Part 7 TOEIC Hacker 3 Test 6

SOFTWARE CLASSES AT BRAMBLE LIBRARY 

Do you want to be more tech-savvy? Are you interested in learning how to create spreadsheets, presentations, and other common documents? If so, stop by Room 303 at the Bramble Library on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. between March 2 and April 15. Richard Hernandez, a trained IT executive, will be teaching people how to make spreadsheets, graphs, and presentations with frequently used software applications. Classes cost $20 per session. To sign up, visit www. bramblelib.org/programming/software. A complete schedule for the classes will be posted shortly. 

To learn more about the educational opportunities we offer, from literary classes to sessions on public speaking, please visit www.bramblelib.org/ programming.

Dean Strivers [10:31 a.m.] 

Sylvia, are you busy? Upper management just requested an urgent meeting with the research department in about an hour.

Sylvia Flores [10:33 a.m.] 

I'm available, but my team is at one of our main branches downtown. They won't be back until at least 2:00.

Dean Strivers [10:35 a.m.] 

Well, do you think you could handle it yourself? I think it'll go well even if your team members aren't there.

Sylvia Flores [10:36 a.m.] 

It shouldn't be an issue. Do I need to prepare anything?

Dean Strivers [10:40 a.m.] 

They want to ask questions about our upcoming product launch, so bring the market analysis, financial estimates, and other reports that you and your team have worked on. The meeting will be in Conference Room 510.

Sylvia Flores [10:41 a.m.] 

I'll be there.

Harwood Services 

3372 South High Street 

Bloomington, Indiana, 47404

Services: Providing the following at the Indiana Agricultural Subsidy Seminar on March 10: 

• Soup and sandwich lunch, soft drinks/fruit juices included 

$350, for 27 guests 

• Two refreshment breaks with tea, coffee, pastries, and snacks

$280, for 27 guests 

• Evening bar/cocktail service, trays of appetizers 

$220, for 35 guests* 

• Serving and preparation staff for duration of event 

$240, three staff members

Total cost: $1,090 

Deposit prepaid: $500 

Amount due: $590

MEMORANDUM 

Date: January 27 

To: All marketing and communications employees 

From: Charles Mikkola, Head of Marketing and Communications 

Subject: Organizational change 

As many of you are already aware, very shortly I will be leaving my position as the head of the marketing and communications department here at Thumston International. I'm proud to say that during my time in this position, Thumston International has made some tremendous advancements. Working together, we have enhanced our customers' experiences, expanded service offerings, strengthened relationships with new partners around the globe, increased revenues, and made our business practices more standardized. 

I am pleased to announce that Ms. Hannah Orburg will be taking over my position as of February 1. Hannah has more than 15 years of experience in sales and marketing for businesses in the corporate consulting field. Prior to being recruited by Thumston International, Hannah served as the Chief of Marketing and Operations at Diskledge, a large firm offering technological consulting to over 500 corporate clients internationally. With such stellar achievements relevant to our main business operations at Thumston, I'm confident that Hannah is the ideal person to replace me. 

Once again, it has been truly wonderful working with you all, and I wish you all the best in your professional endeavors.

Art Council to Host Summer Street Festival 

Back by popular demand, the Los Ramos Art Council (LRAC) will once again host Wine, Dine, and Design this year on July 12 and 13. The street festival will take place in downtown Los Ramos in the well-known Franklin Avenue neighborhood, This year, more than 120 local artists and artisans have registered to showcase their work during the festivities. 

But the fair isn't just for art lovers —it's for food and wine enthusiasts as well. Wine tastings will be set up by 12 different local vineyards, and some of the city's most popular chefs will also be on hand to serve delectable regional treats. 

Spokesperson for the LRAC Rosita Santiago said that popular folk music group Bella Vista Band will perform during the final evening of the fair along with many other artists. "In addition to music, dancers from local schools are set to perform on both days. So, you're sure to find something you'll enjoy!" 

A complete calendar of specific activities, vendors, and events is available at the LRAC office or at www.losramosartcouncil. org. The street fair is free of charge, with activities starting at 11 a.m. daily and concluding at midnight. Extra parking will be made available at Los Ramos Middle School.

TO: Fatima Sukarno <[email protected]>

FROM: Vinnie Deniro <[email protected]>

SUBJECT: Upcoming visit 

DATE: January 29 

ATTACHMENT: product specifications

Dear Ms. Sukarno, 

Thank you for responding so quickly to my inquiry about visiting your manufacturing plant in Jakarta. I will ask my assistant Theresa Montovani to go ahead and make travel arrangements for me and my colleague Sheryl Stein to travel there from New York on February 24. 

As Vert-Bleu Beauty is interested in pursuing a production contract with your company, I think it is important that we meet with you and see your facilities in person. — [1] —. 

Our cosmetics are guaranteed to be completely natural and environmentally sound, so our production guidelines would be rather strict. — [2] —. I am attaching a list of specifications for the manufacturing process of our beauty products. You and your executive staff can have a look through them and see if everything is clear. 

Once our flights have been booked, Ms. Montovani will send you, or your secretary, a final itinerary. — [3] —. We thank you kindly for offering us hotel accommodation and a driver service during our stay, and gratefully accept. — [4] —. Our assistants can coordinate to work out any details. 

I am looking forward to meeting with you, and I do hope that we will be able to work together on this venture. 

Regards, 

Vinnie Deniro 

Product development director, Vert-Bleu Beauty

Starting Up 

A Foreword by Michael Lawman 

Starting Up is Anne Schubert's first nonfiction publication, tracing the events in her life that led her to become a successful businessperson. Schubert reminds us through her compelling life story that creating a start-up company is not something that one can do without planning, — [1] —. Sufficient time and hard work are both necessary to make one's own business profitable, and the process of how to do that is outlined in detail throughout this book.

Schubert discusses how even from a young age she had always thought herself something of an inventor. Trying to come up with original products that others would find useful in their daily lives gave her inspiration. — [2] —. She also had to overcome the multiple challenges that go along with promoting a new product and ultimately landed contracts to supply Venus Footwear and Constant Sports Equipment. 

And it didn't take Schubert long to open a start-up company in Seattle called Swift World, which eventually led to her becoming CEO of Swift Enterprises International, Now with over 280 shoe stores across six different countries, we learn in the book how Schubert came from nearly nothing and developed Swift Enterprises into one of the nation's most lucrative retailers. — [3] —. 

Not only is Starting Up incredibly insightful and educational for entrepreneurs, but it is an entertaining read with lots of personal stories about the highly competitive world of product development and retail. I've been fortunate enough to be Schubert's professional peer for many years and have benefitted a lot from her insight and intuition. — [4] —, Now, with Starting Up, you too can have a look inside Schubert's world of start-up success.

A New Hotspot for Business Travel 

The western Chinese city of Chengdu has, for a long time, been overshadowed by more famous eastern cities like Shanghai and Beijing. But with China increasingly becoming the world's economic powerhouse, cities like Chengdu are becoming important destinations for business travel. However, conference halls and boardrooms aren't the only things visitors should see in this amazing and attractive metropolis. If you have some spare time during your trip, why not go and see some ofthe sights? 

• The panda sanctuary is the biggest draw for tourists in the city, and the only chance you'll have to see these wonderful and endangered creatures up close. English-speaking tour guides are available, and there are around 60 pandas including newborns. Note that the animals tend to be asleep between noon and 2 p.m. because of the heat. Due to its popularity, advance ticket purchases and reservations are recommended. 
• Luodai Ancient Town is a region of Chengdu that has survived the demolition and development of recent decades. It contains a number of traditional houses, and local Sichuan street food is available at stalls. Bus and train services to Luodai are available, although the bus takes longer due to traffic. 
• Mount Emei is located just outside Chengdu and is one of the most famous mountains of Chinese Buddhism. If you have an opportunity to go, take the cable car to the summit and enjoy a long but easy walk back down. 
• If you have several days available, your hotel will be able to help you arrange a trip to some of the smaller Tibetan towns that surround the city. In these towns, you can ride horses, stay in traditional Tibetan accommodations, and visit the many temples and libraries. 

All of these sights (except the Tibetan villages and Mount Emei) are easily accessed by a taxi from the center of the city, which should cost no more than 50RMB.

Sunfield Limousines 

San Diego's Premier Limousine Service 

Now Serving The Greater San Diego Area 

Reservations are available 

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year 

via walk-ins, phone, or on our Web site. 

Transportation is available to over 50 areas and 

neighborhoods in the greater San Diego area. 

We offer airport transport, wedding and special event services, and much more! 

New low-mileage sedans, SUVs, stretch limousines, and party buses are available. 

Contact one of our professionals now 

to reserve your chauffeured ground transportation services today.

Special Deal For First-Time Customers 

Enter coupon code BN23X5 on www.sunfieldlimo.com 

to receive 15 percent off your first limousine reservation. 

Sunfield Limousines

35 Arroyo Drive I San Diego, CA 92093 

www.sunfieldlimo.com I 555-7488 

Check out our new mobile application: SunfieldApp!

TO: Henry Karrington <[email protected]>

FROM: Fred Puccini <[email protected]>

SUBJECT: Refund request 

DATE: December 14

Dear Mr. Karrington, 

I am writing to express my disappointment in your limousine services. As a first-time customer that was hoping to take advantage of your company's special discount offer, I am sorry to say that I experienced several issues with the service provided. 

I had requested that a driver and stretch limousine meet some important visitors at the airport for Saturday, December 10. However, after waiting for nearly an hour in the arrivals area, nobody picked them up, and they were forced to call your company. They were informed that the car and driver were waiting at the domestic terminal instead of the international one. I clearly indicated in my reservation form that the flight would arrive at 6:30 p.m. in Terminal 1. Unfortunately, all of these delays meant our visitors waited around for an extra hour and a half. 

The driver then took our visitors to the Crown Diamond Airport Hotel instead of the branch located downtown. This added another 30 minutes to the trip. These visitors are potential investors in my company, and I was very embarrassed by their first impressions. 

I booked and paid for a return trip from the Crown Diamond Hotel to the airport for December 16 at 10:45 a.m., but at this point I wish to cancel. And I would appreciate a refund for the return trip. You may send the funds to the corporate credit card used to pay for your services.

I hope to receive a response from you shortly. Please e-mail me a confirmation as soon as the refund is processed. 

Sincerely, 

Fred Puccini

NOTICE: Upcoming maintenance 

Posted on May 1 

County Line Bank's mission is to do everything we can to earn the trust and respect of our customers. We extend that mission to our online services as well. To do this, we must continually update our computer systems and software. Unfortunately, making these necessary improvements requires that we shut down parts of our online banking services for short periods of time. 

In this regard, on May 22 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m, some online banking features will become temporarily unavailable. During this time, customers will be unable to check balances, pay bills, transfer money, stop payments, or deposit money for checking and savings accounts registered on our online system. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. To take care of time-sensitive transactions during the shutdown period, you may call our 24-hour customer service line at 1-800-555-3278. You will be required to provide your account number and may also be asked security questions to verify your identity. Alternatively, you may conduct all regular transactions available through any automated teller machine or visit any County Line branch for personal service from one of our professional tellers. Thank you for your patience and your continued business.

May 8

County Line Bank Headquarters 

Mr. Roger Black 

950 Crestside Drive 

St. Louis, MO 63112 

Dear Mr. Black, 

I am an account engineer with Datup Solutions, specializing in online systems. I have learned that you are the director of information technology for County Line Bank. I would like to discuss briefly with you how our company is helping clients like you to minimize their system downtime.

Datup recognizes the financial consequences for companies or institutions who regularly have to take parts of their systems offline for maintenance, as your bank does with its site. With this in mind, Datup's main business focus has always been to keep systems running during upgrades and upkeep. We have been successfully helping financial institutions, insurance firms, and online retail companies do exactly that for four years now, with most clients reporting substantial returns on their investments. 

If you are interested, I would like to meet with you and any other key personnel related to your system s operations. Ideally, it would be a good idea to have an appointment one week before your upgrade takes place. We can review the bank's current system, and my associate Michaela Owens and I can explain to you face-to-face how Datup can help to improve the situation. We are available to meet with you any day this week apart from Thursday, which is the day of a company conference. And you can also select any time between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Please call me at 555-6420 to make arrangements. 

I do look forward to meeting with you and possibly working together with you and County Line Bank in the future. 

Sincerely, 

Jason Richards 

Datup account engineer

Segovia Paints 

Here are some of our featured brands that are currently on sale: 

Vibra waterproof paint 

• Regularly priced at $24 per gallon 
• Retain their color for long periods even under severe weather conditions 
• Get 50 percent off pastel red and ivory when you buy at least two gallons 

Densen metallic paint 

• Regularly priced at $34 per gallon 
• Specially formulated to give oft a deep and luxurious shine (indoor use only) 
• Get 25 percent oft dark pink, cobalt blue*, amber yellow*, and emerald green 

Fulmax blended paint 

• Regularly priced at $30 per gallon 
• Made with our computerized paint-mixing machine 
• Get 25 percent off any blend of two or more colors 

Alpha basic paint 

• Regularly priced at $18 per gallon 
• Eco-triendly and adheres to most surfaces 
• Get 30 percent off cool gray*, warm gray, and steel gray 

*Color unavailable in other brands 

Need more help? Stop by one of our locations: 

• 2490 Taylor Street Conway, AR 72034 (Open Mon. - Sat.) 
• 405 Knoxville Avenue Russellville, AR 72801 (Open Mon. - Fri.) 
• 107 Division Street Morrilton, AR 72110 (Open Mon. - Fri.) 

Our team is always ready to assist you! All special otters on this flyer are available until April 30 only.

Do not patronize this store! 

Review posted on May 9 by S. Eggers

This is a review for Segovia Paints. Somehow, they mixed up my order and sent me the wrong item. When I contacted them about it, they didn't get back to me for a week! Since I needed the paint right away, I asked if they could send me the correct one using expedited delivery, but they refused to cover the cost. After wasting more time arguing back and forth, I decided to drive to their store on a weekend and speak to a manager in person. I was able to get the paint I wanted, and a partial refund, but the whole experience left me g feeling completely dissatisfied. I do not recommend this store!

Desmond-Hilbert Community College Canter, Connecticut 

Are you interested in enhancing your skills to increase your employability and competitiveness in the job market? The Desmond-Hilbert Community College is now offering courses for both employed and unemployed individuals interested in obtaining certifications or improving their skill sets. 

The program offerings include certification in real estate brokering, automobile safety, and computers. In addition, we have two new certification courses this semester in basic nursing and building inspection. 

If you would like more information, please visit our Web site at www.desmond-hilbert.edu/vocation. An online form is available for those who would like to enroll for the upcoming school term. Once you submit the form, we will respond within 48 hours. You may also enroll at the registrar's office. Deadline for enrollment is August 12. Enrollment beyond the deadline is at the discretion of the instructor.

COURSE

SCHEDULE

INSTRUCTOR

Real Estate Brokering

Mon and Wed, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. with a 1 -hour lunch break

Ms. Wendy Dufresne

Automobile Safety

Tues and Thurs, 9 a.m. - 1 2 noon

Mr. Harold Singh

Building Inspection

Mon and Fri, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Mr. Ted Angelotti

Computers and Tablets

Tues and Thurs, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Ms. Sandy Packard

Basic Nursing

Mon to Fri, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. with a 1 -hour lunch break

Mr. Paul Leong

To: Joey Partido <[email protected]>

From: Gail Bowe <[email protected]>

Subject: Registration 

Date: August 9

Dear Mr. Partido, 

This is to confirm that we have received your registration form. Your tuition and fees total $2,200. The enrollment process will be complete once you have submitted your payment. 

You indicated that the firm you work for will pay for your training.The amount may be transmitted to the following account: Oak Valley Bank, Account No. 381 1245-67-981 I. Your employer may also pay by credit card through our Web site. 

Once your payment has been received, you will be issued a receipt via e-mail. Print it out and bring it on the first day of class. Please be reminded that the course you enrolled in has full daytime sessions every day except Saturday and Sunday. If you have any questions, you may reach me by e-mail. Thank you. 

Sincerely, 

Gail Bowe 

Registrar

Name

Facility

Rental costs (per hour)

Zone 1

1 Softball field, 1 Soccer field, 1 Oval-shaped track available

$110

Zone 2

2 Basketball courts, 2 Volleyball courts, 3 Badminton courts available

$55

Zone 3

1 Gym available for dance, yoga, martial arts

$45

Zone 4

1 Hall available with facilities for bowling and billiards

$35

Markovich Insurance 

Date: August 22 

To: All staff 

From: Lois Butler 

Subject: 9th Markovich Insurance Sports Day 

Hey everyone! Just reminding you that our annual sports event is going to be held next week on Saturday, August 29, at the Lakeshore Recreational Complex, We have lots of fun, food, and surprises in store, including games and prizes! By now, you should have received one of four team assignments. Be sure to wear your team's designated colors! Our first event for the day will be a softball match, so we will meet first thing at the venue's softball field at 10 a.m. If you need help with transportation, please contact Dave Begley. See you all there!