Page 8/The Battalion/Friday, September 26, 1986
Car exhaust fumes kill
Houston family of six
HOUSTON (AP) — A prelimi
nary autopsy report indicates a fam
ily of six died from carbon monox
ide poisoning after a car was left
idling in an attached garage, police
said Thursday.
Police are now trying to sort out if
the deaths involved murder, suicide,
an accident or a combination, homi
cide Sgt. Bill Stephens said.
A man, his wife and their four
children were found dead Wednes
day afternoon in their trash-strewn
home in southwest Houston after
the woman’s co-workers went to the
home and smelled foul odors, au
thorities said.
The body of Joann Robbins, 37,
was found in the passenger seat of
the family’s car in a garage attached
to the house. The car’s ignition was
on, but the engine was no longer
running, investigators said.
The garage’s door to the kitchen
was closed but traces of carbon mon
oxide was found in the home, Ste
phens said. The air conditioning had
apparently circulated the gas
throughout the house, he said.
“That’s how it got to the back bed
room where the children were,” he
said. The bodies of the five other
family members were found inside
the house.
Police Sgt. J.C. Mosier said the
woman may have committed suicide
and inadvertently poisoned the rest
of her family.
The 39-year-old husband,
Thomas L. Robbins, was found in
front of a television still on, Stephens
said.
The children, ages 1 to 7, were
dressed in nightwear and were
found on mattresses or on the floor
of one room, investigators said.
No suicide note has been found,
Mosier said.
Finance plan gives company new life
Navasota business ‘has it covered
NAVASOTA (AP) — When two
Beaumont entrepreneurs say they
have everything covered, they are
probably talking about the furni
ture in your living room.
Tom Combs and Ben Walker
have just bought Sorrell Manufac
turing, a Navasota furniture com
pany they hope to turn into a
statewide business, using a unique
public-private partnership for fi
nancing.
Now called Sorrell of Texas, the
company makes new furniture for
retail stores such as Star and Gal
lery in Houston and Howell’s in
Beaumont and Port Arthur.
“We deal strictly in new furni
ture, sofas, loveseats and chairs and
ottomans with no reupholstry or
factory sales,” Combs said. The two
partners drew on business and gov
ernment experience to combine the
public-private funding with their
investment to buy the company.
Combs, 36, had been a Beau
mont city councilman from 1978-82
and had worked with the Beau
mont Chamber of Commerce and
as an associate with the John Gray
Institute. Walker, 23, was a business
major at Baylor University who re
turned to Beaumont after gradua
tion.
When Walker spoke to Combs
about finding a job, they decided to
combine their talents to start a busi-
January when they contacted the
owner, Tack Waldman.
Idn
“I said to myself ‘This guy is
going to make somebody some
money,’ and it might as well be me,”
Combs said.
When they became partners last
September, Sorrell was for sale.
The men talked about the pur
chase but did not work on it until
Waldman provided seller financ
ing for the $750,000 project while
Combs and Walker contributed a
$50,000 down payment. The two
received a loan from the First Na
tional Bank of Navasota and a
$290,000 loan from the city. The
city got the $290,000 from an Eco
nomic Development Grant from
the Texas Department of Commu
nity Affairs.
Combs said they had to make the
deal fit the state grant program be
cause the financing had to work or
the purchase could not go through.
Both men said they were im
pressed with the enthusiasm and
helpfulness of the city and bankers
in Navasota. “They were really
helpful because it looked like we
would come in and create jobs for
the people,” Combs said. “The}
were concerned about the general
welfare of the community.”
Since closing the deal Sept. 2,
they have added seven employees,
including three salesmen, foratotal
of 30 workers. Combs also is work
ing as a salesman while Walker is
trying to revamp the factory. Thev
believe they could add 50 more
workers.
This year, they expect the sales to
be $1.5 million, an increase of 5(1
percent over last year. In the past,
Sorrell was a statewide company
with 125 employees, Combs said
But five years ago, illness forced
Waldman to cut back the business.
“There wasn’t a big marketing
effort and that is what we are work
ing on," Combs said. “Now we have
a new marketing plan thatseemsto
l^e working.”
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DEAN’S WELCOME
Welcome! On behalf of the
faculty and staff, I am pleased to
welcome each of you to campus.
We hope you are enthusiastic
and committed to having a good
semester academically.
With so many social options
available, it is all too easy to
slack off on the academic side of
your student life these first weeks
of the semester. If you have not
done so, you might develop a
weekly plan of study and stick to
it. Your learning and end-of-se
mester grades will benefit.
The College of Business Ad
ministration has a long tradition
of outstanding student groups and
societies. They provide excellent
opportunities for the blending of
your professional development
with your social interests Get in
volved with at least one of these
student groups. You will reap the reward! Information on the student
groups and and how to get involved with them is posted on the tack
boards outside of Blocker 102.
Dr. William H. Mobley served with distinction as Dean of the Col
lege of Business Adminstration until August, 1986. Although the Col
lege will sorely miss Dr. Mobley's outstanding talents, we are
pleased that his splendid leadership will be available to the entire
Texas A&M University System in his new position as Deputy Chan
cellor.
The faculty and staff join me in wishing each of you a personally
and professionally rewarding semester.
Get Involved!
AN INVITATION
FROM THE
BUSINESS STUDENT COUNCIL
Sincerely
Don Hellriegel, Interim Dean
Should students be allowed to see the results of course evalua
tion? The College of Business currently maintains a policy of keeping
these evaluation results behind closed doors - allowing only faculty
and administration to view the results. This process is beneficial to
faculty since they can spot potential areas for improvement within
their courses, and the administration is able to evluate the courses
from the students' veiwpoints. There is however, one glaring weak
ness in this current system; the very students who take their time to
fill out the evaluations are denied the opportunity to benefit from the
results. To overcome this flaw in the system, a committee has been
formed this semester whose goal is to make available both current
and past course evaluations to all business students. The grade point
distribution, which has been previously available, will now be com
bined with the course evaluations for easy access and higher quality
information. The Course Evaluation Committee is cochaired by Dr.
Sam Gillespie and Allen Arnold. Also on this committee is a professor
and student from each business major. This information should be
available by preregistration, giving students an alternative to "s-
treet-talk" for course/profession information.
The Course Evaluation Committee is just one example of the posi
tive changes occurring in the College Of Business. Another major ex
ample is the Business Edge. More than a name change, the Business
Edge represents an improvement in quality and a more focused direc
tion. By keeping you informed of major events within the College, this
publication is designed to give you the much-needed edge in today's
business world. Should students be allowed to see results of course
evaluations? The Bottom Line says yes and will be backing the course
evaluation committee as they work to accomplish this goal. Until next
month...
Allen Arnold and B.J. Cohen
Co-editors
Howdy Aggies!
On behalf of the Business Student Council, I
would like to welcome everyone back to Aggieland!
The Business Student Council serves as the
coordinating body for the many student organiza
tions involving business students. The BSC was
formed November 18, 1968 to serve as a liaison be
tween the students and faculty of the College of
Business Administration. The Council began with a
mere handful of students representing only four ma
jor departments within the College. Last year we
had some fifty or so students representing fifteen
student organizations with seven new organizations
becoming involved within recent months. Our meet
ings are open to all students, and if anyone has a
complaint, suggestion, or would just like to know
what is going on, please feel free to attend. We al
ways appreciate your input and suggestions.
We have many plans for the upcoming year, and
we hope to see everyone become involved, whether
it is serving on a Business Career Committee, join
ing one of our member organizations, or simply of
fering a suggestion at a Council meeting. Your in
volvement will bring personal benefit as well as
contribute to the College of Business Administration
as a whole.
Yours Sincerely
Jodi Savoie, President, Business Student Council
Should students be allowed to see the results of course
evaluation? The College of Business currently maintains a
policy of keeping these evaluation results behind closed doors
- allowing only faculty and administration to view the results.
This process is beneficial to faculty since they can spot poten
tial areas for improvement within their courses, and the ad
ministration is able to evluate the courses from the students’
veiwpoints. There is however, one glaring weakness in this
current system; the very students who take their time to fill out
the evaluations are denied the opportunity to benefit from the
results. To overcome this flaw in the system, a committee has
been formed this semester whose goal is to make available
both current and past course evaluations to all business stu
dents. The grade point distribution, which has been previously
available, will now be combined with the course evaluations
for easy access and higher quality information. The Course
Evaluation Committee is cochaired by Dr. Sam Gillespie and
Allen Arnold. Also on this committee is a professor and stu
dent from each business major. This information should be
available by preregistration, giving students an alternative to
“street-talk” for course/profession information.
The Course Evaluation Committee is just one example of
the positive changes occurring in the College Of Business.
Another major example is the Business Edge. More than a
name change, the Business Edge represents an improvement
in quality and a more focused direction. By keeping you in
formed of major events within the College, this publication is
designed to give you the much-needed edge in today’s busi
ness world. Should students be allowed to see results of course
evaluations? The Bottom Line says yes and will be backing
the course evaluation committee as they work to accomplish
this goal. Until next month...
THE BUSINESS STUDENT COUNCIL pro
vides a service desk for students and visitors in
room 101 of the Blocker building, open 8-5 daily.
Scantrons, pens and pencils are on sale. Informa
tion is offered on student activities and interests.
Allen Arnold and B.J. Cohen
Co-editors
OPPORTUNITIES IN THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Below is a sample of the many student organizations within the College of Busi
ness. We encourage everyone to become actively involved in these professional
organizations. Each one offers unique and challenging opportunities. Find a
group that interests you and GET INVOLVED!
RETAIL SOCIETY — A newly formed professional organization which allows
marketing majors and all others interested, an opportunity to see various career
options available in the world of retailing.
Allison Craig, President - 696-4040
ADVERTISING ASSOCIATION — A new organization formed to provide stu
dents with advertising opportunities — such as working on accounts for school
organizations and local business. No previous experience required. Next meeting
Oct. 14 at 7:00 p.m.
Katie Hamitz, President - 846-4218
MANAGEMENT SOCIETY — Allows students the opportunity to hear speak
ers from top management positions, attend recruitment receptions, and meet peo
ple with similar career interests. Check bulletin board in Blocker.
Kim VanBuskirk, President - 693-1260
THE SOCIETY FOR ENTREPRENUERSHIP AND NEW VENTURES
Open to all students who wish to learn how to start and run their own business.
James McAuliffe, President - 693-1973
MARKETING SOCEITY — A professional organization committed to the in
teraction of students interested in marketing and in the total business environ
ment.
Brad Bebell, President - 693-1260
MBA/MS ASSOCIATION — Provides social and professional activities for
graduate students in the College of Business Administration. (A representative
from Arthur Anderson’s consulting division will speak.)
Alan Lane, President - 846-1233
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION — Purpose of the I. B A of
to foster a greater awareness and interest in the area of international business.
Guest speakers will play a large role in the group’s activities. Cultural barriers,
getting a job in international business, and how students should prepare them
selves for Working abroad are topics that will be discussed.
First Meeting Oct. 8 7:00 p.m. 150 Blocker (Speaker: John Adams, President,
Meiler Reasearch)
Darrel Bastian, President - 268-3109
FINANCE ASSOCIATION — A professional association for those interested in
a career in finance.
Brenda Blaha, President - 696-0236
PI SIGMA EPSILON —National Sales and Marketing fraternity. Freshmen
welcome.
Liz Ranft, President - 693-7033
DATA PROCESSING MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION — A professional
society open to Business Analysis majors and all others interested in careers in
data processing.
Paul Meister, President - 846-1933
DELTA SIGMA PI — Internationa.business fraternity. Must be a business ma
jor with a 2.25 GPA. Membership selection by application.
Danny Ousboume, President - 846-2725.
BETA ALPHA PSI — National accounting fraternity. Applicants must have
completed Acct. 229, 230 and be currently enrolled in or have completed Acct.
327. Minimum 3.0 GPA in both Accounting courses required.
Jennifer Rankin, President - 693-1964
SPEECH COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION — Committed to promotion
of communications as a viable career option by offering students an opportunity
to meet faculty, make business contacts and discover just how marketable a lib
eral arts degree is in the business world.
Gwen Guseman, President - 846-1179
SIGMA IOTA EPSILON —Management Honor Society. Must have a definite
interest in Management. Requirements - 30 hours complete at A&M and one ju
nior level Management course completed. GPA of 3.0 overall and in Manage
ment courses required. Graduate students are also encouraged to join. Check bul
letin board in Blocker Building.
Mark Rines, President - 846-4940
BUSINESS EDGE. September 26, 1986. Vol. 1, No. 1. Published by the
Business Student Council as a monthly mewsletter for students and organi
zations in the College of Business Adminstration. Office in 101 Blocker,
Tel. 409/845-1320. President, Jodi Savoie. Vice Presidents, Rona Davis
and Susan Zimmerman. Treasurer, Nathan McClellan. Secretary, Patricia
Leech. Editors, B.J. Cohen and Allen Arnold. Advisor, Lynn Zimmer-
mann. Dean of the College, Dr. Don Hellriegel.
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