Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Surprise Christmas gift--Unbelievable!!!

Dec 16, 2003 8:40AM PST

The wife just told me that she heard on the TV news about a shoe manufacturer (SAS) in New England who called all his workers together for a meeting.
Most of them figured it was goodbye to their jobs.
Instead, they were told that they would be receiving a bonus of $1000.00---- PER YEAR OF SERVICE. Aint that nice?
Anyone else hear that?
Heck, I didn't even know they still made shoes in the USA.
Hal

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Re:Surprise Christmas gift--Unbelievable!!!
Dec 16, 2003 9:14AM PST

Heard that, one couple took home $37,000 I think.

Drat, it, there is a link on this page

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/home/main100.shtml

but you have to install realplayer or windows media player 9. I have (so far) refused both. WMplayer 9 has all the digital copyright BS built-in, and I don't like the notion.

roger

- Collapse -
Its true, and wonderful. Link:
Dec 16, 2003 9:22AM PST
- Collapse -
Re:Surprise Christmas gift -- True, but not New England. SAS= San Antonio Shoes
Dec 16, 2003 12:19PM PST

And excellent shoes they are, too -- I wear them.
P.S. Welcome, Halsteis!
-- Dave K.
Speakeasy Moderator
click here to email semods4@yahoo.com

The opinions expressed above are my own,
and do not necessarily reflect those of CNET!

- Collapse -
This SAS plant is in Maine, Dave
Dec 16, 2003 6:47PM PST
- Collapse -
Re:This SAS plant is in Maine, Dave
Dec 16, 2003 9:22PM PST

Hi, Paula.

That's really odd. The story was on here, too, and referred to it as a "San Antonio-based company" (the also gave the SAS name).
-- Dave K.
Speakeasy Moderator
click here to email semods4@yahoo.com

The opinions expressed above are my own,
and do not necessarily reflect those of CNET!

- Collapse -
Re:This SAS plant is in Maine, Dave -- More detail
Dec 16, 2003 9:24PM PST

Hi, Paula.

Here's the story (this is from your link): "SAS Pittsfield is a division of SAS Shoemakers in San Antonio." So it's probably SAS-wide.
-- Dave K.
Speakeasy Moderator
click here to email semods4@yahoo.com

The opinions expressed above are my own,
and do not necessarily reflect those of CNET!

- Collapse -
Re:Re:This SAS plant is in Maine, Dave -- More detail
Dec 17, 2003 12:31AM PST

One of our radio stations called and spoke with the receptionist at the Pittsfield location. She got $12K. She said the most senior person there had 19 years. She also said there were five locations but she didn't know if it was company wide. Also saw TV news with video from the plant. No one on management would speak about it. Sounds like a company I would like to support - where can I buy the shoes? BTW - my company gave me a frozen turkey.

- Collapse -
Re: This SAS plant is in Maine, Dave -- More detail
Dec 17, 2003 12:28PM PST

Hi, Patrick.

The store near us is in an outlet mall, though the shoes are definitely not outlet mall price; the style I wear is around $100, but as DavE say, you don't have to break them in, they're comfortable, and nearly indestructible -- I'm entering my fourth year on the two pairs I have (one black, one brown).
-- Dave K.
Speakeasy Moderator
click here to email semods4@yahoo.com

The opinions expressed above are my own,
and do not necessarily reflect those of CNET!

- Collapse -
(NT) I wonder if they make any steeltoed work type shoes? or just dress?
Dec 17, 2003 12:58PM PST

.

- Collapse -
Re:Re: This SAS plant is in Maine, Dave -- More detail
Dec 17, 2003 11:58PM PST

Thanks Dave - Ironically enough, I took an alternate route home from work last night and got stopped in traffic going through town. I casually glanced to my left and there - stuck in a little corner - was a Mom and Pop shoe store with a sign saying "We Feature SAS Shoes". I'm going to check it out this weekend.

- Collapse -
nt San Antonio Shoes, is that a shop name or style of shoe?
Dec 16, 2003 7:32PM PST

.

- Collapse -
Re:nt San Antonio Shoes, is that a shop name or style of shoe?
Dec 16, 2003 7:47PM PST

SAS is a brand name.

They're great shoes. You don't have to "break in" SAS shoes, they're comfortable from the very first time you put them on. And you wouldn't expect it judging from how soft and comfy they are when you first put on a new pair, but they're almost indestructible. I've worn them in the office and then tromped about muddy plowed fields, come home and cleaned the mud off, shined them, and worn them back in the office. Over and over. It's hard to wear them out.

DE

- Collapse -
Re:Re:nt San Antonio Shoes, is that a shop name or style of shoe?
Dec 17, 2003 12:47AM PST

Amazing. I've never heard of them but I'll have to check out the shoes (and the company!).

- Collapse -
Re:Unbelievable!!!
Dec 16, 2003 7:42PM PST

just one thing doesn't "click"..

#A letter included with each check said the gifts were a longtime dream of the company and were in appreciation for employees' standing by the company during hard times. The letters were unsigned#

unsigned? not even "The Management'?

- Collapse -
Josh and Patrick: SAS shoes retail
Dec 17, 2003 1:08AM PST

A lot of shoe stores don't carry SAS (there are probably 3 stores within 25 miles of me that do), but they are well known, and a store that does not carry them may know where you can get them.

I don't know if they have outlet stores, but would like to find one if they do, as they are a bit pricey. I also have not found a web page for the company.

Similar to DE's story, I find that they don't hardly scuff. I may only polish mine twice a year.

Happy
Paula

- Collapse -
Re: That's a very special Christmas bit of news. Thanks. nt
Dec 17, 2003 1:49AM PST

.

- Collapse -
Hey y'all it is San Antonio, Texas...like Dave K says......
Dec 17, 2003 7:06AM PST

The corporate headquarters is here in San Antonio.
SAS has about 700 employees at its San Antonio factory and at least as many at five other plants around the country.

This company is a good example of what a fine American company should be.

"In years past, the company has held "Wheel of Fortune" style contests in which a key to a new vehicle was given away, along with a cash prize of $5,000...."

"The bonuses come at a time when manufacturing jobs are fleeing the country and in an industry that saw U.S. employment fall from 167,000 shoe cobblers in 1975 to 21,000 today. It's happening to a company that could have moved overseas in 1998 when its main plant burned (here in S.A.) to the ground because of an accidental welding fire.

But SAS prides itself on being a good corporate citizen. After the plant burned, the company opted to stay in San Antonio. Although orders fell behind, it kept five other plants running at full capacity while it scrambled to lease a neighboring facility."

Only about 5 percent of shoes sold in the United States are made in the nation. Chinese shoe factories pay about 75 cents an hour, "but SAS survives because they make a superior quality shoe," Boettge said. "It happens to be a very well-respected name with the American consumer. It happens to be one of the few brands to draw enough customers to have just the one line in a retail store." (Continued)

- Collapse -
Continued....
Dec 17, 2003 7:11AM PST

Although this is a privately owned company, why can't other companies who are laying off US workers and getting China/Mexico etc... to produce their products, quit paying their executives and upper management the high bonuses/parachutes/bennies/trots to seminars . They can still make a profit and as shown here they can give their employees at least a new auto each Christmas.

This company is a blessing to San Antonio. We have hardly no industry at all, just the tourist sector. Many are looking for the Toyota Tundra truck factory to start here in 05.

Article in the San Antonio newspaper:
http://news.mysanantonio.com/story.cfm?xla=saen&xlb=110&xlc=1099971&xld=110

JR

- Collapse -
Thank you, John
Dec 17, 2003 7:50AM PST

Until I saw this story, I always assumed SAS was only in San Antonio. For such a great company, I'm glad to see they have "branched out" to other areas, too. Sure seems like it would be a good company to work for.

Do you know if they have a website? I've googled myself silly looking for them, and can't find one.

Happy

Paula

- Collapse -
I'll call them tomorrow and ask if they have a website. (NT)
Dec 17, 2003 12:09PM PST

.

- Collapse -
I just spoke with the corporate headquarters of SAS about a web site..
Dec 18, 2003 12:22AM PST

They do not have one. They will be happy to send a brochure about their shoes to anyone who cares to write them at:

SAS Customer Service
1717 SAS Drive
San Antonio, TX 78224

BTW SAS stands for San Antonio Shoes

- Collapse -
(NT) Thank you, JR -- appreciate the information. . . :-) . . .
Dec 18, 2003 1:09AM PST

.

- Collapse -
Thanks JR. Its probably because they didn't waste millions on the Dot Flop
Dec 18, 2003 9:44AM PST

that they can afford to do the wonderful things for their staff.

Ian