The store will hold its naming contest starting next week, with a prize awarded to the winner
By Jon Stroshine
Upland Circle K assistant manager Tina Wallace recognizes the value of small-town connections.
So when she and her co-workers found out they would keep their jobs despite a change in the store's management, she was relieved.
"It's a lot of security knowing that we get to stay within the community that we've been with for so long," Wallace said. "We could draw unemployment and get a paycheck, but it's not all about the paycheck, it's about the customer."
Customers of the convenience store will have the chance to put their stamp on the store, as new owner Mike Hicks will hold a naming contest starting Sept. 14.
The contest will run Sept. 14 through Sept. 21 with the winner receiving a $100 gift certificate to the store.
"It's huge . . . financially and for the image of the town," Hicks said. "You've seen closed down buildings in town . . . . It's bad news for the town when that happens."
Hicks prevented that from happening by signing a lease agreement for the store Aug. 30. He said the fact he has to pay fewer people than Circle K, especially fewer high-level managers, will help him keep it open.
"Our payroll's cheaper, our overhead, all that stuff's just cheaper," Hicks said. "Way simpler."
National Oil Sales Representative Jeff White estimated the store would be closed for two-thirds of the day Monday while the change of ownership is completed.
On Sept. 14, students will be able to drop off suggested names at the store.
Hicks plans to keep the Tuesday night special on breadsticks while lowering soda and coffee prices.
So while the prices and products may change, the faces will stay the same.
"They're always friendly in there," said Barry Bennett of Van Buren who frequents Circle K. "Basically, that's it. If they're friendly, you come back. If they (aren't), you don't."
