ATS Newsbrief June 2013
Your ATS card provides you with access to a wide variety of goods and services at rates especially negotiated on your behalf. In the right hands it is an invaluable asset to your farming operation, but in the wrong hands it can become a major liability.
Neal Shaw, Chief Executive
This was certainly the case recently when a shareholder’s employee had a significant “spend-up” and then skipped town, leaving the responsibility of settling the ATS account with the shareholder. It’s the kind of scenario which leaves a sour taste for all involved.
It’s worth remembering that ultimately the shareholder is responsible for the ATS cards associated with their shareholding, and the charges they incur. Any fraudulent use is the responsibility of the parent account holder and ATS will look to recover these funds from the shareholder. We have had feedback from some suppliers that the same ATS card is being presented by a number of different people. On one hand it demonstrates the value of the card and the discounts which are available to ATS members, but it also raises questions about the appropriate use of the card. An ATS card should be given the same amount of respect as a credit card. In some ways lending your ATS card to others is more dangerous than lending a credit card, as an ATS card does not have a spending limit. We might be quick to share our ATS card and PIN number with family, friends or workmates but would we offer up our credit card quite so readily? It can be difficult for suppliers and retailers to determine if someone is fraudulently presenting an ATS card. If someone has a card and a PIN number then it is reasonable to assume they are entitled to use it. Gone are the days where suppliers and retailers are familiar with every ATS card holder. Increased ATS membership and the continual interchange of staff, particularly in the dairy sector, make it almost impossible to know every card holder and sub account holder. For this reason it is important we remember the value of the ATS card and what it represents, and that its use be encouraged, but in an ethical and responsible manner.
ATS 50th Anniversary Scholarship
ATS Shareholders Ball
With ATS celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, we are offering a one off scholarship for two ATS shareholders to support them in gaining knowledge and skills in related study. Up to two scholarships will be given to the maximum combined value of $10,000.
The ATS Shareholders 50th Anniversary Ball will be the formal event celebrating this golden year for ATS and its shareholders. The event will be held in Ashburton, the heart of ATS country on 6 July. It will incorporate dinner, speeches and dancing. For more information or to get tickets please contact Shelley Donnelly at atsball@redraisin.co.nz or call 03 307 7232.
Application forms can be obtained from any ATS store, online at www.ats.co.nz/50yrscholarship or by contacting the Customer Service team on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287). Applications close 29 July 2013.
Upcoming Events
18 June, 23 July, & 20 August
Farm Safety Training for members For more information or to RSVP call 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) or online at www.ats.co.nz/farmsafety
6 July
ATS Shareholders 50th Anniversary Ball Call 03 307 7232 for tickets or more information
Upcoming Industry Events
12–15 June
National Fieldays, Mystery Creek For more information visit www.fieldays.co.nz
3–5 July
Federated Farmers National Conference, Ashburton For more information visit www.fedfarm.org.nz
Payment terms of your account
Moving?
Please remember that under the rules of the Ashburton Trading Society, payment of accounts is strictly due on the 20th of the month. A forfeit of rebate charge of 7.5% of the month’s balance will be incurred for late payment. This applies to Shareholder/Parent members and sub account holders.
To ensure a smooth transition from one property to another it is a great idea to arrange your new electricity accounts ahead of time. You don’t need to wait until you take possession of the new farm to get this process started. This will ensure accounts are set up ready to go, final readings have been arranged for old accounts, and power supply is not interrupted. For any electricity changes, please contact ATS Energy Account Manager Tracey Gordon on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) before you move to arrange the transfer of your electricity connection.
One of the benefits of being an ATS member is the discount you receive from ATS suppliers for goods and services. The continued success of this scheme relies on members paying their account by the 20th of every month so ATS can forward those funds to suppliers on the due date according to its payment terms. If you have any queries regarding your account please contact the ATS Administration team on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) before the 15th of the month.
Approved Handlers certificate Is your Approved Handler certificate due to expire soon? Please contact Peter Jacob on 03 307 5124 or 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) and he will help you with your renewal process.
Your end of financial year checklist With the Year End just around the corner for many of us, we thought it would be timely to provide the following reminders and checks: Signatures and authorisation:
Check cards on your ATS account if you have had staff changes Check bank authorities / signatories / mandates Check automatic payments and direct debit authorities Check ATS sub accounts / personal accounts. If staff have access to your ATS account consider whether a sub account may be more appropriate Housekeeping:
Cashbook updated and reconciled Cashbook spring cleaned and backed up Accountants report prepared and next year opened Opening livestock aged up / checked
For more information check out www.ats.co.nz/Media/ latestnews
Updating member accounts If your staff have recently changed, don’t forget to update the relevant information with ATS. This can include: • ATS card authorisation and the names of those you allow to use your ATS number; • The holders of an Approved Handler certificate, Dangerous Goods licence or a Toxic Substances licence. Where staff have moved on, it may also be necessary to advise ATS of those no longer entitled to use your ATS number or their sub accounts. All of these useful details can be updated on your account by contacting the Customer Service team on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287).
Ashburton Trading Society Ltd 97 Burnett Street, PO Box 131 Ashburton
Tel 03 307 5100 Fax 03 307 6723 ats@ats.co.nz
Farm Safety Training for members The Farm Safety Training currently being offered by ATS in conjunction with Unique Solutions is proving very popular, with two successful courses already completed. The course provides relevant information for your operation and participants come away with their own Farm Safety Manual. Upon completion of the training, members will be able to apply for a discount on their ACC levies. The next training dates are 18 June, 23 July, and 20 August. The one day course costs $550 (GST and member discount inclusive). Seating is limited so get in fast. For more information or to reserve your spot please contact Peter Jacob on 03 307 5124 or 0800 BUY ATS (289 287), email book@ats.co.nz or reserve your spot online at www.ats.co.nz/farmsafety.
Members’ Choice Award Do you have favorite ATS suppliers? Have you experienced exceptional service? Do you get value for money and does that business go above and beyond the normal call of duty? If you can answer yes to these questions, then we would love to hear from you. The third annual ATS Supplier Awards will be held in August and we are now calling for nomination for the prestigious Members’ Choice Award. Your input is vital, so please tell us why your favorite ATS supplier should be chosen for the Members’ Choice Award. Visit www.ats.conz/ choiceaward or vote in store and make your vote count!
ATS Supplier Updates For a full list of ATS suppliers and discounts, please visit www.ats.co.nz
new SUPPLIERS Leeston Hammer Hardware 69 High Street Leeston Tel: 03 324 3559 Fax: 03 324 3559 leeston@hammerhardware.co.nz 5% discount on all items
The Tool Shed (Exclusive to ATS) 34 Robinson Street Riverside Industrial Park Ashburton Tel: 03 308 6415 ashburton@thetoolshed.co.nz 10% discount on hand tools No discount on machinery and power tools
Riteway Paint & Panel (Exclusive to ATS) 2 Eden Street Oamaru Tel: 03 434 9362 Fax: 03 434 9365 riteway@xtra.co.nz 10% discount on panel beating and labour
NEW SUPPLIER DISCOUNT STRUcTURE Mitre 10
(discount structure for ATS Members only) From 1 July 2013, ATS members will receive 5–15% discount across all items (excluding Council rubbish bags, fire pellets, promotional offers and sale items net.) at Mitre 10 Ashburton, Timaru and Oamaru.
RESIGNED SUPPLIER Kids Korner
Sort your grain with ATS Seed ATS Seed is always looking for all types of grain to supply a wide range of end users. If you have free or un-contracted grain you would like to sell please contact ATS Seed. Drop in your sample at any ATS Store, with an ATS Rep or contact the ATS Customer Service Centre on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) to arrange sample bags or pick up.
50 CELEBRATING
YEARS
www.ats.co.nz