In the past, MacDill’s Commissary developed a good working relationship with Services Marketing during large events such as base wide picnics and Airfest.  This opened the doors for pioneering a new program whereby both the Commissary and Services can gain mutual benefit along with other squadrons and private organizations on the base.

Why we did it:  Marketing Department receives calls from individual squadrons and private orgs frequently requesting support to their various events, picnics, ribbon cuttings, etc. The Commissary takes just as many requests, however, there was no legal method in place to offer assistance. In addition, many organizations need support from Services’ Outdoor Rec department in the form of tables, tents, chairs, sports equipment, BBQ grills, etc. Services saw an opportunity to educate their customers planning events by creating a promotional program whereby business and events could be kept on the base (instead of outside the gate at other venues) if customers knew more about what Services had to offer their organizations.

At the same time, the Commissary was constantly inundated with support requests. The 6 SVS Marketing Department learned from the Commissary that vendors who support the Commissary give cash incentives for purchases by the truckload or during special promotions. The Commissary really had no way of accepting and funneling cash incentives but realized they could be converted to Commissary gift certificates and donated to Services.

What we did:  An OI was written outlining the request and dispersal procedures and a positive legal review set the wheels in motion to begin the program. When the Commissary receives any cash incentives, the monies are donated to Services and converted to Commissary gift certificates in $25 denominations. Any squadron or private organizations can request in writing support to an event through the Getting to Know Services Program. The customer is then contacted and additional details about the event are obtained such as  where the event is being held, how many plan to attend, and the type of support needed. The Marketing Department POC then educates the customer on additional support Services might be able to offer to the event and helps the customer contact the appropriate Services facility/program needed. The request is upchanneled with a suggested amount based on the size and scope of the event to the Services Commander or Deputy for approval. Once approved, the customer picks up the gift certificate in Marketing along with any additional informational brochures, prices, or contacts needed to help their organization’s event. Distribution is logged on a spreadsheet, formal requests are filed and tracked. Up to 50% of all donations are given to private organizations and individual events and the remaining 50% is used for Services MWR basewide events. The greatest number of people benefit from the program this way while decreasing unauthorized solicitation of support to the Commissary.

Each Monday, Marketing emails a “week at a glance” half sheet flyer to over 1800 people to include include Squadron/Group Commanders, 1st Sgts, Chiefs, ESC, OSC, etc. The flyer is briefed in our Wing Stand Up every week and then sent to our email listing just after the brief is over. It makes our recipients feel as though they get the news just after base leadership gets it. We also send it to our Public Affairs office and they include the items in our electronic base paper and our Commander's Channel. It saves us an incredible amount of time since we don't have to produce two products that say the same thing.

To increase slow play months, we created a daily winter special. Our $25.00 Winter Golf Special is offered Monday – Friday and includes 18 holes of golf with cart and one daily lunch special. The response has been overwhelming resulting in significant increase in income during slow play time.

Eagle Lanes Bowling Center - Sunday Bowling Group & Family Packages   Dover AFB

A super group activity, Sunday Bowling is offered November – March from noon – 6 p.m. and features value priced packages. The $30 Family Package is three games with shoes for the whole family and includes a pizza and a pitcher of soda. Our Group Package is for 20 or more persons. The package is $10 per person and includes three games of bowling with shoes, one large pizza and a pitcher of soda per lane with a minimum of four persons per lane. This package requires advance reservations.  We also keep our King Pin Café open offering a regular menu.

Response has exceeded our expectations providing a steady flow of customers on what is usually a very slow day. 

Child Development Center - New Parent Orientation   Dover AFB

POC:  Marti Hosterman and Sally Savoie, DSN 445-3716

When parents visit the Child Development Center to register their child for care, they are also scheduled for a tour of the facility to become aware of the program, meet their child’s teacher and meet with the Director.  This effort affords the parents a more comfortable feeling about where their child will be during the day and who will be taking care of them.  The paperwork, which is required to be completed for an enrolled child in the center, is carefully explained to the parent and assistance given when needed.  This little bit of extra time spent at the beginning helps a parent feel comfortable and actually creates a stronger bond between them and the Child Development Center.

Youth Center – Be a Santa to a Senior Program   Dover AFB   (Added 29 Jan 08)

POC:  Roxanne Lee/Kristy Grove, DSN 445-6377

The “Be a Santa to a Senior” program delivers gifts to needy seniors throughout the community and at VA homes. Gifts are donated by local retailers. The youths also make holiday cards and help wrap all of the gifts. This is a great way for the younger and older members of our community to stay connected.

Eagle Lanes Bowling Center – First Term Airmen Center Team Building   Dover AFB

POC:  Carl Schlesinger, DSN 445-3950   (Added 29 Jan 08)

The Eagle Lanes Bowling Center, in cooperation with the FTAC, developed a team building skills session to follow their tour of Services activities.  The bowling center offers a free game and shoe rental to the students to encourage them to experience some enjoyable team building and to introduce them to what the bowling center has to offer. Though optional for them students to return and bowl, we find the majority of them do return that afternoon to bowl the free game and usually purchase a few more games and refreshments in addition.  We see these same new customers frequently now.

Every other Thursday, the Base Library presents classes for AF family members and retirees teaching them how to effectively become more computer savvy.  All classes are taught at the Library from 4:30 - 6 p.m. by the Library’s Information Specialist. Topics for classes include: Computer Basics for the Beginner, PC Security, Identity Theft, an Introduction to Word Processors, an Introduction to Spreadsheets, Basic Presentation Software, and Effective Internet Use and Research (taught by the Base Librarian).  All classes provide superb handouts and some lecture, but the vast majority of the class is hands-on and provided in an easy-going, learn at your own pace atmosphere. Response by the public (especially retirees) has been phenomenal with many of the classes booked in advance. Many people attending have in fact signed up for more than one session in order to keep up with their practice.

The Mitten Tree is a Christmas tree set up in the Base Library where patrons come, take a paper mitten off the tree and replace it by hanging an item of new warm weather clothing on the tree. At the end of the holiday season (January 2), all of the items go to a local shelter. This is a great way for our military community to give something to those less fortunate. The Library Mitten Tree collects an average of 65 items of clothing each year.

Graphics are created for just about anything imaginable, street rods, trucks, cars, vans, motorcycles, boats etc. and are a big hit with those that have modified their vehicles.  Generated by computer software, custom banners are made for all Services activities as well as for base organizations, and especially the AMC Air Museum.  Banners are made with a quick turn around and at savings of 60 -70 % of the cost in the local community.

A Super Street Car & Bike Show is held annually in the fall. This event brings in a new generation of car enthusiasts, as well as inviting the guys that love the “old” cars.  We combine this event with the pinewood derby racers creating a one-day event for all ages. The day is filled with fun for the whole family, offering items of interest such as live music from local popular bands, muffler raps, hydraulic demonstrations and food vendors. This event pulls in over $3,000 in sponsorship, which enables us to provide fabulous prizes, great mementoes and much more. Vendors i.e., car dealerships, audio dealers, banks and bike shops all enjoy the benefits of the exposure to the large crowd that this event pulls in. Each year the participants rave for months following the event, asking when is the next one.

Amusement Park operators, hospitality industry reps, Chambers of Commerce and other related tourism destination points within the mid-Atlantic region attend our annual Travel Expo. Commercial sponsorship is used to underwrite the cost of this event. The groups provide numerous giveaways and door prizes.  Each year this event attracts over 30 vendors.       

The Aero Club has contracted with the Delaware Department of Education to conduct ground and flight school for the Poly Technical High School. Each student becomes a member of the Civil Air Patrol which makes them eligible to become members of the Aero Club. Some of the students have gone on to the Air Force Academy to become future officers and pilots in the Air Force. This is a win-win program.

Our test center covers the Eastern Shore of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. We administer over 200 tests covering 70 plus professions.  Of the 200 tests, 64 are for FAA.  Over 150 tests have been administered for CY 2004, as of 31 Oct 04.  These tests generated $4,115 for the Aero Club

 Equipment Checkout is a point of sale for Delaware hunting, fishing and dog licenses as well as park passes.  This service is a great convenience for our customers. 

Our Eagle Wing Skeet and Sporting Clays has a comprehensive skeet program that offers annually six (6) NSSA sanctioned tournaments to include hosting three (3) Delaware State NSSA sanctioned tournaments as well as locally run single and multi-day events. Special programs include an Intramural League, a Fall/Winter League and a Turkey Shoot.  Our active volunteers program, many of whom are NSSA members, enables us to conduct these programs in a professional manner at a very low cost.

In an effort to meet customer needs and improve programming, we partner with the YMCA of Central Delaware to offer indoor swimming lessons during the winter months. This program allows kids and parents to enjoy aquatic programs year round at a special price as the YMCA membership fee is waived.

In an effort to promote conservation and continued usage of biking and hiking trails Outdoor Recreation partners with The Delaware Trail Spinners cycling club to adopt a 2 mile section of trail in the Middle Run Valley Nature Area adjacent to White Clay State Park, Newark, Delaware. This unique program allows us to participate in the preservation and upkeep of this local resource so people can continue to enjoy it for years to come. 

Eagle Creek Golf Course - Tee Box Menu   Dover AFB

POC:  Fran Estabrook, DSN 445-2988, fran.estabrook@dover.af.mil

Golfers ordinarily order food and beverage half way through play. Especially during the lunch time meal 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., golfers couldn’t get in, order, get their food and get back on the course in an expeditious way. In many cases this slowed down play and discouraged golfers from stopping in the snack bar and making a purchase. They just continued on to the 10^th tee, thus losing potential sales revenue.

A menu board was located at the 9^th tee with a phone mounted on it, which rings directly into the snack bar. Snack bar personnel take the orders and there is a separate service window to provide easy access so golfing customers don’t have to get in line with regular snack bar traffic. Results: Happier golfers who can get their food/beverage and continue play, plus regular customers, who don’t have to compete with the golfers in line.

Texas Hold'Em  Scott AFB  (Added 28 Jan 08)

POC:  Mary Robles, DSN 576-4511 / 618-256-4511

Army/AF Cup Challenge  Scott AFB

POC: Scott Schaefer/Michael Denny    DSN/COM 256-2385 / 618-744-1400

Program Description: 18 hole Match play between Army (Ft. Leonard Wood), Leavenworth, and the AF (Scott and Whiteman). There is a reduced entry fee for the participants which covers green fees, cart, beverages, small gift, awards and a buffet dinner afterwards during the presentation. The goal is to get the base leadership and all of the club members to have a spirited yet fun competition that builds camaraderie and good working relationships between the Services. There are several individual awards that are flighted and the traveling trophy for the winning base.

“Welcome Back”  Extravaganza   Scott AFB

POC: Scott Schaefer/Michael Denny   DSN/COM 256-2385 / 618-744-1400

Program Description: “Welcome Back” brings  all the major club manufactures to the driving range including Calloway, Ping, Cobra, Ben Hogan and Nike who brings the speed swing machine which uses technology to better “fit” the golfer to their style of swing. The Demo’s start at 0900 and run to 1600 to allow all the members to have an opportunity to get some professional guidance/feedback on a variety of clubs and also take advantage of discounted prices for clubs of the participating companies. The golf course also offers free green fees all day to bring excitement about the up-coming season.  

Family Golf Days   Scott AFB

POC: Scott Schaefer/Michael Denny   DSN/COM 256-2385 / 618-744-1400

Starting in July 2005 each Saturday/Sunday after 1400 the Golf Course provides a low cost way to bring families out for a round of golf and fun. The program cost $10.00 per family member which includes 18 holes, hot dog and a fountain soda.  The golf course aims to introduce new people to the game while also increasing revenue during non-peak times. To qualify for the family rate one member must be under the age of 17 and all must be immediate relatives.

High rates of PERS and OPS Tempos, combined with growing numbers of deployments, and ever increasing numbers of students enrolled in distance learning programs make a trip to the library to do homework harder than ever to schedule.  Most libraries in Air Force offer a wide variety of online resources (electronic books and encyclopedias, magazine and newspaper articles, etc.) if you can get to the library to use them.  McChord library card holders have 24/7 access to virtually all online resources from any internet-connected computer, from anywhere in the world.  And they’re using it.  More than 50% of database usage is done from outside the McChord Library walls.  Virtual attendance is 25% of all visits.

   The process (known as Patron Authentication or referral from a secure website) uses the library’s Integrated Library System (ILS) to authenticate library card holders from the web page (http://www.62services.com/library_main.html).  Valid cardholders are forwarded to database providers.  No more multiple login names and forgettable passwords, just enter your library card number.

Outdoor Adventure Guide:  Travis AFB  (Added 28 Jan 08)

POC: LeAnn Edwards, DSN 837-2143

Xtreme Paintball   Travis AFB

POC:  Mr. Brian Floyd, DSN 837-2502

The Travis community asked for it and 60^th Services provided it—Xtreme Paintball.  This new and innovative paintball experience opened in December 2005 as part of our diverse Outdoor Recreation program.  The facility operates out of a portable trailer located in a vacant base housing area.  This truly urban commando experience has been a runaway hit with our customers who rave about the program.  The operation has speed courses, urban gaming area, and a range.  Equipment is available for rent and paintballs for purchase.  The course is open for squadron team building events during the week and for open play on the weekends.  Go ahead, paint my day! 

e-Snapshot   Travis AFB

POC:  LeAnn Edwards, DSN 837-2143

Our customers want instant information and with the e-Snapshot, they get just that.  The marketing staff created the e-Snapshot with a slick web look that is e-mailed to our subscribers list of over 3K weekly.  Hard copies are provided to all commanders at Wing Stand Up giving them a first glimpse at our weekly events and programs.  This has been an invaluable tool to push changes, energize registrations for special events, and keeping that Services story out there! 

 The Travis Youth Center supports the own garden plot growing a vast array of plants, fruits, and vegetables throughout the year.  This innovative and fun garden, designed just for kids is located adjacent to the Travis Equestrian Center, utilizing the abundance of “fertilizer” to nurture the garden.

 This program is a fantastic way to showcase gardening to youth ages 7-12 and gets them involved in every aspect of gardening, from the planting to the harvest.  Designed primarily for the School Age Program participants, this garden plot has become a source of enjoyment for many age groups and family members affiliated with the Youth Center. 

 The Youth Center focuses on targeting the challenges of childhood obesity, physical fitness awareness, and nutrition during the outings to the garden plot.  This is a hands on approach to showing youth the fruits of their labor.   

 Our Five-Star rated fitness center’s Fit FORCE Circuit Training program was awarded AF Best Practice for the Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award 2004.

 The circuit training program stemmed from a team initiative between the Fitness Center and the Health and Wellness Center’s Fitness Working Group.  This team developed an innovative circuit training & physical fitness program from the ground up that turned active duty members into physical fitness leaders, to meet increased demands for instructor lead classes.

 By providing leadership opportunities through hands-on training to units, this program allows commander’s greater flexibility in unit fitness training times and locations, increased safety, and is easy for all fitness levels. 

 The fitness center realized an annual savings of $46,644 in instructor fees, improved customer service by expanding from 43 classes weekly to 86, and increased overall fitness participation by 68%.  This program impacted all Airmen by providing physical fitness technology which allowed them to mold their primary tool - the human body - into war fighting machines giving them strong physical operational capability in the field and at home. 

 As part of this program, the circuit training guide is a resource developed to train Unit Physical Training Leaders (PTL’s) on how to conduct a safe and effective circuit training workout for all fitness levels.  The guide is posted on our squadron website; www.60thServices.com/exercise/trainingguide.ppt.  PTL's download the guide and bring it to a quarterly two hour certification class.

 Once certification is complete, Unit PTL's can schedule the Fitness Center to lead their units.  Just prior to a squadron arriving for PT, the fitness leaders check out a binder of the different circuits offered at the fitness center front desk.  Each binder contains placards which give a detailed description of each particular circuit.  The fitness leader sets the placards in areas throughout the gym and then leads the class in the training.  A prescribed amount of time is spent at each circuit.  After the training is completed (usually in 45 minutes to 1 hour’s time) all the equipment is picked up and returned to the fitness center staff for use by another squadron. 

 Digital Photos taken by Marketing at various Services events are burned to CD’s. We print an event

titled color “thumbnails “ booklet of the photos along with the corresponding identifying numbers and

place the booklet and CD’s at the Arts & Crafts Center. We announce at the events that photos of

yourself/family are available (for your own personal use) at the Arts and Crafts Center. We encourage

everyone to use our self serve Sony Picture Station to make reprints for reasonable fee. The effect has

been three fold! 1.) People love to check our web site for the latest “Picture Patrol” photos increasing hits

to our web site. 2).We increase sales at the Arts and Crafts Center.  3.) Folks don’t have to carry a

camera, or ask others to take their photo. And even better, both MOM and DAD get to be in the picture!  

Feel free to take a look yourself at http://www.gf-services.com/new/picture-patrol.htm

Concrete pad 20' X 100' X 4" thick.

Toe holds manufactured from galvanized pipe with a rhino lining sprayed on and installed onto concrete pad prior to rubberized surface being installed.

$3,486.13 Materials

$11,754.91 Labor

  Rubberized surface 1-1/2" Thick @ $6 per Sq Ft. plus associated travel cost for contractor. (Work was done at the same time as running track.)

Description:  One night every other month, the providers get together for a night out together (no children/spouses are invited). The providers choose a different Charleston area restaurant each time. As an extension of the Family Child Care Mentor program, the providers and coordinator plan a relaxing dinner out together. Everyone enjoys good food and good conversation.  This is an opportunity for new providers to seek guidance and advice from the more seasoned providers on how to handle situations that arise in their day care. Each individual pays for their own dinner.

Youth Programs

Description:  Youth ages 9-13 year olds who have previously participated in 4-H programs with school, local programs or within the community clubs special programs are eligible to enter the Kooky Cookie Cook Off. Youth can enter either Cloverleaf (ages 9 to 11) or Junior (ages 12 and 13) divisions. Each youth selects cookie recipes from any source or creates their own. (Refrigerator cookies are not allowed to be used.) Youth perform all tasks: measuring, mixing, baking, and decorating, correctly. Youth are provided the opportunity to interact with other youth and to share creative recipes. Youth receive 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place ribbons in each division. Youth Programs staff and 4-H Leadership have an opportunity to build rapport and strengthen partnership. Program emphasizes the importance of youth to our program/staff new concepts and commitment. Youth Programs had two first place Rosette winners and one trophy winner in each age division. The cost is free. 

GOLF 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:  Match play golf tournament between the Navy (Whidbey Island), Army (Ft. Lewis), and the Air Force (McChord).  An entry fee is charged that partially covers green fees, tee prizes, meals, beverages, and awards.  Commercial sponsorship is used to cover expenses above the entry fee.  The competition begins Friday with a select shot match at Whidbey, followed by foursomes at McChord Saturday, and concludes Sunday at Ft. Lewis with individual match play.  The last day a banquet is held where the outstanding golfers are recognized and the winning team is acknowledged.  A traveling trophy is awarded and displayed at the victorious course for bragging rights until the next year’s matches.  These matches build unity and camaraderie between the three services. 

 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:  This new concept takes the old out of the golf course snack bar and puts some sizzle into to it – OLE!  Habañero Mexican Grill was created based on interviews, focus group and in-depth market research to determine that an offering of a themed restaurant serving Mexican style product with a simple menu, low cost inventory, quality food at a good price was the way to go.  A team of six individuals from SVS performed the market research, created recipes and put together a business plan that AMC/A7 dubbed the business plan for all other AMC bases.  We received a grant from AMC to do the retro-fit of the current snack bar into the new concept.   

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:  Beginning on Tuesdays in March a different club manufacturer, to include Wilson, Callaway, Ping, Taylor-Made, etc., provides customers with the opportunity to hit a wide variety of their clubs.  The program will normally run between the hours of 1000 - 1400 and during this time the course will offer a discount for clubs purchased.  Tuesdays are chosen because the Men’s Association plays.   During the club championship we have several companies on-site at once and golfers can try several clubs from competing manufacturers.

 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Beginning Mondays in March a different golf club manufacturer will provide a presentation on their equipment, apparel, etc. to the pro shop staff.  This will enable the staff to keep current on trends in the golf industry and pass on this information to our customers. 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:  Each summer youths are offered a series of golf lessons covering every aspect of the game of golf, to include fundamentals of the golf swing, scoring, rules, and etiquette.  Our L.P.G.A. Golf Professional teaches the class.  Upon completion of the class the students receive a package of golf items, including a set of clubs and bag.  

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:  Each spring a member of Pacific Northwest Golf Association (P. N. G. A.) a branch of the United States Golf Association (U. S. G. A.) gives a rules briefing to the Men’s and Ladies Association, staff, and any other interested golfers.  The briefing keeps golfers and staff abreast of any changes in the golf industry and helps to make the game more enjoyable for all. 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:  Whispering Firs Golf Course utilizes the GSC golf maintenance computer program.  This program allows us to document and track almost all operations conducted at and for golf course maintenance.  We can track all budget information consisting of budget versus actual expenses.  It also allows documented purchases for all parts, supplies, and equipment according to category and keeps inventory current according to parts and supplies used.  All equipment repairs and maintenance is tracked.  This program also can give a history of parts used, man-hours, and type of repair done and cost current and historical.  The preventative maintenance program can be broken down and will identify when work is due.  All pesticide information, including inventory, application information and records can be documented.  This program allows the golf course maintenance team to manage our activity more efficiently and provides information at our fingertips.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:  This sale is conducted the first Monday in December.  The 3-hour period, immediately following normal operating hours of the Pro-Shop, allows military personnel after duty hours participation.  All Pro-Shop items have a minimum of 10% discount, with slow moving items identified and having a 10-25% discount.  Free light snacks and refreshments are located in the restaurant area.  Sales typically average$7,000 for the 3-hour period; the $100 expense used to support this activity is easily justified!  The event is promoted on all available media, to include flyers sent to Commander’s Staff Meetings. 

 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Each year the Pacific Northwest Golf Association (PNGA) shuts down the handicap system from November through February.  While this is ok for most courses we still have people who wish to play keep their scores.  We work with the User’s Friend and we had them develop a winter program that uses our normal handicap system but puts it into winter mode.  When spring returns we change the disk to go from a winter to summer handicap system.  Our patrons like this adjustment and so we will continue to use this system. 

 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:  A clinic designed for new golfers and those returning to the game. Each participant receives 8 hours of group instruction, including on-course experiences and is taught by our LPGA Golf Professional.  The typical class ratio is 6–to–1.  Golf clubs and range balls are provided during clinic.  Instruction covers how to play the game, etiquette, lingo, etc.  Upon completion each golfer receives coupons for rounds of golf, range balls and a private lesson.  LU2G is affordably priced at $99.

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