MEMO

DATE: March 31
TO: All operations employees
FROM: Robin Evans, Chief of operations
SUBJECT: Reports review

Last week, I distributed a report detailing the department’s performance in the first quarter. There are some items in the report that I think should be addressed.

First of all, it seems that costs in the maintenance department have _____(1) since last quarter. I have asked Terrence Howard’s team to provide some details related to specific increases in maintenance expenses. Also, I am quite surprised that certain project _____(2) have not been met. _____(3). Lastly, inventory levels are currently lower than projected. I would like to set up a meeting with Carmine Gosford’s group to discuss our _____(4) for managing inventory going forward.

We will be doing other performance reviews throughout the year, and I hope that this will help us become a more efficient and productive department.

The exclusive Montgomery Cafe, located on the first floor of the Gold Star Hotel, is the highest rated cafe in Deville City. The cafe offers only the finest coffee, which is imported once a month from Italy. You can choose from thirty different flavors of coffee, including French Vanilla, Mocha, Raspberry, and Hazelnut. At Montgomery Cafe, we believe that making coffee is an art. All of our new staff members are required to attend an intensive program where they learn how to prepare gourmet coffee. In addition to coffee, the Montgomery Cafe offers the following services:

. A daily selection of gourmet baked goods
. Free Internet access (must spend a minimum of $5.00 at the cafe)
. Fresh ground coffee to take home
. A range of coffee machines and accessories
. Coffee-making classes (applications available at the register)

To: All customer financial advisors
From: Head office
Re: Credit card use

With Thanksgiving next month, and Christmas also getting closer, we would like you to use the following information to help you advise customers. When customers come to get advice about reducing or avoiding credit card debt, give them a copy of the attached article. Explain to them that they should spend only what they can afford. Help them understand the main reasons for debt. Also, please become familiar with our new interest rates because customers may ask about them.

HOLIDAY DEBT

During the holiday season, many Americans find themselves in great financial trouble. Recent studies show that the average American buys many more gifts than he or she can afford. That may help explain why the average American has a debt of $7,000. Many citizens have even larger debts of between $15,000 and $18,000. The use of credit cards is the main source of debt in holiday spending. Financial advisors recommend that consumers only spend as much as they can afford during the holiday season to avoid financial difficulties in the following months. Interest can significantly increase the final costs. Please ask one of our advisors for a list of current interest rates.