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Kautzman Receives 2010 Hubbs Hauling Award

Kevin Ankenbauer, President of Ward North American, proudly announced that Mr. Dave Kautzman, independent contractor driver/operator was awarded the Tom Hubbs Hauling Award for 2010.

Kautzman has performed under direct contract with Ward for over 20 years. He is a three time recipient of the Hubbs award, and is also a member of the Ward North American Drivers Council. Multiple factors are considered in nomination for and selection of this prestigious award. Nominees must perform at a superior level in customer satisfaction, safety and quality. Winners are selected using specific performance metrics, customer satisfaction scores and a company wide peer vote. Kautzman excelled in all areas being measured and topped a nationwide contract and employee driver fleet of over 100 trucking professionals.

Dave Kautzman represents all that is honorable and respected in the household goods moving and storage industry. Ward North American is proud to count him as a friend, a contractor and a member of the Ward family of exemplary truck operating professional. In addition to his trophy recognition, Dave has received a commemorative jacket and a check for $2,500.00

Tom Hubbs passed away in 2006 after a lifetime as a successful household goods moving specialist. Family man, business man, father, friend, mentor and all around good guy - Tom was loved by all who met and worked with him. Tom represented everything that is good about humanity in general and the moving and storage business specifically. He never met a customer who didn’t like him - he never had a friend who didn’t respect him. Drive on in peace Tom.

Ward North American is headquartered in San Antonio and is North American Van Lines seven consecutive times Agent of the Year award winner. Ward maintains major household goods moving and storage terminals in Phoenix, AZ, Dallas, Killeen, Austin, Houston and San Antonio, TX and Washington, DC.

Permission to edit this Press Release for publication purposes is granted. Ward North American is a registered trademark owned by Roger Ward Inc. Questions and comments should be addressed to Ms. Kate Houston at Ward North American, 888-909-3147

Kevin Kish Obituary

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we report the loss of our friend and colleague, Kevin Kish. Kevin was the Senior Vice President for National Sales at Ward North American. He was a member of the North Texas Relocation Professionals, Worlwide ERC, and Houston Relocation Professionals. Kevin served on the NTRC (North Texas Relocation Council) Board of Directors in 2005 and has been a dear friend to so many in the relocation industry.

A peaceful man and a storyteller, Kevin Kish, of Tyler, took care of those he loved. Kevin was born in Newark, N.J., on June 22, 1959, to John and Louise Kish. In his 51 years he gained success in sales but none compared to the way in which he changed the lives of his family and friends. Patient and giving, Kevin devoted his life to God and his family.

He leaves behind his loving wife of seven years, Ellie; his daughter, Bella, 6; three loving stepchildren, Jordan, 21, Lauren, 18, Lane, 16; and his devoted sister, Karen Kish of Summit, N.J. Though his life was cut short, his love and generosity will never be forgotten.

A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 28, at Marvin United Methodist Church in Tyler. The family will receive friends in Pirtle Hall on the MUMC campus immediately following the memorial.

Ward Breaks Ground On New Phoenix, AZ Facility

Relocation business leader, Ward North American, announced today that it is breaking ground on a new, innovative and state-of-the-art office, terminal and warehouse facility to serve the Greater Phoenix vicinity. Speaking from Ward corporate headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, President and CEO, Kevin Ankenbauer, advised that this new construction confirms that Ward’s decision to expand to Arizona four years ago has been proven to be very successful. In addition, it makes it possible for the premier moving and storage operation to grow its Phoenix business base through advanced storage and service capacity additions.

In a innovative move, Ankenbauer revealed that senior management for the Phoenix branch, General Manager Wes Waddell and Commercial Manager Dave Pitcox, were participating in the investment and ownership of the land and building. Again, Mr. Ankenbauer wanted to emphasize his commitment and that of the entire Ward group in its focus on supporting future growth and stability for Wards Phoenix representation. Facility construction is located at South 65th Avenue and Sherman Street with completion set for mid 2011.

PRESS RELEASE: Recipient is permitted to edit at will so long as intent of message is maintained. Additional details can be obtained by contacting either Wes Waddell or Dave Pitcox at 602/233-0146. Corporate information can be obtained from Mr. Kevin Ankenbauer at 888/909-3147.

Ward North American Receives “Agent of the Year”

North American Van Lines names Ward North American, a San Antonio moving company, as Agent of the Year for 2009/2010. Ward North American was chosen over 500 other NAVL moving agencies nationwide for the ninth consecutive year to win the award.

San Antonio, TX, October 19, 2010 – Ward North American, one of America’s premier moving and storage agencies, was awarded the Agent of the Year award for 2009/2010 by North American Van Lines.
With this 2009/2010 award, Ward North American has been chosen as North American Van Lines’ Agent of the Year for the ninth consecutive year. Ward North American was in a competition with more than 500 other NAVL moving agencies nationwide for the top honor. The Agent of the Year award is one of the most distinguished awards an agent can earn from the van line, representing the highest standards of quality service.

Receiving the honors on behalf of the San Antonio mover was its President and CEO Kevin Ankenbauer. Ankenbauer told the crowd of hundreds of North American Van Lines agents that in the midst of a global recession, his agencies continued to hold their own and even grow by focusing on service excellence. Ankenbauer also confirmed Ward’s expansion into Washington, DC and Houston, TX in the past 12 months, adding to their presence in Dallas, Austin, Killeen, TX and Phoenix, AZ.

Ward North American specializes in the movement and storage of household goods shipments on behalf of America’s major corporations. Ward has been singled out for recognition by its clients for their attention to detail and care and consideration for the challenges faced by the employees and families being moved domestically and internationally. Ankenbauer committed to the continuation of the fundamental customer service elements of “Doing what we say we’re going to do...doing it when we say we’re going to…and getting the service right the first time.”

About Ward North American:
As an agent for North American Van Lines, Ward North American is able to perform any size household or commercial move, anywhere in the world. The full-service moving and storage company is small enough to remain customer-focused, committed. Ward North American’s experienced staff and high level of individualized service is what sets the company apart from other movers.

Ward Sponsors 5K Run for Charity

May 8th- Birmingham, AL: Ward North American is a proud sponsor of the 1st annual Mt Laurel in May 5K, and 1 Mile Fun Run, to benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network www.pancan.org. Along with other corporate sponsors, race participants, and generous contributions from the community, the race raised over $4500.00 benefitting The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network www.PANCAN.org: "The only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure." Please visit their site to learn more about how you can get involved in your community, join a local volunteer affiliate in your area, organize or attend a fundraising event.

Ward North American Opens Facility in Dulles, VA

Relocation specialist Ward North American, headquartered in San Antonio, TX, opened its seventh facility, Dulles, Virginia in April 2010. The premier moving and storage leader has committed to a warehouse operation that will match up with many of the largest of competitors in the Maryland-Virginia-DC area. President Kevin Ankenbauer stated that the Ward growth plan, combined with ever increasing emphasis on quality and customer care, was on schedule in spite of recent national business concerns.

Currently recognized as the North American Van Lines, Agent of the Year for an unprecedented seven consecutive years, Ward has set the pace for responsive, affordable, quality moving, storage and general relocation needs. Ward’s renown as a household goods specialist has grown as a result of resources and training that lead the industry. Ward’s year around nationwide fleet of long haul van operators are responsible for the direct and hands on accomplishment of Ward’s customers wishes – giving single responsibility confidence to their clients concerns.

North American Van Lines, Inc. (a subsidiary of SIRVA Corporation) is part of the largest global relocation company. Ward participates in North American’s growth by servicing clients in Phoenix, Dallas, Killeen, Austin, San Antonio, Houston and now the District of Columbia megaplex. The Ward moving team employs over 300 professional packers, movers and warehousemen nationwide.

"Ward North American leases Dulles building"

Washington Business Journal, T. Plumb, 3-15-10

San Antonio, Texas-based Ward North American picked Loudoun County as the next place to plant its seventh national location. The company's $8 million investment is expected to bring 50 jobs to the county. The 33-year-old provider of moving and storage services just signed a 10.5-year, 64,539-square-foot lease at 23000 Ladbrook Drive in Dulles. The full-building warehouse lease is a win for the regional industrial real estate market, which has already been setting vacancy rate records.

The company said it picked the new Dulles location because of its access to major transportation routes and proximity to its own growing corporate client base, including traditional government traffic. “The new facility in Dulles allows Ward to continue to provide seamless and cost-effective relocations for many corporations having a physical presence in the D.C. area and, of course, the U.S. government as well,” said Kevin Ankenbauer, president of Ward North American, in a statement. The company is working with the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development to find the new hires and plans to be fully operational in Dulles by April 1.

Ward North American, a major agent of North American Van Lines Inc., also serves markets scattered throughout Texas and Arizona. Studley Inc. Associate Director Adam Schindler and Executive Vice President Paul Schweitzer, who co-manages the local branch, represented the tenant. Caulley Derringer and Stephen Beggs represented the building landlord, Northwestern Investment Management Co. LLC. # # #

2009 Tom Hubbs Hauling Award Winner Announced

Kevin Ankenbauer, President of Ward North American, America’s premier provider of household goods relocations, proudly announced that Mr. Mark English, independent contractor driver/operator won the 2009 Tom Hubbs Hauling Award. This honor recognizes Mr. English’s superior performance in caring for the families of Wards customers as well as their personal effects while moving them across the nation.

English has performed under direct contract with Ward for over 23 years after earning a full honorable discharge and retirement with the United States Army. The measurements leading up to the award include gross hauling dollars, minimum loss to customers hauled, full compliance with Federal and state safety requirements, and maximum customer satisfaction responses.

English excelled in all areas being measured and topped a nationwide contract and employee drivers fleet of over 80 trucking professionals. Amazingly, he is equally well respected by his driving peers, the entirety of the Ward administrative staff and, of course, the families that he relocates. Mark English is thought of as a family member by many of those fortunate enough to have had him move their personal effects across the nation.

Mark English represents all that is honorable and respected in the knights of the highway - our American trucking professionals. Ward North American is proud to count him as a friend, a contractor and a member of the Ward family of exemplary truck operating professional. In addition to his trophy recognition, Mark has received a commemorative jacket and a check for $2,500.00

Ward North American Announces Expansion to Houston

HOUSTON - Ward North American, nationally recognized as a premier provider of moving and storage services, announced the opening of Ward’s sixth business terminal in Houston, Texas. Kevin Ankenbauer, President, stated that this newest addition to Ward’s service capability will mark a defining moment in the establishment of Ward as the number one provider of relocation services to the moving public.

Ward, long a specialist in handling and caring for the household goods and personal effects of many of Americas major corporate entities, has selected an experienced and success oriented staff of management personnel to guide the Houston operation. In addition, Ward is in the process of seeking and training the very finest of new movers, packers, loaders and warehouse personnel to add to the service provider expectations of the new agency.

Ward’s office and warehouse is convenient and centrally located near the intersection of Interstate 10 and the Sam Houston Toll way. This location will enable Ward to reach nearly all potential customers in a very timely response. Ankenbauer also said that the equipment, vehicles and service assets of the Houston facility are top-of-the-line and that Houston customers will benefit from the reliability and protection that these tools bring to the area.

Ward North American is unique in the annals of their national and global affiliate, North American Van Lines. North American announced at their recent agent convention in San Diego that Ward had, once again, been awarded the seventh consecutive Agent of the Year Trophy. In addition to which Ward was recognized for their outstanding Service and Sales accomplishments within the North American Family.

Houstonians wishing to inquire about the services and advantages provided by this new moving and storage agency were encouraged to contact Ward staff at 713-895-9988 or on the net at www.wardnorthamerican.com. Better yet, urged Ankenbauer, visit this new operation at 3700 Claymoore Drive, Suite 100 (77043). Ward also serves Dallas, Austin, Killeen, San Antonio, TX and Phoenix AZ.

Ward North American named Agent of the Year 2008

Ward North American Wins North American Van Lines’ Highest Customer Service Honor for Seventh Consecutive Year

SAN ANTONIO, TX, August 31, 2009 – Kevin Ankenbauer, president and CEO of Ward North American in San Antonio, Texas, believes refining even the smallest detail can make a big difference when it comes to great customer service. That thoughtful focus on the details earned Ankenbauer and his team the honor of North American Van Lines (NAVL) 2008 Agent of Year. This is the seventh year in a row Ward has earned NAVL’s most prestigious award which recognizes outstanding customer service.

“To reach an even higher level of quality and service, we needed to sustain our level of passion for winning,” Ankenbauer said. “So we dug deep to root out even the smallest improvements and then celebrated our victories.”

Training, follow-through and consistency all factor into his team’s success, according to Ankenbauer. Employees complete extensive training through Ward University, where they learn how to make the moving process as seamless as possible for customers. Ward also helps train other NAVL agents and their employees through Ward University.

In addition, Ward created a Driver Council with a team of five owner-operators in 2008 to continue service improvements. As a result, the council developed a manual that sets even tighter standards for all Ward owner-operators and drivers. Ankenbauer said Ward’s reputation for taking a disciplined and consistent approach to moving services attracted substantial attention from area drivers and Ward expanded its driver pool by more than 20 percent in 2008.

“We couldn’t be happier to see Ward North American win this honor again,” said Dan Robertson, vice president and general manager of North American Van Lines. “Kevin and his team really go out of their way for customers and their dedication clearly shows year after year in their exceptional customer survey scores.”

Ward North American also has been honored several times as a top Booking, Hauling and Origin Agent for North American Van Lines.

About Ward North American

Ward North American, an agent of North American Van Lines, is locally owned and operated with locations in San Antonio, Dallas, Austin and Killeen/Waco, Texas, and one location in Phoenix, Arizona. Established in 1977, Ward North American offers many services, including packing, moving and storage for domestic and international relocations. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.wardnorthamerican.com or call 888-909-3147.

About North American Van Lines, Inc.

North American Van Lines, Inc., established in 1933, is a subsidiary of SIRVA Inc., a leader in providing relocation solutions to a well-established and diverse customer base around the world. The van line, with headquarters in Fort Wayne, IN, and more than 500 agents, handles corporate, government, military and private relocations and operates in the U.S., Canada and more than 100 countries worldwide. Information on the company can be found on the Internet at www.navl.com.

Customer Choice Award

North American International Names 2008 International Customer Choice Award Winner

Ward North American, a Household Goods Mover, Recognized for Superior Customer Service

CHICAGO, July 16, 2009 — North American International, a market leader in international household goods moving, announced the selection of Ward North American as one of only three agents in the United States and Canada to receive its prestigious 2008 Customer Choice Award. This marks the second year in a row that the Texas based company has been the recipient of this award. Download Full Article