Each Year SBM Gives Out a $500 Scholarship to a local student.
This year’s $500 scholarship recipient is Alan Osterhaus.
He is a 2015 graduate of Milledgeville High School.
Alan will be attending the University of Wisconsin in Platteville
And majoring in Agriculture, particularly Animal Science with an emphasis on Dairy.
For five years he has been helping and working at a local dairy farm snd has develop a passion for the industry.
You carry canvas bags to the grocery store, recycle curbside and turn off lights when leaving a room. Great! Now kick it up a notch and look for even more ways to go green at home and work. Start by learning how eco-friendly you really are and in the process you’ll discover more ways to help protect the environment. Answers are provided at the end. Good luck!
1. When it comes to efficiency, what’s the best temperature for your hot water heater?
a. 98
b. 120
c. 150
d. 180
2. If you’re trying to cut down on leaks in your home, what’s the best way?
a. Add more insulation into the attic
b. Caulk, seal and weather-strip windows and doors
c. Place towels on the windowsills
d. Keep room doors shut
3. At what interval should you check your air filter?
a. Weekly
b. Twice a month
c. Monthly
d. Quarterly
4. What device in your home uses the most water?
a. Dishwasher
b. Outdoor hose
c. Kitchen faucet
d. Toilet
5. On average, for each load you wash, how many gallons are used?
a. 10
b. 28
c. 41
d. 67
6. There are few things in life more pleasurable than a long soak in a hot bath, but is it worth the luxury? How many gallons does it take to fill up an average bathtub?
a. 27
b. 43
c. 61
d. 70
7. By contrast, how many gallons of water does a shower use?
a. 10-25
b. 30-40
c. 45-60
d. 61+
8. Solar power can provide energy on cloudy days or at night.
a. True
b. False
9. For maximum energy savings, consider turning off your monitor if you’re gone for what period of time?
a. 20 minutes
b. 30 minutes
c. 1 hour
d. 2 hours or more
10. When doing your spring cleaning consider this: The average American throws out how many pounds of clothes each year?
a. 17
b. 68
c. 100
d. 250
11. Carbon dioxide is produced by burning oil, coal and gas. When you drive a car or make dinner, you’re adding to the carbon footprint. How long does it take carbon dioxide to disperse into the atmosphere?
a. 5 years
b. 50 years
c. 75 years
d. 100 years
12. How much carbon dioxide does the average American emit annually?
a. 1.2 tons
b. 7.5 tons
c. 11.6 tons
d. 18 tons
13. Which of the following items lasts longest in the environment?
a. Paper
b. Glass
c. Plastic
d. Wood
14. At the office, what is the potential savings to turning off computers at night and on weekends?
a. $18 per computer per year
b. $25 per computer per year
c. $37 per computer per year
d. $44 per computer per year
15. Installing LED exit signs at your office versus conventional exit signs can save how much per year per sign?
a. $7
b. $15
c. $24
d. $53
Answers:
1. b. Setting your hot water temperature to an optimal 120 degrees also decreases potential scalding. Installing an automatic timer to turn your water heater off overnight can save you about $50 a year.
2. b. Air leaks can increase costs by 10 percent. Weather-stripping can save you about $2 per drafty window.
3. c. A clean air filter helps your HVAC system run efficiently, cutting your heating and cooling costs by 5-15 percent annually.
4. d. Shocking but true, flushing the toilet accounts for more than a third of home water use. When updating yours, look for high-efficiency models that use 60 percent less water.
5. c. While newer energy-efficient models use less than 30 gallons, older washers use much more. To save water, always wash full loads and in cold water. Line dry as much as possible.
6. d. Soak sparingly!
7. a. A 5 minute shower consumes 10-25 gallons.
8. a. Since many solar energy systems have battery storage, you can still draw energy when it’s dark outside.
9. a. There’s a small surge when you start up your equipment, which levels out over time. The rule of thumb is when leaving for 20 minutes or more, turn off your monitor to save energy.
10. b. Instead of tossing them in the trash, donate them or turn them into rags if they’re no longer wearable.
11. d. Combine errands and walk when you can since your CO2 emission will be around long after you are.
12. b. In fact, the U.S. has the second largest carbon footprint in the world.
13. b. It takes 1 million years for glass to decompose. If you recycle nothing more than glass, that’s a great way to help the environment.
14. d. This costs you nothing and can save you a bundle.
15. c. LED signs last 100 percent longer and are a breeze to maintain.
As we celebrate Earth Day on April 22, consider incorporating some of the eco-friendly tips above or find more ideas at one of the websites below. Another valuable source for environmentally-friendly ideas? Your local Office Supply Dealer. They can help you retrofit existing equipment and make your office more energy-efficient all around. Just a few simple changes can reap great rewards!
The United Way of Whiteside County was the proud recipient of $1,700.50 from SBM’s Private Label Copy Paper sold in Whiteside County last year. SBM generated this donation in direct proportion to the number of cases of paper sold in the Whiteside County area.
Mobile Scanners
Brother portable scanners are the perfect choice for small businesses, mobile professionals or anyone else who needs a compact mobile scanner loaded with high performance features. Scan photos, business cards, invoices, statements, receipts, contracts, forms, handwritten notes and more with these lightweight portable scanners that take up minimal space whether in a briefcase or on a desktop.
Brother portable scanners are powered through an included USB cable, allowing you to scan monochrome or color documents wherever you happen to be. Efficient and convenient, our portable scanners are the easy and affordable way to stay organized, reduce paper clutter and save time.
Image CenterTM DESKTOP SCANNERS
The Brother ImageCenterTM desktop scanners are high-speed, reliable, high-quality and easy-to-use. They are the perfect choice for businesses and workgroups looking to scan to various destinations such as an E-Mail, OCR, file, image, USB flash memory drive or AndroidTMtablet/mobile device. Additionally the ADS-2500W network model supports scan to E-Mail server, FTP, network and web (cloud) applications.
Take a moment to think about those multiple-step scanning operations that are done again and again, day after day. Scanning, editing, naming, choosing a file format – it’s so repetitive. Now imagine the time and money you could save by doing all that at the press of a button. That’s what the Brother ImageCenterTM ADS desktop scanner series is all about. The ImageCenterTM scanners with built-in, easy-to-use functionality let you capture, manage, process, and deliver PDFs and other file formats – automating processes that previously were time-consuming.
The Brother ImageCenterTM desktop scanners are ideal for busy workgroups looking to maximize productivity and streamline scanning applications that were previously in printed form.
Threat of theft, fire or flood, loss of confidential information and uninvited visitors are all serious security concerns. We’re here to help protect your workers, clients and important data by offering the latest advancements
Don’t be an easy target for criminals by leaving valuables unsecured. Laptop locks, safes, locking storage cabinets and tamper-resistant envelopes help to deter theft. Identify fake bills, phony IDs, credit cards, passports, driver’s licenses and traveler’s checks with counterfeit detectors.
If you’re worried about confidential information being seen or falling in the wrong hands, encrypted flash media, computer privacy filters/screens, shredders and confidential document containers offer additional protection.
Safeguard important documents with fire and water-resistant file cabinets and safes.
While we have made great strides in breast cancer prevention and treatment, much remains to be done. According to the National Cancer Institute, about one in eight American women will develop breast cancer sometime in their lives, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer after skin cancer. And, it’s the second leading cause of cancer death in American women right after lung cancer.
Since about 85 percent of breast cancer occurs in women with no family history, everyone should be vigilant (breastcancer.org).
Despite these sobering statistics, there’s still reason for hope. Contributions made to breast cancer’s Pink Campaign have made a significant difference in the lives of millions of women (and men) with generous funding for awareness, support, research, and treatment.
Go Pink in October
Since October is breast cancer awareness month, you’ll see pink everywhere – from yogurt and bottled water to jewelry and sweatshirts. Even national sports teams go pink.
Here are just some of the ways contributions help improve and save lives.
• Transportation to and from treatments – Available in many locations, simply getting to and from appointments remains a top concern. Patients are typically paired with another cancer survivor who provides a needed service along with companionship.
• Free temporary lodging for patients and caregivers – For the best cancer care, patients sometimes need to travel far from home. Contributions to the Pink Campaign help provide comfortable, safe, temporary lodging free of charge.
• Support via an 800# and online – Support and information for cancer patients, family and friends is available day and night. Having someone immediately available is especially important for the newly diagnosed.
• Advice and techniques to improve appearance – Led by volunteer beauty consultants, this service provides advice to women on how to look and feel their best during treatment.
• Guidance to assist with the health care maze – Patients and caregivers will encounter many health care questions. Specially trained assistants work with a range of treatment facilities and can offer guidance.
• Email mammogram reminder service – Annual reminder to schedule your check up.
• Newsletters and the latest information – Up-to-date research and treatment breakthroughs, inspirational first-hand accounts and guidelines.
• Non-medical financial aid – This provides basic living expenses such as car payments and utilities for a given period of time.
• Specific support for young women – Education and assistance for an often-neglected segment of breast cancer patients.
• Research into the cause, prevention and treatment of breast cancer, including new chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapies and vitamins.
• Work with lawmakers to ensure funding continues to be top priority.
Do your part to support breast cancer awareness by going pink in October. Looking for ways to show you care at work? Stop by SBM, 501 Locust St, in Sterling, Illinois. There you will find an array of pink products – paper, scissors, writing instruments, letter openers and much more. Stop by today.
Looking for a great Mother’s Day gift? When it comes to Mother’s Day there are three things that must be given, a card, flowers, and something sweet. We call this the Mother’s Day Trifecta. Here are three DIY gifts that are perfect for Mom this Sunday.
1. Print out the photo frame template (click here to download) and print out on cover stock or regular paper and give it to your child to color.
2. Cut out the frame and window in the center.
3. Place a photo behind the frame and tape it into place on the backside.
Peanut butter packs these breakfast flapjacks with protein and just the right amount of nutty flavor. Freeze any extras between layers of waxed paper, then simply heat them in the microwave for 35 seconds, flipping halfway through, for a busy-morning breakfast.
1 cup flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
Banana slices (optional)
Honey roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped (optional)
Maple syrup
1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt, and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, sugar, and oil until smooth. Beat in the egg, then the milk. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture, stirring just until blended.
3. Next, lightly coat a griddle or skillet with oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Drop the batter onto the griddle by 1/4-cup measures. Cook until tiny bubbles appear on the surfaces of the cakes, then flip them and cook a few minutes more. Serve topped with banana slices and chopped peanuts, and drizzled with maple syrup. Makes twelve 4-inch pancakes.
Create a wither free homemade bouquet. Perfect for toddlers!
Colorful cupcake liners (or draw flower shapes inside white liners with washable markers)
Colorful pipe cleaners (number depends on bouquet)
Scissors
Pen
Optional: Mason jar or Vase
1. With pen, poke a small hole in the center of cupcake liners.
2. Pull pipe cleaner about a half inch through liner and gently fold pipe cleaner down to secure.
3. Repeat steps 4 or 5 times, depending on desired bouquet.
4. With scissors, cut bottom of pipe cleaners to different lengths to reinforce bouquet look.
5. Holding “flowers” together, tie another pipe cleaner around to finish the bouquet.
Optional: Place in Mason Jar or Vase
As a proud member of our local communities we at SBM feel it is important to give back to our surrounding communities. Recently, SBM issued checks to local United Ways. These funds were generated in direct proportion to the amount of copy paper sold in each county.
No matter how neat and tidy your desktop may be, drawers always seem to get messy. It’s just so easy to shove all those miscellaneous items you collect into a single confined space. Everything from the personal: breath mints and pain reliever, to the work related: business cards and reports – all find their way into desk drawers. Problem is when you need to root around the jumbled mess for a decent working marker and can’t find one. Spring cleaning your drawers is a breeze when you keep these dos and don’ts in mind.
Do arm yourself. As long as you’re tackling your drawers, give them a thorough dusting out at the same time. Before starting, arm yourself with spray cleaner, paper towels (or old rags), rubber gloves, drawer liner and scissors. This way you won’t need to stop half way through to search for supplies.
Do empty completely. Dump every stray paperclip, staple and salt packet onto a table or even the floor so you can see the full contents. If you try to organize a drawer one item at a time, it’ll soon return to chaos. Starting with a clean slate gives you the opportunity to rethink how you use the space in general.
Don’t become emotionally attached. Many of us have a tendency to hang on to things on the off-chance we may need it again someday. This is how drawers become a muddled mess of old meeting agendas, miscellaneous promotional premiums and broken pens. Discard anything that’s out-of-date, no longer works or you haven’t used in the last year.
Do develop an organizational plan. Organize your desk drawers the way you actually use them. Maybe you use a variety of different colored markers but never use your calculator. Or you reference glossy magazines for ideas every day, but rarely need a pad of paper. The only way to organize your drawers and to keep them that way is to make them unique to you. Decide what items you’ll need regular access to and place them in the front or top drawer. Then group similar items together e.g., staples and remover next to the stapler, mechanical pencils, lead and erasers and so on. Now you can purchase desk organizers to break up drawer space into sections of various shapes and sizes. Get creative and colorful because the more appealing the drawer, the more motivated you’ll be to keep it neat.
Do designate a special place for little pieces of paper. Nothing creates more drawer disorder than tiny scraps of paper and sticky notes you’re too busy to file away. Designate a single spot for these such as a small container or envelope. Even a file folder titled “random thoughts” or “follow up items” will help tame the paper tiger.
Don’t go messy again. Now that you’ve got a place for everything it should be easier to return it to its spot. Regularly straighten the drawer’s contents and review your organizational scheme to make sure it continues to serve your needs. Readjust as needed.
When it comes to desk drawers, many of us have an out-of-sight, out-of-mind philosophy until we need to find something important and find plastic spoons, antacids, and other inconsequential junk in the way. A big hassle when you’re in a rush. Spending a few minutes today can save you countless time tomorrow. Start tidying up today!
The U.S. AbilityOne Commission recently notified SBM (Sterling Business Machines, Inc.) that our organization has been designated as an “Outstanding” Ability One distributor for the year 2013.
The U.S. AbilityOne Commission® is pleased to announce that Sterling Business Machines, Inc. has been recognized as an “OUTSTANDING” AbilityOne Program distributor due to your continual efforts to support the AbilityOne Program during Fiscal Year 2013.The AbilityOne Program generates jobs for individuals who are blind or have other significant disabilities through Federal Government purchases of certain products and services provided by nonprofit agencies employing such individuals.
We appreciate the effort that Sterling Business Machines, Inc. has made over the years to support the AbilityOne Program.
SBM is one of just 26 AbilityOne distributors across the entire country to earn this designation, and we couldn’t be more proud of this accomplishment.
Among the many factors that contribute to this “Outstanding” designation, including our GSA catalog and marketing efforts, we maintain that the most outstanding thing we do has little to do with our products — and more with our people.
As an AbilityOne distributor of blind-made SKILCRAFT products — we make it simple for Federal customers to learn about and order those products. But it’s the sales of those products that lends itself to a more important task: offering jobs to outstanding blind professionals.
We look forward to another year of working to be an outstanding AbilityOne distributor.
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