Public Invited To Checkers Open House August 23

In early 2004, Janette McCollum conducted research to see how on-site drug and alcohol testing had worked throughout the US. Research showed there was a definite need for the services that Checkers has developed today. McCollum and Wendy Haugen entered into a partnership in February 2004, which they operated out of the McCollum home. Because Haugen had another full time job, the majority of management and collections fell on McCollum. In June 2008, Haugen asked to be bought out of her 50% ownership of the business. At that time, Checkers was conducting testing for approximately 300 accounts in 16 locations. The business has grown to over 40 employees in 23 locations in Montana and North Dakota serving over 900 accounts. McCollum says she could never have done it without all the support from her family and from past and present employees. “I am so proud of all the staff and collectors. They are all truly professional!”

The oil industry is not the only one to benefit from Checkers’ expertise. Checkers serves all six modes of transportation from the DOT including Coast Guard, railroads, airlines, transit buses, semi drivers and pipeline workers. “We are very thankful for all the accounts we have,” McCollum said. “Our motto is ‘You call, we go’. We take good care of our clients and appreciate their loyalty.” The clients also appreciate Checkers. Wanda Miller, office manager at LandTech in Sidney, said, “We use them all the time because they’re local. They are prompt, efficient and professional when they come. They do testing on all our new hires and conduct the random testing too. We have a lot of employees. They (Checkers’ collectors) come to our place and they’re here early, early in the morning. Our people can get their test done and get back to work.”

After eight years of operating in McCollum’s home, Checkers expanded to the former PATH building at 223 N Central Avenue in April 2012. The building has been completely renovated with a welcoming entryway, the clinic in the front and offices under construction in the rear. In early September, McCollum hopes to have the business completely out of her home.

Checkers offers a wide range of special services including urine drug screen collections, breath alcohol testing and hair testing. In addition, Checkers offers TSA Hazmat fingerprinting and DOT/employment physicals conducted by Don Hopwood, MD and Joan Turek, PA-C. The DOT/Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has instituted a new program effective August 20, 2012, which requires all medical professionals conducting physicals to be certified by the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Hopwood and Turek are currently registered under the new program. They are available for physicals Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drug and alcohol collection services are offered 24/7 on site or at any of Checkers 23 locations. Professional collectors will come to your site any time, providing the quickest possible service, allowing your employees to get back on the job in 10-15 minutes, increasing productivity in your workplace. All collectors are well trained and receive annual continued education courses on federal and state regulations. Checkers and all collectors are also fully insured.

The public is invited to tour the new Checkers facility and learn more about this fast paced business by attending an Open House on Thursday, August 23 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to meet Hopwood, MD and Joan Turek, PA-C. Checkers is also hosting a Business After Hours from 4:30 to 6p.m., in conjunction with the Sidney Chamber of Commerce. Chamber members and potential Chamber members are invited to enjoy some great food prepared by Judge Greg Mohr, sample beverages from Blue Rock Products and register to win prizes including the grand prize of a 42” Flat Screen TV.