PAGE 14, WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1989 Sipeo and Dixon merge to become region's largest distributor By Debbie Luchuk Two of Durham Region's lar- gest fuel companies have joined forces to provide, they say, etter service and expertise for region customers. The Sipco O. Ltd., operating in Durham since 1959, and Dixon Fuels, servicing Durham since 1902, united under the name Sipco-Dixon as of Dec. 5, 1988 The merger makes the new company the largest fuel oil dis- tributor in Durham Region. Sipco-Dixon sells fuel oil for home heating, gas and diesel fuel for farm and commercial use, and offers servicing for oil fur- naces, installation of gas and electric furnaces, heat pumps, humidifiers and central air con- ditioning units. "In the summer, we're very busy with central air condition- ing, and we're one of the leaders in the sale of central air" mar- keting manager Steve K'isil Jr. said. The tradition of fast, efficient personalized service will be im- proved by the merger, Kisil said. "We're selling personalized ser- vice, This is of the utmost impor- tance to us, and we can provide better service (by the merger)," he said. Interacet: 'Total computer package' By Debbie Luchuk A husband-and-wife team are the combined experience behind a new computer consulting busi- ness, Interacct Systems Group. Open for business since the fall, David and Diane Hepburn provide computer accounting sys- tems, software and hardware to the end-users market, generally small to medium businesses. "We serve small to medium businesses looking to become automated," David said. The Hepburns assess the busi- ness' needs, their budget, and "come up with a total package," he continued. The assessment is free of charge, and the Hepburns place a lot of emphasis on after-pur- chase assistance with the new system. "If there is no technical sup- port, it (a system) would be useless to them. We offer total installation and training, and that's what you don't get from a storefront (operation)," Diane said. Through an 800 phone line and an off hours answering ser- vice, the Hepburns are available to provide assistance should any difficulties arise with a computer system. "We offer support as long as it's needed or required. For the first two to three weeks, we get a few calls about a new system but after that we generally find that we're not required," David said. He is an accountant by profes- sion, and Diane is a software specialist. They worked together for several years at the same company, so working together is not new. They update their knowledge b attendmg seminars and trade sows, looking at computer magazines and periodicals, and by testing and studying new SEE PAGE 15 The merger was in. the plan- ning stages for a few years. "Wedecided that it was a ositive business venture for oth companies involved. It eli- minates major com petition, and with the combine dexperience. and staff we are better able to provide better service for our customers." No expansion is planned for the near future. Kisil said that fuel oil is more economical than gas or electric heat, despite the trend in recent years to convert to ras heating. "The fact is that it pays to stay with oil, it is the sa est method of heating. You have a diversity in choice of oil companies, and you can install an oil furnace more economically than gas or electric." Kisil said the trend to gas or electric has been minimized now as the price of oil has stabilized. "Current customers are not converting to gas or electric." Servicing for furnaces is offered 24 hours a day. Kisil advises homeowners to get their central air conditioning installed now before the summer rush, and notes that "people are smartening up, we're dong air .conditioningright now." "«Customner service is the most important. Our staff and servce people are experienced. When dealing with oil, consult profes- sionals," Kisil concluded. Sipco-Dixon Fuels is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m..Monday to Friday and service is available 24 hours a day by calling the answering service after hours. The company is located at 313 Albert St., Oshawa. Mortgage Factory offers advice to homebuyers B Debbie Luchuk The Vortgage Factory, located in downtown Whitby, offers advice to first-time homebuyers needing assistance with a mort- ® is provided to get the best possible terms in a mortgage, refinancing or consolidation of debt, according to assistant manager Linda MacLeod. "Our basic function is to act as the middle person for the client, shopping around for the best The Irresistible RRSP What niakes our Special Bonus* RRSP hard to resist? In addition to our competitive daily published rate, you get a one-half per cent bonus on an RRSP Guaranteed Investment Certificate that matures May 1, 1990. This bonus applies both to new and transfer deposits. There are no administration fees. And you receive an instant tax receipt. Just cut out this ad and present it at your nearest National Trust branch. Ask us about our complete range of RRSPs. If you're thinking along the lines of a Self-Directed or Mutual Fund RRSP, talk to our knowledgeable staff. At the branch or on the phone, you'll find them eager to help. SA loan could be a smart move. Get the most out of the tax benefits of an RRSP by depositing as close to your allowable maximum as possible. If you don't have sufficient funds available, .. ... let us show you how a National Trust RRSP loan can be a smart financial move. The smartest financial move you can make. Whatever your RRSP needs are, come in and let us look after them for you. NATIONAL TRUST EWhitby 308 Dundas St. W. 668-9324 3 352 Brock St. S. 666-1800 'lyns & Conditions: • Offer cannot be used with other offers - Offer expires March 1, 1989 - Applicable to contributions and transfers in - $500. rminimum deposit • Maturity May 1, 1990. Non-cashable prior to maturity. WilI be renewed fort1 year tern automatically on maturity, unless advised prior to maturity •Bonus is added to our published GIC rate on the day you make your ceposit Offer to retail clients only, not through brokers. M. MnW. M u-m m ètêç deal. "Every client is different, with specific needs. There is always money available out there, we have the ability to find where the money is," she said. Those who have difficulty in obtaining a mortgage through "traditional" banking institutions can also be assisted in financing a home. There is no "typical" customer. MacLeod said that clients are those looking for assistance in finding ways of fïnancing homes, businesses, refinancing for further investment, or consoli- dating debts. "Rate wise, we have a lot of market rates, some below market rates,"she said. "We deal with anything mort- gagable. We mortgage lots of ifferent things, for example, cot- tages, land, and so forth." Te Mortgage Factory opened in 1986. "There was a definite need for it here, and we ho pe to expand to Oshawa," MacLeod said. "I think we're really apprecia- ted. We work to make the clients feel very much at home. This is especiaîly important for younger, new homebuyers. The like to have everything expainedt them." The Mortgage Factory is open from 9 a.m. to 5 .m., and in the future, 8 a.m. to p.m. hours are possible. The Mortgage Factoy is loca- ted at 120 Dundas St. . 666-4!)86ýJ'