and made us get "up close and personal" with our CMOS and BIOS. Yeah, right. Inside the building housing our offices, there is a real-live computer guru who has an office next door to ours. To say I have darkened his doorstep regularly does not even begin to describe the path I've beaten into the hall carpet!
Still?there are factors out there that none of us will have foreseen. I can hardly wait. We have our work cut out, regardless of power outages [maybe], closed banks [well the first DOES fall on a Saturday], or gasoline prices tripling [or not].
There is so much we in the Durham Office will have to do the weekend of January 1. There are new file folders to create for the New Year, items to archive (the paper kind), offices to clean and organize, and a refrigerator to scrub. New computer files have to be created, and with all the backup battery power available, we have no excuse to stay home. Nuts! Being a Yankee, I still have loads of warm clothes, so I can't plead weather, regardless of how low the mercury drops. In June, I thought I had figured it all out?everything would shut down, we'd loose power for a day or two, and I'd have a perfect excuse to snuggle up with a good book and my dog. Folks, it ain't happenin' that way. La Nina has warmed our winter weather to the point of being ridiculous! January 1 we may all be in shorts - on our way to work, of course, in cars full of fuel; tummies full of Christmas leftovers, and with more electrical power than Niagara Falls. Like I said, that was June. I can hardly wait!
From all of us at Horizon Tank Lines, Inc., a very Merry Christmas and Happy and Prosperous New Year!
Congratulations 1998 Drivers! We have just held the Fourth Annual Driver's Awards Banquet. Several drivers were honored for their performance in 1998. Among those was our newest "Driver of the Year" for 1998, Columbus Williams.
"Columbus Williams, Driver of the Year 1998"Columbus is based out of the Charleston, South Carolina terminal. He has been with Horizon Tank Lines since October of 1997. I distinctly remember the first time he called our office asking if we were hiring company drivers. At that time, we had no openings, but he persisted. Ultimately, Columbus came aboard and began the trip that led to this award.
Named 1998 Runner-Up is Howard Piver. Howard has been with Horizon since September 1994, just months after Horizon first opened its doors. As Charles Collie, President of Horizon has said, "Howard has been there since the inception. He takes his assignments, he runs them, is on time and represents Horizon in a professional manner." It takes consistency to do this job right, and Howard does it right!
Outstanding Owner - Operator for 1998 goes to Henry Jacobs. Henry drives for his father, Howard Jacobs, Sr. who has four trucks leased to Horizon. Henry was also profiled as our Driver of the Quarter last fall.
Other awards were Most Improved - this award was tied by Frank Dolce and Kenny Murray; Honorable Mention - Alan Garrett; and Runner-Up for Outstanding Owner - Operator is Mike Hewett.
We want to congratulate all the award winners, and encourage each and every driver to continue their winning ways. We value you as the most integral part of the company, and recognize all your efforts. Let's make 1999 a banner year, and head into the New Millenium on all cylinders!
