Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Jiffy Lube All-Star Champions

Media Contacts:
Andrea Salzman, 617-939-8433 asalzman@coneinc.com
Virginia Sanchez, 713-546-6272 virginia.q.sanchez@shell.com
The “River City Raiders” Bring Home Coveted J-Team All Stars Champion Title; Notable Individuals Recognized, Including Franchisee of the Year, Griffin Fast Lube, LLC
CHICAGO, IL ? September 22, 2011 — As the nation’s largest fast lube company convened to celebrate 32 years of leadership and plan for the future, Eastern champs, the “River City Raiders,” from Jiffy Lube service center #285 in Fort Wayne, Ind., had a milestone of their own to celebrate. The employee team, or “J-Team,” emerged as the 2011 J-Team All Stars Champion in the culmination of a months-long battle of 1,500 teams to showcase the knowledge and expertise that helps Jiffy Lube service center employees deliver a top-notch customer experience every day. In addition, the annual Convention was also a time to recognize Jiffy Lube franchisees from across North America for their commitment to excellence and outstanding achievements.
The 2011 All-Star Champions
The “River City Raiders” had their game faces on at Sunday’s Grand Finals event, the fifth and final round of the competition, beating out Western champions, the “Dukes and Duchess of Albuquerque” from Albuquerque, N.M., to emerge as this year’s J-Team All Stars Champions. The competition, now in its third year, celebrates service center employees’ dedication, teamwork and commitment to excellence by challenging participating teams to showcase their skills and deliver an exceptional customer experience.
“It was exciting to watch the ‘River City Raiders’ compete yesterday,” said Stu Crum, president of Jiffy Lube International. “This competition sets Jiffy Lube apart – it brings together the best and brightest employees from our nationally-recognized training program, Jiffy Lube University, and allows them to showcase the skills they share with our customers as the faces of our brand every day.”
In a fight to the finish, the finalist teams were motivated by peers and spectators in the hope of taking home the title and the $10,000 team prize. The teams were judged by JLI District Managers on their teamwork, operational execution and customer experience skills, as well as how quickly they could perform a Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change, a preventive maintenance service that involves changing, inspecting, checking/filling and cleaning essential vehicle components.
Owned by Indiana Lubricants, Inc., a Jiffy Lube franchisee, service center #285’s J-Team members include: James McHenry, customer service advisor; Bill Hines, upper bay technician; John Bixler, lower bay technician; Maurice Rogers, courtesy technician; and Lora Otto, team leader. “We’re thrilled to be taking home the title this year,” said Steve Sanner of Indiana Lubricants, Inc. “Our team faced some tough competition, but they pulled through because of their hard work each and every day; this win was well-deserved.”
32nd Annual Convention Award Winners 
As part of the 2011 Jiffy Lube Convention, Jiffy Lube franchisees and employees were recognized for their achievements over the past year. A highlight of this year’s Convention was the announcement of Dave and Joye Griffin of Griffin Fast Lube, LLC, as this year’s Franchisee of the Year. The award is presented to the entity that best exemplifies the Jiffy Lube brand and demonstrates ongoing commitment, support, strength and integrity while continuing to display their involvement in the Jiffy Lube business.
Noteworthy Achievements
The Presidential Store Manager Recognition Award – which celebrates the notable achievements of a Jiffy Lube store manager – was awarded to Ryan Findley of Heartland Automotive Services, Inc. Findley, who manages store #1572 in Chesterfield, Mo., was recognized for outstanding achievement in training, operations, customer service and day-to-day operations, while consistently demonstrating dedication to his team and the Jiffy Lube business. Michael Merritts (Eastern Division) and Bob Haid (Western Division) took home the 2011 District Managers of the Year Awards based on positive financial impact on their franchisees’ businesses, outstanding support in franchisee operations and business insights
Dedication, Compassion, Respect and Integrity
  • The Harold Burney Award honors a franchisee who has shown hard work and dedication to Jiffy Lube and fellow franchisees. This year, Bob Falter of Multi Management, Inc. in Forest Hill, Md. was honored for his continuous support of his fellow franchisees, and commitment to Jiffy Lube practices and initiatives.
  • The Jon Harvey Memorial Award recognizes a franchisee that epitomizes integrity, intensity and intimacy; this year’s award was presented to Mark Mavris of T & M Enterprises of PA, Inc., in Bel Air, Md.
  • The Arlene Karlson Heart and Soul Award is named for a late franchisee known for her compassion for employees and contributions to the community. This year’s recipient, Kirk Umphrey of Lube Management, Inc. in Sandy, Utah, exemplifies “heart” and “soul” through his dedication to both local charities and employees.
  • Paul Jacques, Franchise Learning Manager, was recognized as the recipient of this year’s Lisa Carlson Mentor Award, which honors Jiffy Lube International’s former Global Director of Marketing. The award is presented to an individual who consistently demonstrates commitment, care, support, guidance and respect for diversity in mentoring and guiding employees at all levels.
Additional award winners included:
  • Customer Excellence Award: STC Management Group in Woodbridge, Va. was recognized for its success in attracting both new and repeat customers to Jiffy Lube, and dedication to improving the customer experience.
  • People Award: BroadBase, Inc., located in West Sacramento, Calif. was honored for its training and development program; putting employees first; providing a well-rounded training program; and offering outstanding employee benefits.
  • Operations Award: Lubricar, Inc., located in Albuquerque, N.M. was acknowledged for its operational excellence, adherence to policies and procedures, and commitment to improving the customer experience.
  • Fleet Growth Award: Stephen Hagen with S&S Group of Wilmington, Inc. in Wilmington, N.C. was recognized for exceptional fleet growth.
  • Facilities Award:Joe Menendez of the Menendez Group in Cockeysville, Md. was honored with the Facilities Award for consistently taking pride in his facilities and developing best-in-class stores in the market.
To find a Jiffy Lube in your area, please visit Locations.JiffyLube.com. Visit JiffyLube.com to find oil change coupons and promotions, Jiffy Lube news articles,community involvement programs and events, franchise information andemployment opportunities. Also, anyone can visit the new Jiffy Lube Facebook community, “Keeping My Ride Alive,” to view photos and stories from drivers committed to extending the life of their vehicles, as well as upload photos and stories of their own.
Note to Editors: Photos of award winners are available upon request.
About Jiffy Lube®
Jiffy Lube International Inc. (“Jiffy Lube”), with more than 2,000 franchised service centers in North America, serves approximately 24 million customers each year. Jiffy Lube pioneered the fast oil change industry in 1979 by establishing the first drive-through service bay, providing customers with fast, professional service for their vehicles. Headquartered in Houston, Jiffy Lube is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Shell Oil Company. Visit www.JiffyLube.com to learn more about Jiffy Lube and vehicle care.
Royal Dutch Shell plc
Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 100 countries with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of Liquefied Natural Gas and Gas to Liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects including wind and solar power. For further information, visit www.shell.com.
Cautionary Note
The companies in which Royal Dutch Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this press release “Shell”, “Shell group” and “Royal Dutch Shell” are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Royal Dutch Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies. ‘‘Subsidiaries’’, “Shell subsidiaries” and “Shell companies” as used in this press release refer to companies in which Royal Dutch Shell either directly or indirectly has control, by having either a majority of the voting rights or the right to exercise a controlling influence. The companies in which Shell has significant influence but not control are referred to as “associated companies” or “associates” and companies in which Shell has joint control are referred to as “jointly controlled entities”. In this press release, associates and jointly controlled entities are also referred to as “equity-accounted investments”. The term “Shell interest” is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect (for example, through our 34% shareholding in Woodside Petroleum Ltd.) ownership interest held by Shell in a venture, partnership or company, after exclusion of all third-party interest. This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Royal Dutch Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Royal Dutch Shell to market risks and statements expressing management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ‘‘anticipate’’, ‘‘believe’’, ‘‘could’’, ‘‘estimate’’, ‘‘expect’’, ‘‘intend’’, ‘‘may’’, ‘‘plan’’, ‘‘objectives’’, ‘‘outlook’’, ‘‘probably’’, ‘‘project’’, ‘‘will’’, ‘‘seek’’, ‘‘target’’, ‘‘risks’’, ‘‘goals’’, ‘‘should’’ and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Royal Dutch Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this press release, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for the Group’s products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserve estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments including potential litigation and regulatory effects arising from recategorisation of reserves; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; and (m) changes in trading conditions. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional factors that may affect future results are contained in Royal Dutch Shell’s 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008 (available at www.shell.com/investor and www.sec.gov). These factors also should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, September 12, 2011. Neither Royal Dutch Shell nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) permits oil and gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only proved reserves that a company has demonstrated by actual production or conclusive formation tests to be economically and legally producible under existing economic and operating conditions. We use certain terms in this press release that SEC's guidelines strictly prohibit us from including in filings with the SEC. U.S. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC websitewww.sec.gov. You can also obtain these forms from the SEC by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Tips for Families this School Year

Six Driving Tips for Back-to-School Carpoolers
It's back-to-school time and, for many parents, that means carpools. Before trucking the kids around town, parents need to make sure their vehicles are operating safely. These quick tips will help ensure your vehicle is ready to keep up with the kids' busy schedules.
1.
Take the vehicle in for routine maintenance. A Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change is a smart first step to prepare your vehicle for back-to-school driving. Your vehicle's engine will likely be working overtime since most carpools require quick trips in heavily trafficked areas. Changing your engine oil, replacing dirty air filters and checking your tire pressure are all important to keep your vehicle on the road, not on the side of it.
2.
Buckle up and make sure your passengers do too. Seat belt use among high school students is lower than among other occupants in passenger vehicles. According to a survey from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, many teens aren't buckling up, even when adults are driving with them and using belts themselves. Teens often follow by example. The study reported that more than half of teens were more likely to buckle up if the adult who dropped them off at school also wore a seat belt. However, when adult drivers did not use seat belts, only 8% of teens used theirs.
3.
Practice proper car seat safety. Some mothers will be taking preschool children along when they drive older children to and from school. Make sure everyone is using proper seat restraints at all times. For infants (from birth to one year and less than 20 lbs.), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends infant-only or rear-facing convertible seats with harness straps at or below shoulder level. The NHTSA says toddlers (over one year and between 20 to 40 lbs.) should be placed in convertible/forward-facing seats with harness straps at or above shoulders. For young children (four to eight years old and more than 40 lbs.), the organization recommends a forward-facing, belt positioning booster seat with the lap belt fitting low and tight across the lap/upper thigh area and the shoulder belt snug across the chest and shoulder. All children aged 12 and under should ride in the back seat.
4.
Be prepared for fall showers. There may be times when you have to make the ride to or from school in a heavy downpour. As part of a Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change, a technician can check the status of your windshield wipers and tire tread. You want to make sure wipers glide smoothly across the windshield without streaking and you're getting enough tire traction on a slippery road.
5.
 Talk to your children about where they walk outside of schools. Tell them to always use school crosswalks and sidewalks and be alert at all times. According to the Safe Routes to Schools organization, of the leading types of youth pedestrian crashes, 33% are due to dart-outs — entering traffic mid-block, often between parked cars.
6 oo
bey school zone speed limits. Children may not always stay on the sidewalk or within crosswalk lines, so you need to be extra careful. As a lot of morning traffic is comprised of parents driving children to school, so you should also watch out for other vehicles slowing down or suddenly stopping to let children out.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

400,000 Miles and Going Strong.


Drivers Determined to Achieve Higher Mileage
Nearly Unanimous, National Survey Reveals Drivers View Oil Changes as Key to Vehicle Longevity

HOUSTON – Roy Lindahl has been driving his white Jeep® Cherokee since the day they drove off the lot together seventeen years ago. He and his vehicle, affectionately nicknamed "Jeepy," recently reached a major milestone when the odometer hit 400,000 miles. It was a proud moment for Lindahl, who has kept Jeepy on a regular preventive maintenance schedule for years to ensure his reliable companion takes him where he wants to go for years to come. It's been a habit well practiced for Lindahl, who has surprised even maintenance technicians with his Jeep's impressive condition and mileage.
An auto mechanic as a teen, and engineer by trade, Lindahl has seen the impact that neglect can have on a vehicle first hand and he has passed the importance of proper maintenance on to the next generation. His son, who has inherited his passion for vehicles, recently showcased his own restored vehicle in a hometown parade and practices the same dedication to maintenance. It's no surprise that Lindahl and his son are not the only drivers looking to hold onto their vehicles as long as possible. A recent survey conducted by Jiffy Lube International (JLI) reveals that more than half of U.S. drivers hope to have more than 150,000 miles on their vehicle before replacing it, and more than a quarter aspire to clock 250,000 miles or more.
"It just goes to show that regular care of your vehicle pays off – you get out what you put in," said Lindahl who regularly visits the Jiffy Lube service center in his hometown of Lafayette, CA for maintenance. "I must be doing something right because Jeepy just keeps on going. I'm hoping that one day we'll hit the million-mile mark together."
Drivers Want More
The impact of more difficult economic times can be seen in many places including on the road. The average age of a vehicle on the road continues to rise year after year. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average automobile in operation has aged almost three years since 1990†. In addition, the majority of vehicles on the road (at nine years old) have logged 110,000 miles, according to NPD's Car Care Trac.
As drivers hold onto their vehicles longer, they are looking for better and easier ways to help protect their vehicle's life. The JLI survey reveals that though drivers universally acknowledge that regular maintenance can help extend the life of their vehicle, many are looking for more out of their maintenance experience. In their desire to extend the life and value of their vehicle, drivers are seeking convenient ways to help them maintain it. More services and convenience are top priorities, with nine out of 10 people surveyed agreeing that having other key vehicle parts and fluids checked during their regular oil change is the most convenient way for them to help preserve their vehicle's value.
While most drivers know what they want out of their maintenance experience, many aren't getting everything they're looking for. In fact:
- 99% of those surveyed would like their tire pressure checked during an oil change visit, but only 78% actually receive the service;
- 99% would like their windshield washer fluid filled, but only 74% leave with it filled;
- 86% are looking for vehicle essentials, including brake fluids, belts, exterior lights and wiper blades to be inspected, however only three-quarters leave with these services actually performed.
Nearly one in five Americans believe the most important thing when having their oil changed is being able to have multiple services performed in a single visit, and more than half (59%) want to have their oil changed in 30 minutes or less. For drivers seeking a convenient way to help extend their vehicle's life, a regular preventive maintenance regiment is essential. Jiffy Lube offers the Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change to address these needs, providing drivers with much more than just an oil and filter change. The service includes changing, inspecting, checking/filling and cleaning key vehicle parts and fluids and offers drivers a quick and convenient way to maintain their vehicle. The Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change is a convenient solution that can help drivers preserve the value and longevity of their vehicle.
Keeping My Ride Alive
Keeping a vehicle alive and running beyond its years has long been a source of pride for vehicle owners – particularly in tough economic times. Whether the odometer is sporting double or triple digits, like-minded enthusiasts now have a place to pound their chests and celebrate their high-mileage accomplishments at a new Facebook community, "Keeping My Ride Alive." Visitors can cruise the site to browse photos and stories from other high-mileage drivers, or share their own photos and stories. Newbies to the road, high-mileage heroes and everyone in between are welcome to join the community by "liking" the page and uploading their vehicle's image and story. Visit www.Facebook.com/KeepingMyRideAliveto share your story and read about others.
To find a Jiffy Lube service center in your area, please visithttp://Locations.JiffyLube.com/. Visit JiffyLube.com to find oil change coupons and promotions, Jiffy Lube news articles, community involvement programs and events, franchise information and employment opportunities.
Survey Methodology:
The Jiffy Lube International survey was conducted via telephone interviews during the period of April 8-11, 2010. The survey included a national probability sample of 1,013 adults comprising 507 men, 506 women 18 years of age or older, living in the Continental United States. The survey was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation.
About Jiffy Lube®
Jiffy Lube International Inc. ("Jiffy Lube"), with more than 2,000 franchised service centers in North America, serves approximately 24 million customers each year. Jiffy Lube pioneered the fast oil change industry in 1979 by establishing the first drive-through service bay, providing customers with fast, professional service for their vehicles. Headquartered in Houston, Jiffy Lube is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Shell Oil Company. Visit www.JiffyLube.com to learn more about Jiffy Lube and vehicle care.
Royal Dutch Shell plc
Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 100 countries with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of Liquefied Natural Gas and Gas to Liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects including wind and solar power. For further information, visit www.shell.com.
Transportation Statistics, 2008: http://www.bts.gov/publications/national_transportation_statistics/2008/html/table_01_25.html