Merry Christmas to you and yours, as we head into the Christmas Celebration

At 1 p.m., the offices and production facility of Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc., at 613 Second Avenue SE, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa USA will close for Christmas. We will enjoy Christmas break with family and friends.

We want to wish you and yours, a wonderful Winter Holiday Season, as we enjoy the first full day of the new season on Friday.

We want to wish those of the Jewish faith a Happy Hanukkah, as it began on Wednesday this year. As we leave to enjoy Christmas cheer with our family and friends, we want to wish those traveling this Holiday Season, a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Our offices will reopen on Tuesday, December 27Th at 8:30 a.m. We want to say thank you to our customers, distributors and associates for their past business and service to our organization.

With warmest

thoughts and wishes

for a wonderful Christmas.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Our offices will be closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving Holiday. On behalf of all of us at Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc., we want to wish you all a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is always an enjoyable time of year to visit with friends and family and reflect on the many blessings we have enjoyed over the past year.

We want to wish you and yours Thanksgiving Blessings this week. Thank you for visiting our blog and please let us know, if we can be service to you. We go to great lengths world wide with Tucker® Pole Window Washers and Exterior Maintenance Systems - with various models to choose from, reaching up to 22, 45 and/or 83 feet (25 meters).

IWCA Announces International Strategic Alliance

Contact: For Immediate Release
Mandie Bannwarth, Associate Director
Phone: 800.875.4922
Fax: 816.472.7765
mandie@robstan.com

IWCA Forms International Strategic Alliances

The International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA) based in the USA is pleased to announce its formation of two strategic alliances with the Federation of Window Cleaners (FWC) based in the United Kingdom and the Australian Window Cleaning Federation (AWCF) based in Australia.

The immediate goals of these Alliances are: 1) to document and promote accurate technical information related to window/glass cleaning; 2) to develop a written ASTM glass cleaning Standard that will be used worldwide; 3) to establish working relationships with glass fabricators and manufacturers within the international glass industry; and 4) to advance scientific research on the causes of tempered glass scratching and improvements in cleaning methods.

For additional information please visit www.IWCA.org ; www.f-w-c.co.uk/ ; or http://www.awcf.org.au/

M. Bannwarth
Associate Director
International Window Cleaning Association
400 Admiral Blvd.
Kansas City, Mo 64106
PH: 816.471.4922
PH: 800.875.4922
FX: 816.472.7765
e-mail: mandie@robstan.com

Cleaner Windows. Safer Cleaners.

Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc. has been affiliated with IWCA, as an associate member, since its inception. We were asked to be one of the founding members. Congratulations to IWCA on the news of a new International Strategic Alliance for the window cleaning industry.

We began our distribution into Australia in the late 1960s. From 1968 and 1992, we had two principal distribution relationships, until those two companies left the JanSan industry. We began to sell in the United Kingdom in the 1960s, but it wasn't until the late 1990s that window cleaning with the Tucker Pole began to be accepted.

Las Vegas draws a variety of representatives from throughout the cleaning industry around the Globe

We have one day in the books at the 2011 edition of ISSA/Interclean North America at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Seminars began on Tuesday and Wednesday was the first day of the annual three day trade show that brings manufacturers, like Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc., Dema and thousands of other companies. Tucker is located in aisle 3300 at booth #3318.

We have enjoyed visiting with in-house professionals, building service contractors, industry media and distributors new and old. Tucker exhibits annually at ISSA.

Happy World Habitat Day

The United Nations has designated the first Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day.

Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc. believes in the concept and need for "adequate shelter" and our products have been used on a variety of facilities, since our introduction in 1957. Our aluminum products are sustainable. We provide replacement parts and reconditioning services for all our models of Tucker Pole.

For more information, please visit our web site: http://www.tuckerusa.com

We want to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable October. If you are coming to Las Vegas for the ISSA/Interclean Convention and Trade Show being held October 18-21, 2011; we hope you stop by and see us at Booth #3318. Trade Show days are October 19-21, 2011 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

tuckerusa

Labor Day Weekend 2011: Closed September 5, 2011

Like most organizations, Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc. will be closed September 5, 2011.

In observance of the Labor Day holiday, Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc. will be closed beginning Friday, September 2Nd at 5pm and Monday, September 5Th. We will return Tuesday, September 6Th and resume normal business hours.

Have a safe and happy holiday everyone!
Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa USA

800.553.8131 or 319.363.3591
http://www.tuckerusa.com/

We welcome September to our various customer, vendors, distributors and friends

September has arrived! Wow, where have the past eight months gone! Labor Day weekend is approaching and the coming of Autumn. Though, the weather today in Cedar Rapids is hot and humid.

We want to wish Carole Tucker a Happy Birthday, this September 1St. Carole has been a part of Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc. for over twenty years now.

Domestic customers will see a change in our logistics, starting this month. DB Schenker is following DHL and will no longer be shipping in the States. International customers will not be impacted.

The Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce will host an International Event this month.

We have been invited to be a part of the program, which we are looking forward to being a part of the CEO Panel Discussion. Our company has enjoyed helping international customers dating back to the early 1960s. We entered the Japanese market in 1964.

We will be preparing for our next Trade Show and Convention this month. We look forward to seeing many of you at this year's ISSA/INTERCLEAN Las Vegas 2011 on October 17-20. We will be exhibiting again this year. Our Stand is Booth #3318 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

School is back in session, as we begin a new year 2011/12. Please let us know how we can be of service to you this school year. We want to thank the various in-house professionals, building service contractors, professional window cleaners and individuals that utilize the Tucker Pole at their facilties.

tucker pole

Accidents do happen: Are you prepared for it?

Accidents Happen
Are you prepared for Self and Partner Rescue?


August 12 – Pittsburgh

A few days ago a window cleaner in Seattle, WA slipped from his rope descending system and dangled 65 feet from the ground by his safety rope before firefighters were able to rescue him. If this were to happen to you or your fellow window cleaners, are you confident that you would know what to do?

Did you know that if you are suspended and need to be rescued, you only have 30 minutes before shock trauma sets in? In an accident, every minute counts. Make sure you and your employees have the skills they need to save others and themselves.

For more information and to register, please contact IWCA headquarters at 800.875.4922. You also may register online by visiting the following link. REGISTER HERE

HOTEL INFO
Holiday Inn Pittsburgh Airport
8256 University Blvd.
Coraopolis, PA 15108
412-262-3600
(A hotel room rate of $139 has been negotiated for IWCA. When you make reservations, be sure to mention the code “IWC”.)

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
7:30 a.m. Breakfast and Introductions
8-10 a.m. Plan Ahead for Safety
10 a.m. -Noon Working Safely around High Rise with Rope Descending Systems (RDS)
12-12:30 p.m. Lunch
1- 4 p.m. Working Safety Around Route/Residential

Hands-on demonstrations:

• Self-rescue


• Ladder Safety


• Aerial Lift Safety
  

FEES
IWCA Member Registration Fees

• Regular Registration $129.00


• 2-9 Additional Registrations $119.00


• 10 or more Additional Registrations $99.00

Non-Member Registration Fees

• Regular Registration $189.00


• 2-9 Additional Registrations $159.00


• 10 or more Additional Registrations $119.00

Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc. received the above e-mail promoting a safety program from the International Window Cleaning Association. We are one of the founding members of the association and have enjoyed helping provide a safe means to reach, wash and clean windows and other exterior surfaces to in-house professionals, contact cleaners and professional window cleaners, such as members of the IWCA.

tucker pole

July 1, 2011

We have past the half-way point of 2011. Can you believe it is already July?

We want to wish all a safe and enjoyable Independence Day holiday weekend. Our office will re-open on July 5Th, after our staff enjoys time with family and friends celebrating our Nation's birthday.

Tucker Pole

The Flood of 2008 in Cedar Rapids, the Economy: Sticky patches

On June 13, 2008, the worst flood in our community's history crested at 31.12 feet. This past weekend, the third anniversary of the Flood of 2008 past. LaVerne Tucker celebrated her birthday on June 12Th. She is not as active in Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc. as she once was, but as my mother and wife of I.L. 'Tommy' Tucker, her contributions have been priceless.

Sticky patch or meltdown?

This week we look at the slowing of the world economy. Is it, we ask, going through a sticky patch, or is it headed for meltdown? We reckon that the reasons for the recent dip in activity—the knock-on effects of the Japanese tsunami, the high oil price, tightening monetary policy in emerging markets—suggest that it should be only transient. But—and this is a big but—there is a real danger that political brinkmanship in both America (over the deficit) and Europe (over the euro crisis) may turn a temporary hiccup into a big problem.

Here are some other pieces from this week's issue you might also be interested in. You can read them at The Economist online using the links below.

We have witnessed a variety of changes, since 2008.

• Flood of 2008


• Economic challenges for small and large businesses brought on by the financial crisis


• Delays in lead times


• Loss of life, whether it be customers or entities that we have know over the years


• Increase in business from customers post economic downturn


• Beginning of new relationships, due to a changing world


• New opportunities for growth, building goodwill and better understanding

We are in the process of reviewing our pricing and we will be announcing new pricing this Summer. We have seen increases in costs, due to petroleum costs rises, which have impacted a variety of costs in our raw materials.

Tucker Pole

Happy Memorial Day - 2011

We cherish too, the Poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led,

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies.

inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields,"

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Here's a link to the history of Memorial Day in the USA. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have given service to our Country and have paid the highest price for that service.

We want to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day 2011.

tucker pole

We want to wish I.L. 'Tommy' Tucker a Happy Birthday on May 9, 2011

Our founder I.L. 'Irv' Tucker founded Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc. in 1945. He would have been 110 years old this year. Since 1945, one person has been associated with our company from the beginning and that would be Irv's son, Tommy, pictured to the left.

Today, Monday, May 9Th is Tommy's birthday. His son, Robin, celebrated his birthday on the Sunday, the 8Th. Another son, not involved with Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc. anymore was born on the 5Th. May birthdays have been a family tradition for some.

On behalf of everyone at Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc., we want to wish Tommy a "Happy Birthday" as he is enjoying time with yet another family member, his daughter, Marcia. Marcia worked for Tucker back in college and moved to Arizona to enjoy a career in special education and working with special needs populations. She is married and has a daughter.

tucker pole

May 8, 2011: Happy Mother's Day to you all

It's Sunday May 8Th and we want to wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day!

Have a great day!

tucker pole

May 5, 2011

From all of us at Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA
manufacturer of the original and dependable Tucker® Pole Window Washer System and Exterior Maintenance System!

Happy May Day! We welcome the month of May!

We begin the Month of May. Four months are on the books and the birthday month for both myself and father commences.

• May 1 - Happy May Day


• May 2 - Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids will enjoy breakout meetings


• May 3 - National Teachers Day


• May 5 - Cinco De Mayo, as well as my brother's birthday


• May 5 - the Charter Review Commission will begin formal work for City


• May 5 - National Day of Prayer - always the first Thursday in May each year


• May 6 - TGIF - first Friday in the month of May


• May 8 - Mother's Day and Robin Tucker's birthday (Harry S. Truman was also born on this date)


• May 9 - It is I.L. "Tommy" Tucker's birthday


• May 12 - Nurses Day


• May 15 - Peace Officers Memorial Day


• Police Week is the third week in May for 2011


• National Transportation Week is the third week in May for 2011


• May 19 - the Jewish holiday: Shavou'ot


• May 21 - Armed Forces Day


• May 22 - National Maritime Day


• May 23 - Victoria Day


• May 30 - Memorial Day falls on the traditional day this year


• National Transportation Week Week that includes 3rd Fri in May

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable May. Safety is always an important aspect to follow.

tucker pole

Customers: Old or New ... it's fun when you run into them in an unexpected way!

Happy April 27, 2011 to everyone! We hope the weather in your area is pleasant and you are not in harm's way. However, we know that much of the U.S.A. has been a little unseasonal this April.

It has turned out to be a great day today. Four conversations that were outstanding this afternoon ...

• Meet a early customer of my grandfather's,


• Visited with a current customer, who passed on his personal experience with my father that was quite remarkable, as well,


• Had a good visit with a potential new customer, and


• Talked to one of our distributors, who recently made his largest order to date

It started out this afternoon at the bank. Waiting in line, I struck up a conversation with a retiree, who I had never had the pleasure of meeting. We were talking about the weather and how it was impacting the move of the Czeck Museum (part of our local flood recovery). He was a nice gentleman and he asked me for my name. So, I told him my name and it turns out he was an old customer of my grandfather.

Now, my grandfather would have been 110 years old this year. Irv passed away in 1975, so it is not every day I get an opportunity to talk to someone who knew my grandfather as well as this gentleman did.

The gentleman started out by describing the business my grandfather had been a part of prior to starting Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc. in March of 1945. Flood recovery has been on the minds of our community in Cedar Rapids for a long time, since June 2008. Our original business location was at A Street and 22Nd Avenue SW, right in the Czech Village district of Cedar Rapids. The gentleman's business was right across where the museum is today. Had Tucker Manufacturing Co. been at that location in 2008, we would have been destroyed. Thankfully, we moved up to higher ground decades ago. However, many businesses and residents of Cedar Rapids weren't has fortunate.

The gentleman talked about the products that we first made at Tucker Manufacturing Co. like it was yesterday. He spoke about the As we stood outside in the parking lot having this conversation, I just thought to myself how small the world really is at times.

Later in the day, the other three conversations occurred. The gentlemen from California passed on the time the story, when he meet my father "Tommy" at his business. Another "small world" moment.

April has been a very interesting month. Often, the grind of the world today gets one down. It's nice to have a day, where one can reflect and rejoice in the fruit of one's labor. And, today I saw it through the eyes of one of my grandfather's customers, one of my father's, as well as one of my own. Further, it was nice to hear from a new prospect looking to purchase their first Tucker® Pole model.

We are preparing to make a price increase in 2011. One of my distributors today stated to obvious. It's time that we raise prices. So, we will be passing on a price increase soon. The gas prices are impacting raw materials prices heavily. Our last price increase was in 2008. Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc. is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa USA. Our products are manufactured right here in the State of Iowa, since 1945. Since 1957, we have focused on the manufacturing of the first commerical waterfed pole system. Originally called the Tucker High-Level Window Washer, it is better known as a Tucker Pole today.

We want to say thank you to our long-term, new, old, future and existing customers. We appreciate your business. Thank you for sharing a part of our long and enjoyable history.

tucker pole

We want to wish everyone a Good Friday, Happy Earth Day; Safe and Enjoyable Easter weekend

Our offices at Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc. are closed for the Easter holiday on Good Friday. We began that tradition many years ago, since it offers a good break between the New Year's and Memorial Day holidays for our staff, as well as celebrate Good Friday with our friends and families.

Friday, April 22 is also Earth Day, so we want to wish you a Happy Earth Day 2011, as well.

We are in the middle of a busy Spring, with producing products, packaging and getting them shipped out from our facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Tucker Pole is manufactured here in the USA, right here in Downtown Cedar Rapids.

We want to thank our Distributors, customers, end users, vendors and friends this Easter season. Our offices and production will resume on normal hours on Monday, April 25Th.

tucker pole

Have you ever experience e-mail problems communicating with tuckerusa.com?

What percentage of e-mails is spam for your organization? Or, put it another way, how many of your e-mails are good ones, as compared to junk e-mail?

• Over the past four days, 2% of our e-mail have been acceptable, with 98% going to our spam filter


• Talking with our third-party IT representative, on average customers typically average 9% good to spam

If you have experienced issues e-mailing to any of our tuckerusa.com e-mail addresses, we invite you to e-mail us and re-connect. We apologize for the recent troubles that our third-party spam filter has had. We have changed providers and we look forward to a smoother situation in 2011.

Please let us know, if you have any questions?

Sincerely,

Robin Tucker for Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Robin Tucker has been appointed to City's Charter Review Commission

The City of Cedar Rapids at the recent regular City Council meeting on April 12, 2011, during the the consent agenda [PDF], appointed 13 members to serve on the Cedar Rapids Charter Review Commission. Section 7.02 of the Home Rule Charter [PDF] calls for a Charter Review Commission in the year 2011 and every ten years thereafter.

The Resolution appointed Paul Pate (co-chair), Kay Halloran (co-chair), Nancy Bruner, LaNisha Cassell, Monica Challenger, James Craig, Patricia (Tricia) Miller, Mary Nelson, Fatima Smejkal, Scott Overland, Robin Tucker, Nancy Welsh and Carleton Whiting (terms effective through 08/15/11) to the Charter Review Commission. Many of the Commissioners were taken from applications.

Background: The City’s Home Rule Charter Section 7.02 requires that a Charter Review Commission be established in 2011. The commission shall review the existing charter and may recommend any charter amendments that it deems appropriate to the council. Mayor Corbett along with all Council members each chose one individual and four at-large individuals to serve on the Charter Review Commission. The group’s final report should be submitted by 08/15/11. Recommendations by the charter can either be approved by the Council or submitted for voter approval. Ballots are printed in September for the November election and therefore recommendations from the Charter Review Commission must be submitted by August.

In 2004-05, the local Home Rule Charter Commission was formed, as 15 member commission to recommend to the voters an alternative form of goverment to the the current Commission form of government, at the time. In May 2005, the Home Rule Charter was constructed and presented to Mayor Paul Pate and the City Council. In June of 2005, by a vote of 69% support, the City of Cedar Rapids voted to move to Home Rule. The City had been under the old Commission form of government from 1908 to 2005. Cedar Rapids was one of the last cities above 100,000 still using the Commission form.

Today, the City of Cedar Rapids operates under the Home Rule Charter form of government as prescribed by Chapter 372 of the Code of Iowa. As section 4.01 as the Cedar Rapids, Iowa Code of Ordinances points out: The Home Rule Charter ("the charter") is set forth in this code as an unnumbered chapter. The Home Rule Charter [PDF] draws from the popular Iowa form of government: the Council-Manger form, along with some of the traditions of local government in Cedar Rapids, such as "citizen participation" in boards and commissions, which was a popular part of our commission form of government.

Robin Tucker served together on the Home Rule Charter Commission in 2004-05, along with Nancy Bruner. Ms. Bruner served as one of the co-chairs, while Mr. Tucker served as drafting chair on that previous commission. I look forward to the opportunity to serve with Nancy again, along with the other members who have been appointed the Commission.

The two co-chairs of the recently appointed Charter Review Commission are the most recent outgoing mayors for the City of Cedar Rapids. Mr. Pate was the last Mayor under the previous form of government, while Ms. Hollarn was the first Mayor elected under our Home Rule form of government. The other nine members of the Commission appear to represent a cross section of our community. Commission work is schedule to begin on May 5, 2011 and the Mayor and Council have instructed the Commission that they have until August 15, 2011 to compete the work of the Commission.

tucker pole

We welcome the Second Quarter and April 2011!

It has been a long Winter for many in North America. The signs of Spring are beginning to be seen, though the people in the Northeast section of the USA are not likely laughing on April Fools Day.

• Opening day of Major League Baseball has transpired


• We are now on Daylight Savings Time


• The Vernal Equinox has taken place


• School children are wearing shorts


• Spring sports have begun


• People are heading outside to do exterior work or for recreation

With Spring arriving, people are going to begin to head outside to reach, wash and clean. But, remember, to look up and check for wires, before beginning any cleaning project or any outside activity that could lead to danger. Whether you are in the City or out in Rural Areas, electric line safety is required. You may be working or playing, but Safety First is always smart.

Health and safety should always be on every one's mind, whether working inside or out. With the weather improving, many people will begin working with window washers and water fed poles outside. Remember, DANGER - DO NOT use near nor allow contact with electric wires. NO UTILICE dondequiera cerca, ni permita el contacto con Alambres Electricos - PELIGRO.

Survey the work area, look up and avoid power lines

STAY AWAY FROM THE DANGER ZONE and Stay Alive

Stay Away From All Overhead Power Lines!

Be Smart, Look Up, and Stay Away from all overhead power lines. Good advice, whether you are working on a farm, living in the city and when you are working with window cleaning equipment, including products like the Tucker® Pole Window Washers and Exterior Maintenance Systems.

tucker pole

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all, as Cedar Rapids enjoys SaPaDaPaSo 2011!

Think Green Cedar Rapids!

The SaPaDaPaSo Parade from Downtown Cedar Rapids will kickoff at 1 p.m. today. Our manufacturing facility is one-half block off the parade route at 613 Second Avenue SE. The Parade will start on Sixth Street SE and make the left turn on Second Avenue SE, just down from Tucker Manufacturing., Inc.

The SaPaDaPaSo Parade debuted on March 17th, 1975. The original parade took four minutes, which is certainly a sharp contrast to today's parade.

On behalf of everyone at Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc., in Downtown Cedar Rapids, we want to wish you a safe and joyful St. Patrick's Day 2011.

On Saturday, a little Red will be in the air, with the St. Joseph's Day Parade in Czech Village in Cedar Rapids. But, today's it is all about the Green! Happy St. Patrick's Day...

tucker pole

We go to great lengths world wide!

Tucker Pole It Clean!

Happy St. Valentine's Day to all on this February 14, 2011

It's February 14Th and another St. Valentine's Day has arrived.

The weather has began to thaw here in Iowa. It may not be January, but it's nice to see the improved weather here in Cedar Rapids and throughout the USA this week. Our production team was happy, because with the weather, there appeared to be a little more activity at the start of the week for parts and equipment.

If you are in St. Pete for the IWCA Convention and Trade Show this week, we wish you a good time. After exhibiting at 21 straight shows, since the beginning of IWCA, we are not exhibiting this year. Several of our distributors/dealers are at the IWCA this year and they can provide you with information on our products and assist you with Tucker® brand parts and equipment.

Otherwise, you can always contact us for parts and product information on the Tucker® Pole Window Washers and Exterior Maintenance Systems - with various models to choose from.

tucker pole

We welcome the first weekend of February, with Super Bowl XLV: Green Bay vs. Pittsburgh from Arlington, Texas on Sunday

On Wednesday, Groundhog Day, our production was down and FedEx didn't deliver, due to this winter's biggest storm, here in Eastern Iowa. On Friday, we visited with our insurance representative, about our annual review. We want to thank our customers throughout the past year. We enjoying going to great lengths for you, with the Tucker Pole ...

It's finally here, Super Bowl weekend, with Super Bowl XLV from Arlington, Texas and home of the Dallas Cowboys. Too bad for Cowboy fans and Jerry Jones that they will not have the honor of home field, since it is the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers taking the field, in what should be an outstanding Super Bowl this weekend!

The Wall Street Journal, page D3 on Friday, has it the Steelers 24, Packers 21. Will there only be 45 points scored in Super Bowl 45? In talking to a good friend yesterday at Lunch, he had it as a three point game. He mentioned that Green Bay was favored, against the all-time Super Bowl winner, the Steelers and that the Steelers should win. I guess he agrees with the WSJ.

It should be a great day of TV, food and fellowship on Sunday. Best wishes to the Packers, the Steelers and all taking in the sights and sounds of Super Bowl 45, whether live or in front of the millions of televisions turned to follow this year's clash ...

tucker pole

Happy Groundhog Day to All: No Shipping this Wednesday, February 2, 2011

The recent blizzard conditions and 12"+ of snow has grounded production today at Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa today. Most of our staff opted to make today a "snow day" since roads were not easy going this morning.

From our neighbor in Downtown Cedar Rapids, SourceMedia:

Area roadways still challenging
Main streets in Cedar Rapids should be open in the next couple of hours. Crews are working on residential streets. Highway 218 south of Iowa City is closed.

• LIVE mobile streaming weather coverage


• Delays and cancellations


• Road conditions


• Latest forecast information


• NEW TODAY: Winter storm photos from Cedar Rapids, Iowa City

We received the following information from our shipping partner, FedEx, by e-mail ...

To All:

• FedEx Ground:
  
  Will NOT be making any deliveries or Pick Ups today. We received no Freight in and nothing left Cedar Rapids last night.


• FedEx Express/Air:
  
  We will not be making any deliveries, freight did NOT make it out last night. As
  far as pickups go, I will no more after the lunch hour.


• FedEx Freight LTL Priority and Economy:
  
  We will not be making any deliveries or pickups. Freight did NOT leave the
  building here either.
  

Thank you for understanding.

FedEx Sales

• From our representative from FedEx Sales this morning.

We will not be shipping any orders today, due to the recent storm. We hope to resume normal operations on Thursday, February 3, 2011.

tucker pole

Go Pack Go ... Great Final 4 teams seeking birth in Super Bowl 45

Enjoy the NFC and AFC Championship Games everyone! The Road to Arlington has begun ...

• The Super Bowl Champs of Games I, II and III (Green Bay and the New York Jets)
• The all-time Super Bowl Champs (Pittsburgh Steelers)
• and Da Bears from Chicago

Pretty darn good Final 4 heading towards Super Bowl 45 ...

tucker pole

Our thoughts and prayers go out of one of our former employees who passed on Monday

Growing up in a third generation business, I always remember many of the guys who have worked in our manufacturing plant over the years. This morning, we learned the news that one of our former employee's passed away on Monday. Ralph Fowler, 94, worked 33 years for Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc., retiring in 1983.

tucker pole

Hump Day of the First week of the New Year ...

Happy New Year everyone ...

Blogs are always a good way to communicate news and a variety of information. It's nice to be back in the swing of things, but one New Year's Resolution I already need to work on is keeping the blog updated regularly. Where does all the time go in a day?

We hope 2011 is off to a good start for you.

We enjoyed New Year's Day watching college football. It was a bad day for the Big Ten Conference schools going 0-5. The Rose Bowl was sure a good game though. Congratulations to coach Gary Patterson and his TCU Horned Frogs, in the 21-19 win over Wisconsin.

We have had e-mail issues in 2010. Some Microsoft products work well and some do not. We haven't fully resolved the problem, but we are working on it.

Our normal business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

We have enjoyed conversations with good long-term customers in England and California this week. Our thoughts are with one of our customers as they have surgery today.

On a more somber note recently:

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rita Ertel, Bob Ertel's wife, due to the passing of Bob over the holidays. Bob Ertel was a former owner of J. Racenstein Company, formerly of New Year City. Bob was a great customer and distributor for many years up until he sold the company to the present owners, who also distribute our products. Bob was instrumental in the creation of the industry's first professional window cleaning catalog. He made the Tucker Pole a part of his first catalog. We are grateful for his business over the years. Bob's wife was also involved in the company, so we enjoyed seeing them at shows and doing business with both of them.

Bob and his former business partner, Marty Racenstein, were instrumental in the creation of the IWCA. We were invited to be one of the founding members of the association. We have enjoyed many shows over the years with Bob, Rita and many others. The association has changed in many ways, since the early days, when Bob and Rita were present. The size hasn't changed much. It certainly become more of a DIY show for the window cleaning profession.

Back to College Football this week, it is nice to congratulate both Stanford and Ohio State for wins in the Orange and Sugar bowls, respectively.

Yes, the season is winding down, but I do enjoy my college football. Of course, the NFL Playoffs kick off on Saturday and before we know it, January will be in the books and Super Bowl Sunday and Daytona 500 will be occurring.

If you have any questions about our products, please let us know. Our normal business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Of course, you can communicate via fax, e-mail, voice mail, Twitter, Linkedin or Facebook 24/7. We will get back to you, as soon as is practical. Your business in 2011 is much appreciated and we have enjoyed helping people, since 1945, when my grandfather took a part of another company and started what is Tucker today.

Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Window Cleaning equipment

Cedar Rapids, Iowa USA