№ 3 (13) October 2013
Corporate issue of LLC “Gals Motors”
«HE IS A POOR SOLDIER, WHO DOES NOT DREAM TO BECOME A GENERAL» p. 13
EACH EMPLOYEE GETS INVOLVED INTO THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPMENT – FROM MANAGERS TO WORKERS р. 15
«I STARTED TO WINDSURF AT THE AGE OF 50» р. 10
Contents: The best from the best, or how our mechanics and sales consultants headed towards victory
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Regatta – 2013: wind flattened, but urge to win and sport spirit were stronger
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One of my principles – is to be open with people
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What is “Kaizen” and where is it?
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Unbelievable adventures of our colleagues in Japan
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About the Holiday of Holy Veil of the Mother of God
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Our birthdays
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Results of the contest “Together on the photo me and Toyota”
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Word from the editors
Dear friends! We are delighted to welcome you at the pages of Autumn issue of Gals Inform. We hope you will enjoy new columns: “Kaizen” and “Step by Step”, main heroes of which are your colleagues. Besides, you will discover the winners of Toyota National Skills Contest, our travellers to Japan will share their impressions, and you will get to know about leisure time in the group of our companies and many other things. We wish you a pleasant reading! Sincerely yours, “Gals Inform” editors.
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Achievements
The best from the best or how our mechanics and sales consultants headed towards victory 13 September in Kiev there have been held a final stage of IV Toyota National Skills Contest, organized by authorized distributor of Toyota and Lexus in Ukraine CFI “Toyota Ukraine”. The main conception of the Contest was unique hybrid Toyota technology and Omotenashi principles of Japanese culture. Contest assignments and the whole atmosphere were filled with event conception. As organizers say, the tasks of this year were more difficult than ever. The final of the contest was like half Olympic system – which means that at the end of each stage a certain number of contestants dropped out. Toyota National Skills Contest 2013 was held in two categories – mechanics of the main service and sales consultants. We are happy to note that participants of “Gals Motors” group of companies have been taking the leading places for three years in a row. This year the first place was taken by our colleagues as well. According to the results of the first round 25 mechanics and 12 sales consultants were left at the final stage. Among them there were participants from our Company: Mechanics: Alexander Tilstoshein “Autowind” Aleksey Tverdohleb “Azovmotor” Dmitry Ivchenko “Avtogals” Alexander Verekeev “Omega Motors” Vladimir Pershin “Delta Motors Crimea” Sales consultants: Denys Grechanyuk “Omega Motors” Vadim Yablonenko “Avtogals” The Contest was hard, the rivals were strong, but the first place in the category “The best mechanic” was taken by Alexey Tverdohleb from “Azovmotor”. 4
Alexey – is a young but quite experienced mechanic. He was participating in the contest for the second time already. In 2012 Alexey took the 5th place, this year he had a strong intention to take the highest award. The winner in the category “The best salesman” was Vadim Yablonenko from “Avtogals”. Here our guests shared their impressions from the Contest. G.I. How did you get ready for the final stage?
Alexey is 28. He works in the Company from 2010
Alexey (MA): The way to victory was not easy. Working experience and of course additional studying played an essential part, but still that was not enough to become one of the best. Last year when I have taken the 5th place, many people sincerely noted that next time I would take the leading place. They even presented me a funny cup with written words on it: “I believe in you, you will take the first place”. All that penetrated deep into my conscience and I just could not stand them up, I had to win. I made myself equipped with Techdoс, LMS and experience from the previous Contest. I started to work hard and a thought: “I strive for this, so it is possible” followed me everywhere. So, we can see the result! Certainly, faith played an important role, faith in me, in victory, in my possibilities, in God! Ask and you will have it. Vadim (AG): When I just heard about the Contest, my eyes lightened! As you know the first part of the Contest was theoretical, that is why I started to revise from the beginning: the
The results of the projects “The Golden Globe” and “Toyota Style” in the II quarter 2013. Winners` rotation is the following:
“TOYOTA STYLE”
I place – “Avtogals” II place – “Omega Motors” III place – “Delta Motors Crimea”
“The best salesman Toyota Style” badge – Denis Gridunov (“Avtogals”)
“THE GOLDEN GLOBE”
I place – “Delta Motors Crimea” II place – “Azovmotor” III place – “DonLex”
Vadim is 25. He works in the Company from 2010
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Achievements
Welcoming smiles of organizers.
The work is humming.
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history and philosophy of the company. Close to the final, the preparation was different: practical role play with my colleagues. G.I. What helped you to win? Vadim (AG): Huge desire, strong motivation and responsible approach helped me to win. I want to say special thank you to our sales manager Elena Savenkova, she gave wise hints and advices, and also my colleagues helped me with practical tasks and supported me during the Contest. G.I. Considering Toyota National Skills Contest 2012, was it difficult this year? Alexey (MA): This year it was more difficult. There were four stages in the Contest. Those who did not pass the first stage they dropped out, and so on. So, making mistake at certain stage, there was no chance to correct it as it was before. This fact made us nervous a lot. But my goal this year was also different. In 2012 I wanted to be in TOP 10 and I got it, this year I had to move further, and it was harder. G.I. What does this victory mean to you? Alexey (MA): It is proudness and self-confidence that I feel. I am certain it will play its positive role in my future. Vadim (AG): Taking the first place in Toyota National Skill Contest – is one of my biggest achievements in life! That is why standing on the 1st place pedestal I felt happiness, euphoria, proudness, emotions overfilled me!
G.I. Your dream came true. What are your plans for the future? Alexey (MA): I will tell just one thing – I am not going to be satisfied with what I have; I will place new goals and strive to reach them! Vadim (AG): I was a champion yesterday, today I am an ordinary sales consultant, that is why – work, work and work! I will continue to improve my personal qualities. My working place gives me a lot of possibilities for progress indeed. G.I. What would you wish to your colleagues? Vadim (AG): I wish my colleagues to have aspiration and faith. It will help you to be successful! Winners in each category have been awarded with cups, money prizes, and rewarding prizes from sponsors. Champions were additionally awarded with fascinated trips. Alexey will go to Japan, Vadim – to Turkey. Gals Inform editors congratulate champions with real triumph! We also wish not to get upset to those who did not win this time. Try again! British businessman Richard Branson, the owner of 400 companies of different profile used to say: “Lesson which I have learned and which I follow all my life is that it is necessary to try and try and try again – but never give up!”
G.I. Did you have the experience of such Contests before? Vadim (AG): Last year we had a similar Contest in our company. I took the first place. Besides, I have obtained a priceless experience which made me self-confident. 7
Achievements
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Off the office
Regatta – 2013: wind flattened, but urge to win and sport spirit were stronger At the end of September 2013 there have been held a regular Toyota Center Donetsk Windsurfing Cup, the event was sponsored and organized by “Avtogals” company. It has been a tradition already to organize regatta in Kurahovo. The participants came from Sevastopol, Yevpatoria, Kiev, Kharkov, Sumi, Slavyansk, Lugansk, Alchevsk, Kurahovo, Moscow, Belgorod and other cities. There were three categories to compete: men, women and juniors. Participants` age was different – from young riders aged 8 up to quite adult and professional sportsmen. For example, in the category of Grand- veterans was participating Nikolay Uvarov, aged 67. Nikolay came from Sumi, he has been competing for several years already. Unfortunately, weather conditions did not let the jury to define winners, but anyway, participants, organizers and guests had a lot of positive emotions. The atmosphere of regatta was admirable. Windsurfers of different age, professional level and occupations were gathered together; they exchanged their experience, performed their skills and simply enjoyed riding wind and water.
Sergey Nikitochkin represented “Avtogals”
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There were sportsmen who missed no regatta organized in Kurahovo. “I became fond of windsurfing in 50. It has been 17 years already when I tried to sail for the first time, and I am not separating with my board till now. I teach my grandsons and they like this sport as well. I enjoy coming to Kurahovo to participate in regatta. I did not miss a single regatta here. Today my sail is number 67. Each year this number is changing according to my age. Even if that number would be taken by other rider, guys kindly let me have it anyway”, - said Grand- veteran Nikolay Uvarov. Young sportsmen made us no less surprised. Nikita Netudihatka, aged 11 has been doing windsurfing for 2 years already. He is not afraid of difficulties, he is intended to improve his skills and take part in the competitions of international level. There are also girls surfers among strong guys. Alexander Chichirov, a coach of Children`s Windsurfing School in Kurahovo, is especially proud of them. Regatta is not just a sport competition, outstanding performance; it is also positive communication of all the participants of the event. In the number of constant guests there has been a talented musician, the author of articles of Ukrainian windsurfing web portal Uawindsurfing.com.ua Oleg Levkutnik. In the evening, when everyone felt tired, Oleg pleased people performing hits of Metallica, Queen, Rammstein and other groups. “We ourselves make regatta spirit. When I take my guitar from car, atmosphere is changing at once”, Oleg said. Oleg`s son is also a windsurfer, and he was participating in the competitions as well.
Oleg Levkutnik
Nikita Netudihatka
He has been working in “Avtogals” as a foreman for 2,5 years. “Windsurfing is a hobby, which helps to overcome stress”, - says Sergey. He sails on weekends and during vacation time. This is not a full list of heroes of windsurfing competitions in Kurahovo. Each of them has his own sport history and experience. “There are no windsurfing competitions in Ukraine with such level. There were even professional sportsmen, who represented our country at the international Championships. We were glad to realize that “Avtogals” company organized regatta with all the responsibility. As main regatta jury Dmitry Vrublevsky said: “The participants had all the facilities: food, place to keep equipment and friendly atmosphere”. The most titled regatta participant, Maksim Oberemko – world champion, the participant of four Olympic Games, expressed his opinion of Kurahovo regatta: “These windsurfing competitions are
It was very encouraging that Srgey Nikitochking, one of our colleagues, was among windsurfers and he was representing “Avtogals” company quite decently. Sergey started to do windsurfing when he was just 11. Nowadays it is almost 17 years of his experience. Sergey was participating in Youth Ukraining Windsurfing Championship when he was 15; in 2008 Sergey took honorable 1st place in Slalom and Formula marathon in Russia. Sergey likes windsurfing for its freedom of actions.
Maksim Oberemko – Olimpic Champion
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Off the office
Grand-veteran N.I. Uvarov
Getting ready
Dinner`s ready!
Main regatta jury
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announced as amateur, but the level of organization, professional skills, and sport equipment matches to an international level”. It is due to the efforts of “Avtogals” company, organizers of regatta, they did their best to keep sport spirit at the high level. “Avtogals” cared about all social issues, cooked delicious meal to feed sportsmen and guests. Three days passed quickly. Friendly team of surfers did not want to leave Kurahovo, and they have already planned their next meeting in 2014.
“Avtogals” supported its colleague!
Step by step
One of my principles – is to be openwith people Dear readers, We are happy to announce that we start a new column “Step by step”. Here we will tell you about those people in the group of our companies who proved by their own example of hard and diligent work that it is possible to achieve a lot, and that any dream may come true. As people say: “He is a poor soldier who does not dream to become a general.” The first person we interviewed was Konstantin Kogan, director of “Delta Motors Crimea”. We asked Konstantin about his career way “through difficulties to the stars”. GI. Konstantin Mikhaylovich, let us get back in our history, please tell, how everything began. How have you started your career in the group of our companies? Where have you worked till you came to “Autowind”? K.K. I started to work in the group of companies in 2010 in “Autowind”, as a service manager. Before “Autowind” I worked in sales of vehicle spare parts and accessories. I have been working there for 10 years and changing a company was a serious step. GI. What was your impression from the Company? What was the difference from your previous place of work? K.K. First impression – was a confidence in Company`s stability, which was finally proved in the course of work. There were many differences. One of which – is a clear systematic work process. Almost every working process was described in appropriate standards and procedures and it significantly simplified work and minimized negative influence of human factor. Planning system, personnel motivational structure – I did not face it anywhere before.
K.K. At the start of my career I had to learn a lot, there was much new information. Sure there were difficulties. One of which – a catastrophic lack of time to solve all the issues. I had to stay late at work. But my strong intention to learn everything as quickly as possible gave its feedback. Step by step and everything took its places.
GI. what was your professional way of formation in “Autowind”? Were there any difficulties? How have you coped with them?
K.K. I want to mention our motivational projects “Golden Globe” and “Toyota Style”. They stimulate
Konstantin Mikhailovich Kogan
GI. Were there any other factors influencing your career way?
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Step by step positive factors of dealership center. It is not a secret that each manager tends to be a leader. As for me, these projects were the possibility to prove that my team wants and is able to be the best one! And the key factor is that not just a manager longs to win but also his employees. Sometimes the competition between dealership centers becomes really tense. Defeats also teach us. Participations in these projects itself gives priceless experience. GI. You moved to Simferopol, had to adapt to new colleagues. Did not it frighten you? How was everything solved? Did not you have a desire to stop at the place you achieved and not to change anything? K.K. Moving to Simferopol did not frighten me. That must be because I was totally confident that I made the right choice. I headed the aftersales department; I had certain experience in this field. My
United team of “Delta Motors Crimea”
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new colleagues were friendly and we easily found the way of mutual collaboration. One of my principles in work – is to be open with people, it helps to solve a problem or misunderstanding. I am always ready to discuss different problems with my colleagues and commonly find solutions. Today I feel absolutely comfortable in “Delta Motors Crimea” and I never doubted if I have made a right choice. GI. How could you implement your “Autowind” experience? K.K. I can say for sure that my “Autowind” experience helped me a lot to develop after sales department in “Delta Motors”. We could adopt some interesting processes from “Autowind” here in “Delta Motors”. But our company does not stand still, due to Japanese philosophy of constant development (Kaizen) we always have new experience, new things to learn.
Kaizen GI. When did it happen that you felt ready to head a dealership center? K.K. I should say that confidence came gradually. A couple of years in the company made its impact as well. I started to think about some changes in my career after certain positive results in work. Aftersales department which I headed in “Autowind” for almost 3 years was showing stable results in plan fulfillment and in service quality. There is also one crucial factor – a stable team work. When the whole department works as a team it gives positive feedback in work. I could manage to make aftersales department to work as a united team. Later in “Delta Motors” we adopted this principle. GI. What are your plans for “Delta Motors”? Do you plan to take “Delta Motors” to a certain level in the group of our companies and in Toyota network? K.K. As any dealership center we have certain difficulties and we need to find solutions to solve them. Personally me, as any top manager, I want to take challenge and take “Delta Motors” at top place as in our group so in dealership network. But to complete this challenge we need to work hard. And my desire alone is not enough. High results are reached by united hard work of the whole team of dealership center. We will do our best and let results speak about our work. He wins who does not give up! GI. Would you give any advice to those who strive to find their way to success? K.K. I can say from my personal experience, that to have success it is necessary to put together professional knowledge, desire to improve constantly and ability to find approach to any person. As we know “Gals Motors” group of companies does not stay at one place and gives any person a chance to find his way to success.
What is “Kaizen” and where is it? It is not a secret that one of the principles in work of our company is kaizen. Kaizen - Japanese for «improvement» or «change for the better», refers to philosophy or practices that focus upon continuous improvement of processes in manufacturing, engineering, and business management. In the process of improvement everyone is involved – from managers up to workers, and it requires comparatively little financial expenses. Kaizen philosophy suggests that our life in general (work, social circle and private life) should be oriented on the constant development. During many years of work in the group of our companies, our colleagues made their impact in the development and improvement of different processes. And considering this we start a new column where we will highlight kaizen contributions of our colleagues and achievements of dealership centers. In this issue we briefly highlight Keizen ideas in 2012-2013. Especially Kaizen productive period was IV quarter of 2012. “Delta Motors Crimea” implemented some interesting ideas. Here are some of them: First idea belongs to the store keeper Dmitry Shostak. There was a certain difficulty in work with spare parts before kaizen improvement. Spare parts had been kept on the shelves with attached invoices and customer names in alphabetic order. 15
Kaizen Dmitry Shostak, Store keeper of ”Delta Motors Crimea”
Date of spare part entry was written on the file, and it was hard to define how long this spare part was in stock. Dmitry suggested marking orders by colorful stickers. When spare part entered the warehouse, the invoice was marked by green sticker. If this part stayed more than one week then yellow sticker was attached, but if that period lasted more than month – bright red sticker was applied. If yellow color was attached, so the consultant made a reminding call to the customer. If red sticker was on file – the customer was reminded regularly. This kaizen suggestion improved visualization of spare parts in the warehouse and let inform customers about their spare parts in time. We would like to mention that TSM team approved this kaizen implementation at the beginning of October. The second Kaizen idea belongs to sales manager Oksana Denisova. Oksana noticed that customers while being at the dealership center often asked if it was possible to charge a mobile phone. To make customer`s stay in the show room more comfortable there came an idea to install a devise to charge all kinds of mobile phones. So, such devises have been purchased and those places in the customers` zone were marked by special signs. Now every visitor can charge his gadget at any time. 16
Next Kaizen solution was made by director of Toyota Center Lugansk “Autowind” Andrey Romantsov. Service customers often had doubts whether vehicle consumable materials should be changed. Many consider Toyota car to be a safe vehicle, which does not require periodic and timely maintenance. Andrey Vladimirovich suggested to make visualization of the fact that high quality service exists to make a car operation perfect. For this purpose a new show window was arranged where new and worn out materials have been displayed. Every item in the show window had a short description and explanation of the consequences of untimely change of liquids, brake pads and filters. Thus, customers could visualize what happens with consumable parts during car operating period.
Oksana Denisova, sales manager of “Delta Motors Crimea”
This Kaizen solution allowed to economize half an hour and take one more vehicle for express service. Production of such plates cost minimum: stickers and material at hand (a piece of plastic and a lace or flexible wire). And it is not a full list of Kaizen ideas. We thank our colleagues for their unindifferent life position and ideas, which are improving work in our company. It is twice pleasant that such enthusiasm is financially encouraged. We really hope that there will be more Kaizen ideas. And maybe YOU will become a Kaizenhero in the next issue. Victor Marie Hugo said: “Our life - is a voyage, idea – is a guide. If there is no guide then everything is stopped.” We wish you to be successful guides and never stop! Sergey Kuznetsov, mechanic of “Avtogals”
Andrey Romantsov, director of “Autowind”
In the I quarter 2013, mechanic of “Avtogals” Sergey Kuznetsov made an interesting Kaizen impact as well. In the course of express-service works, Sergey and other mechanics faced a problem of time wasting while filling in a mechanic report. It was necessary to come back to the workbench, fill in measurements data (tire pressure, oil level, condition of brake pads, etc.) To make working time productive, Sergey suggested to use special notice plates with a sticker, fixed on mechanic`s hand. The measurements could be written on that plate without work interruption. At the end of work, all the information was filled in the mechanic report from a sticker. 17
Achievements
Unbelievable adventures of our colleagues in Japan In the last issue we have informed you about the results of the contest held by “Toyota Ukraine” with the support of “Novline” company. Let us remind you, that the main award in this contest was a trip to Japan, and our colleagues – winners started on a fascinating journey. tiredness disappeared at once and we were ready to penetrate in this wonderful country with enthusiasm. Denys Grechanyuk. We visited 3 – 4 historical places a day. They were museums, temples, Toyota exhibitions. We well remembered a visit of Toyota museum in Toyota city – Takaoka Plant. Toyota Corolla in the previous body, Toyota Auris of new generation, IQ and Toyota Corolla for Japanese market were assembled there. We were impressed by the level
Artem Rusanov
As we have promised, our travellers would share their journey impressions on pages of this issue: Alexander Prokopenko – sales consultant (Avtogals), Artem Rusanov – service consultant (Omega Motors), Denis Grechanyuk – sales consultant (Omega Motors). Denys Grechanyuk
GI. One of your dreams – to visit Toyota motherland – came true. Please, would you share your impressions from this wonderful trip with our readers? How long did your trip last? What was the program? Where have you been? What have you seen? Alexander Prokopenko. Our trip has lasted for six short days. I say “short”, because we lack time! Program was rich for events. Each day was scheduled to minutes. The program offered us different excursions, which intended to show the power and technology of modern Japan and its historical sights. After a long flight we have been taken to hot springs, and 18
of work organization, work processes and time. It is amazing that assembly line operates with Japanese accuracy. Artem Rusanov. Each excursion left unforgettable impressions. We enjoyed a visit to Toyota museum, where we have seen by our own eyes how everything started. We were lucky to see first serial Toyota vehicles and those textile machines in work. GI. Your colleagues and managers have visited Japan before. And you know their opinions and impressions, but what impressed personally you the most?
Train took us to Nagoya, where we have visited Toyota manufacture. We were impressed by the measurements of manufacture and its work organizations: as if machines and people work as one united mechanism. Employees feel deep respect to the company. It is a great honour to be a part of Toyota family. It is for the first time in history that the whole city has been named in the honour of the company – Toyota city. Toyota Museum
Alexander Prokopenko. During our short trip, organizers tried to fill our program with as many interesting places as possible. Those were the museum of high technologies, where we have got acquainted with the latest developments in the area of scientific researches and robot ASIMO; Toyota exhibition center Toyota Mega Web, where were exhibited Toyota models unfamiliar to Ukrainian market. We touched Japanese history at dinner with geisha girls. They showed us their national dances and a culture of courting men. Then we visited a valley of silent volcano Owakudani, which struck us by its beauty and a heart of Japan – old capital Kyoto – a historical center of Japan. There are many temples and sights in Kyoto, 7 from which are in the list of historical heritage of UNESCO. Japanese care a lot about their traditions, that is why you will not meet a building taller than 3 storeys in Kyoto.
We were also impressed by the cleanness of the country: streets, premises, and people are very friendly. Everyone is eager to help, and people do it with sincere smile on their faces. Denys Grechanyuk. I was impressed by the hard work of Japanese people; they are polite and attentive to details. It is more precise to say – they are attentive to everything that is happening in the country. First of all we speak about our Toyota Company and also about other spheres of life, not referring to auto business. Those were the things which impressed me a lot. Artem Rusanov. The first thing that caught my eye was people`s politeness, respect to each other, aspiration to be perfect in everything, in work first of all. GI. Has your attitude to work changed after the trip?
Dinner with geisha girls
Denys Grechanyuk. Of course. We have seen how diligent every person in Japan works in the interests of his country and company. These people are very hard working and attentive. For Japanese – Toyota
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Achievements tuning cars; I would like to make our models more bright and interesting. We saw how Japanese were attentive to each other, how respectful they have been to us during our visit; I understood how I should treat my customers and colleagues. But the bottom line – is to work as Japanese in Toyota Company.
Alexander Prokopenko
Company – is a National honor. After this trip I try to do my work as my colleagues from the Country of the Rising Sun do. Artem Rusanov. This trip inspired me to work harder and be useful to my company. We could see by our own eyes hard-working people of Japan, what they achieved by their patience and diligence. GI. Were there any new ideas in the organization of your work for today? Denys Grechanyuk. There were new ideas, for example in auto tuning. We met many unordinary
Artem Rusanov. I have got many interesting ideas in Japan and I will try to implement them here in work. Accurate work planning and attention to details – are important factors of personal effectiveness. I want to be successful in it. Alexander Prokopenko. There is just one idea – one has to love what he does, have respect to work of others, smile often and be more positive. And then the whole world will help us in our everyday life. The example of this wonderful country proves it! GI. What would you wish to your colleagues? Alexander Prokopenko. Now I am sure that dreams come true – I wish it to all of you. Artem Rusanov. Have faith, do your best, move forward to your goal. Everything is possible in this life. Dreams come true! Denys Grechanyuk. Everything is in your hands, everything is achievable.
Megapolis at night
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From classic to modern
Gather together - it is a beginning, keep together – it is a progress, work together – it is a success.
John Maxwell
It is better to find strength to do great things and meet a triumph, even if there will be many misfortunes, rather than stay among mediocrities, knowing no joy and sufferings, living their lives with no victories and no defeats.
Theodore Roosevelt
Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.
Pablo Picasso
There is no better comfort in old ages than the awareness of the fact that power of youth has been implemented in creations which would not grow old. Arthur Schopenhauer
Success is a couple of simple rules which are followed every day. Misfortune is a couple of mistakes which are made every day.
Jim Rohn
If God gave you some talent, it will show up just in work. One has to know and feel himself in his profession.
Vladislav Listyev
The best way to start a new day – is to think, when you wake up, whom you can bring joy today.
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
Be careful with your thoughts, they are the start of actions.
Lao Zi
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Living spring
The holiday of Protecting Veil of the Mother of God Tearfully praying for people, Mother of God overspread Her Holy Veil, And grace and blessing without misfortunes and passions Came on to this world! From XII century the 14th October (1st October old style) all orthodox world of Rus celebrated the Holiday of Protecting Veil of the Mother of God. The Holiday of Protecting Veil of the Mother of God – is one of the most beloved holidays in Rus, a big number of churches named after this day and a lot of people with such surname prove it. At the same time people have very poor understanding of the word “Veil” itself, and a history of this holiday is known not to everyone. Let us ask our expert of this column, orthodox archpriest Nikita Panasyuk about this holiday.
Father Nikita
every person can feel this help if he prays sincerely with all his heart. Every church of the Mother of God – is an evidence that people always feel the power of Her love for each of us. GI. Father Nikita, could you please tell us about the Holiday of Protecting Veil of the Mother of God.
Father Nikita. The Holiday of Protecting Veil of the Mother of God started its celebration from 910 in Constantinople, during the reign of Lev Philosopher VI the Emperor, who got his name because of love to books. The capital was surrounded by horde of enemies, at GI. Why does Orthodox Church worship Mother of any moment they could break into the city, destroy God so much? and burn it. The only shelter of the inhabitants of the city became the church. People prayed God Father Nikita. The Holy Church from old times and asked to rescue them glorifies Mother of God, from enemies. At that time calls Her Divine without any One of the old praying to the Mother of God (translated from the Church Slavonic language) there has been saint God`s comparison of all angels and saints and especially praises “Ave Maria, you are gracious,God is with You; fool Andrew with his pupil You are blessed among women Epiphany. And saint Andrew Her. There are many holidays and blessed is Your Child, has got a vision, as the Mather dedicated to Mother of God. As You gave birth to Saviour of our souls”. of God Herself on Her knees Church does not deify was praying God and asking the Mother of God. She is a human. But She is a mother of Jesus Christ. What to help people. After that She came to Altar, prayed can be higher than this? In the Baptism of Christ, once again and took the veil off Her head and spread it over the people praying in church, protecting them Christians connected with Jesus, at the same time from the enemies visible and invisible. get spiritually connected with His Mother. That is The Veil in hands of God`s Mother, surrounded why people ask God`s Mother for help more often by angels and saints, was shining brighter than the than other saints. Many churches are dedicated to Her; there are a lot of holy images of the Mother of sun, saint John, Baptizer of God and saint John the Evangelist stood near. Then saint Andrew asked his God. Each Her icon – is an occasion of real help to pupil Epiphany: “Do you see, brother, the Queen and people, when they called Her with a praying. And 22
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Living spring Mistress of all, praying for the whole world?». «I see, saint father, and I get scared”, - answered Epiphany. How can not one get scared watching an invisible procession of angels? It is fearful to touch something great and mysterious. But vision of saint Andrew is not so “fearful”, as merciful: it was given not to be scared but for hope and consolation. This vision and sign meant a rescue of inhabitants, the troops of enemies stepped back. That was the way how the Mother of God saved Constantinople from being ruined and its people from being killed. GI. Mother of God is a patroness of Ukrainian Cossacks. Cossacks celebrate this Holiday too, do not they? Father Nikita. From ancient times God`s mother was protecting Cossacks of Zaporozhye. And having such Great Patroness, Cossacks were not afraid of any fire or sea storm. GI. There is a close connection of Cossacks and orthodox, is not there? Father Nikita. Orthodox religion and Cossacks were always synonymous words. Cossacks claimed to be protectors of Christian world, they firmly stood for “the house of God`s Mother”. In hard conditions of border lines protection, hope for help from God and saints gave courage and power to fight. Cossacks prayed before military campaigns, and they served thanksgiving prayings after coming back. They prayed in minutes of danger and happiness. Building a church in Cossacks towns was an essential. Christian religion was the main life line and tradition of Cossacks community, the sense of the whole living was serving to God, Tsar and motherland. During many years deep faith was a ground of Cossacks world view. Any person could be taken to Zaporozhiye. There was just one condition – one has to accept orthodox religion. A big number of historical documents proved it. 24
Memoirs and historical literature retell the procedure of taking to military forces. One who came to Sitch was taken to Ataman, he asked if guest had faith in God. Newcomer answered: “Yes, I have”. Then he was asked if he had faith in God`s Mother. He answered: “I have faith in God`s Mother”. Then Ataman asked him to make a sing of Cross. And after that a person was accepted as Christian. In case if a newcomer was not of Christian faith, he had to be Baptized. GI. Not only Cossacks considered the Mother of God to be their patroness. Unmarried women laid their hopes on the holiday of God`s Mother`s Veil. Father Nikita. It was really so. Unmarried young women heartily prayed on this holiday. The holiday of God`s Mother`s Veil was connected with the start of Autumn traditions, gathering together in the evenings and autumn marriage season. This Holiday was widely celebrated in Rus. It has many traditions from old Slavonic holidays. On this day girls asked the Mother of God about marriage. Girls believed, she who lights a candle earlier on this day, will get married earlier. That is why they all rushed to church from the very morning. And if someone was lucky to get married on this day, it meant that family life would be happy. On this reason the holiday was considered to be a women`s holiday. But the Mother of God helps to everyone. We all have to call for God`s Mother`s help every day. GI. Father Nikita, what would you like to wish to our readers? Father Nikita. I wish to all of us not to forget about help of the Mother of God, and not to forget lessons from our history. Let our Christian heart always be in touch with great Mother of God, and always lay our hopes, joys and troubles on our patroness Mother of God. And She, Joy of all who sorrow, overspreading Her Protecting Holy Veil, will cover us with defense and mercy.
Staff party
Our birthdays June 2013 “Omega Motors” celebrated 5th anniversary. August 2013 “Delta Motors Crimea” – 7 years of the company September 2013 “Autowind” – 6 years. In this issue “Gals Inform” editors congratulate companies with their birthdays, and “Avtogals” with “Toyota Style” victory in the II quarter. Each dealership center celebrated their occasions differently. “Delta Motors Crimea” had visited Saint Kliment monastery in Inkerman and harbor in Balaklava. “Autowind” had got off to “Forest fairy tale”, to enjoy Seversky Donets picturesque sceneries and active rest. “Avtogals” decided to spend their money bonus in a bowling club.
“Delta`s” journey
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Staff party
“Autowind” forest tale
“Avtogals” likes perfect strikes
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Мозговой штурм
The results of the contest “Together on the photo me and Toyota” On September 1st, the results of the contest “Together on the photo me and Toyota” have been summed up. It was rather hard for the jury to define the winner, as each work deserved attention. In the course of the contest there were two more nominations: “People`s choice award” and “The best photo name”. The evident leader in the nomination “People`s choice award” was a photo sent by Nikolay Sereda, (supply manager “Azovmotor”), which was the most popular and received the biggest number of comments. We say Nikolay Ivanovich: “Thank you for positive emotions!”
Undeniable leadership in the nomination “The best photo name” belongs to Irina Vershinina (“Azovmotor” – assistant manager). Irina named her photo “Family and work”. We appreciate that Irina shared this important in her life event with the company she works at and her poem to the photo was really beautiful. We wish Irina happiness and love in her family, and hope that she would successfully combine her work and family life. These photos were awarded with memorable diplomas.
However, the winner can be just one and it was Olga Berezhnaya (CR - manager “DonLex”), she published her photo “The best present can be just new Lexus!!!”. Olga was awarded with a main prize – digital photo frame, which reproduces photo, audio and video files.
“Gals Inform” editors thank all the participants for the activity and creativity. In the next issue you will be acquainted with a new contest, and it means that new victories and prizes are expecting you.
Corporate issue of LLC “Gals Motors” Editors: Manager of the project – Y.M. Novoseltseva Editor – T.M. Parhomenko Layout – V.Y.Amelin Correction works – L.L. Svetlichnaya Donetsk B.Khmelnitskogo ave., 55, 2nd floor Tel.: (062)311-83-38 Fax: (062)311-86-46 galsinform@avtogals.ua Not for sale