Car Maintenance
Pereboom's Cafe: South Dakota Retailers' Community Service Award Winner
In the heart of Webster, South Dakota, a remarkable story unfolds. The South Dakota Retailers Association has proudly announced its 2025 award recipients, and one name stands out - Pereboom’s Cafe. This local gem has been bestowed with the prestigious Community Service Award, a testament to its unwavering dedication to the community and exceptional service.

Highlighting the Pereboom Family's Legacy

Since 1976, the Pereboom family has been a cornerstone of the Webster area. Junior Pereboom, with an astonishing 48-year tenure in the business, started his day at 4 a.m. by baking delicious treats. Today, the café is ably operated by Jay Pereboom, with the whole family playing a significant role. This family-owned establishment has become a beloved part of the community, offering warm hospitality and comfortable accommodations to both locals and visitors.The café is strategically located at 13 E. U.S. Highway 12 and remains open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. It serves as a reliable haven for meals and gatherings, ensuring that the community always has a place to come together. Additionally, it once had a full-service gas station until 1977, further demonstrating its diverse services to the local area.

The Award Ceremony - A Grand Affair

The much-anticipated award ceremony is set to take place at the Ramkota in Pierre on January 13th. This event is completely free, and the public is warmly invited to join in celebrating the achievements of Pereboom’s Cafe and other honored recipients. It will be a night to remember, as these businesses are recognized for their outstanding contributions.

Cahoy’s General Store - Retailer of the Year

Cahoy’s General Store has also made its mark in the retail world. With a wide range of products and a commitment to customer service, it has earned the title of Retailer of the Year. The store has been a go-to destination for locals, providing them with all their daily needs and more. Its friendly staff and convenient location make it a favorite among shoppers.

Cheyenne Crossing - Restaurant of the Year

Cheyenne Crossing, another culinary gem, has been recognized as the Restaurant of the Year. This establishment offers a unique dining experience with its delicious cuisine and inviting atmosphere. The chefs at Cheyenne Crossing are known for their creativity and attention to detail, ensuring that every meal is a delight. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a special dinner, Cheyenne Crossing is the place to be.For more details or to RSVP, visit sdra.org/bizconference. These award-winning businesses are a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication. They have become an integral part of the South Dakota community and continue to inspire others with their success.
Oasis & Tropix Partner with EV Motors for Electric Fleet Transition
In a remarkable and visionary step, two prominent Bahamian entities, Oasis Shopping and Tropix Shipping, have joined forces with EV Motors Ltd., a locally-based electric vehicle (EV) dealership. This partnership aims to upgrade their fleet with electric vehicles, showcasing their dedication to sustainability and meeting the growing demand for efficient and eco-friendly operations in The Bahamas.

Revolutionize Your Fleet with Electric Vehicles in The Bahamas

Operational Efficiency: Transforming the Business Landscape

Oasis Shopping and Tropix Shipping's decision to replace traditional fuel-powered vehicles with EVs is a strategic move that holds significant promise. By making this transition, they anticipate a substantial reduction in fuel and maintenance costs, which will directly impact their profitability and enhance their cost management strategies. This shift not only aligns with their business goals but also positions them at the forefront of sustainable business practices in The Bahamas.Moreover, the operational efficiency gains from EVs will enable these companies to handle increasing delivery demands more effectively. With the rapid growth of e-commerce and logistics, having a fleet that can meet these demands while ensuring reliability and performance is crucial. EVs offer the perfect solution, providing a seamless and efficient transportation option for their operations.

Meeting Customer Demand: Adapting to the Changing Market

The e-commerce and logistics sectors in The Bahamas are experiencing rapid growth, and both Oasis Shopping and Tropix Shipping recognize the need to adapt to this changing market. By investing in an electric vehicle fleet, they can ensure that they are able to meet the increasing delivery demands of their customers while maintaining the highest standards of reliability and performance.This move also demonstrates their commitment to providing their customers with the best possible service. In an era where environmental consciousness is on the rise, customers are increasingly looking for businesses that prioritize sustainability. By offering an electric vehicle fleet, Oasis Shopping and Tropix Shipping are able to meet this demand and enhance their customer experience.

Environmental Commitment: Building a Greener Future

The initiative to electrify their fleets is a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and building a greener future for The Bahamas. By choosing electric vehicles, Oasis Shopping and Tropix Shipping are taking a proactive approach to addressing environmental concerns and contributing to national and global goals.This commitment to sustainability is not only good for the environment but also for their business. By reducing their carbon footprint, they are positioning themselves as leaders in sustainable business practices, which can enhance their brand reputation and attract environmentally conscious customers.

Unmatched Expertise: Ensuring Seamless Vehicle Maintenance

EV Motors Ltd., based in The Bahamas, has quickly emerged as a leader in the electric vehicle market. Their state-of-the-art service center, equipped with OEM diagnostic tools and a team of certified EV technicians, ensures that clients like Oasis Shopping and Tropix Shipping receive seamless vehicle maintenance and support.From routine maintenance to complex repairs, EV Motors' technicians have the expertise and tools to keep electric vehicles running smoothly. This comprehensive service offering gives Oasis Shopping and Tropix Shipping the confidence to make the transition to electric vehicles without worrying about vehicle maintenance issues.

Comprehensive Solutions: A Smooth Transition to EVs

EV Motors goes beyond just selling electric vehicles. They provide comprehensive solutions that ensure clients are well-equipped for the transition to EVs. From sales to post-sale support, every aspect of the process is handled with care and professionalism.This includes providing clients with the necessary training and resources to operate and maintain their electric vehicles. EV Motors also offers ongoing support and advice to help clients make the most of their electric vehicle fleet and achieve their sustainability goals.

Sustainability Advocacy: Driving the Adoption of EVs

EV Motors is dedicated to driving the adoption of electric vehicles in The Bahamas. They offer affordable pricing and cutting-edge technology to clients, making it easier for businesses to make the switch to electric vehicles.By partnering with Oasis Shopping and Tropix Shipping, EV Motors is setting an example for other businesses in The Bahamas. Their leadership in this area shows that it is possible to achieve environmental and economic goals through innovation and collaboration.A Greener BahamasThe partnership between Oasis Shopping, Tropix Shipping, and EV Motors Ltd. marks a new era for businesses in The Bahamas. It demonstrates the power of working together to achieve common goals and create a sustainable future. By embracing electric vehicles, these companies are not only reducing their environmental impact but also setting a positive example for others to follow. This win-win situation for businesses and the environment is a testament to the importance of innovation and collaboration in today's world.
See More
Prospective mechanics train for EV future with hybrid classes
Behind Bob stands a remarkable hybrid car battery. Its size is approximately 12 times that of a regular car battery, making it extremely heavy. On top of it rests a prominent "danger high voltage" sign, emphasizing the significance of safety. As Bob explains, "The biggest part about this class is learning the safety procedures, as this high voltage is extremely dangerous. So, learning the safety procedures, knowing what personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear, and understanding how to disable the system to ensure safe working conditions..."

UTI's Electric Hybrid Class Curriculum

UTI's electric hybrid class curriculum holds a unique position. It is one of the first from a private for-profit trade school in Texas and is relatively new. Instructors like Bob have flown to the UTI campus in Long Beach, California, for instruction. Just like many trade programs, the curriculum is informed by industry partners. This approach keeps the knowledge up to date with what future employers seek in potential hires. Tess Dubois-Carey is the president of UTI in Sacramento, California, where the program was first launched in 2023. She emphasizes, "That's why we have the partnerships we do and employers offering things like our tuition reimbursement incentive plan and similar initiatives to attract our graduates to work for them."

Hybrid and EV Learning at Northeast Texas Community College

In Mount Pleasant, Northeast Texas Community College is making significant strides. Just over an hour west of Texarkana and a couple of hours east of Dallas, this community college with a population of over 16,000 has become the first in the nation to offer the EV certificate program. Zachary Strawbridge, an instructor in the Carroll Shelby Automotive Program on campus, states, "We always strive to be on the cutting edge of what the industry demands from entry-level mechanics. As the hybrid and EV market share continues to grow, we have been introducing more and more of it to ensure our technicians are well-prepared to succeed in the industry." To write the curriculum, the program partnered with LegacyEV, a company specializing in electric vehicle components and education from Arizona.

Overcoming Infrastructure Challenges

It is no secret that a major issue hindering the electric vehicle market in Texas is the infrastructure, particularly the lack of charging stations. However, with an EV charging station factory opening its doors in Fort Worth, the possibility of seeing more EVs and hybrids on the roads outside of big cities becomes more plausible. Strawbridge remarks, "Within the next 5 to 10 years, we should start to notice a significant increase in local areas. This is an important step towards the wider adoption of electric vehicles and hybrids."
See More