Featured Article The New Alanson Plant pg.16 Building Better Communities Employee Spotlight Behind the Scenes pg.24 DIRT Spring 2023 THE
2 IN THIS ISSUE SPRING 2023 18 16 14 13 12 10 Upcoming Projects Hillman Crane & Rigging Concrete Featured Story Pickle Highlights THEDIRT8 6 3 4 5 From the President Aggregates Communications Pictures Chaplain’s Corner Trucking Safety Pictures 30Scholarships 28 26 24 23 22 20 19 Mechanics Health & Wellness Human Resources Asphalt Excavation 21 27 Employee Spotlight HOLIDAY SCHEDULE Emergency repair and snowplow crews will remain on-call • Good Friday: April 7, 2023 - Off At Noon • Memorial Day: May 29, 2023 - Paid Day Off • Independence Day: July 3 & 4, 2023 - Unpaid & Paid Day Off • Company Picnic: July 29, 2023 - Unpaid Day Off • Labor Day: September 4, 2023 - Paid Day Off • Thanksgiving: November 23, 2023 - Paid Day Off • Day After Thanksgiving: November 24, 2030 - Unpaid Day Off • Christmas Day: December 25, 2023 - Paid Day Off • New Year’s Day: January 1, 2023 - Unpaid Day Off
Hey Gang, Spring keeps teasing us with warm weather and thoughts of getting outside. Frost laws are on. Hillman is off and running. Easter is here soon. It was great seeing all of your smiling faces at spring training. I hope you’re rested and ready to go because it won’t be much longer! We have a nice backlog for the year and we are poised to have some great fun together this season. I appreciate all the help from the shops getting equipment ready to rock this year. We have lots of work to get going and fingers crossed that the weather will let us do that soon! Feeling a deep sense of gratitude for so many of you across the state who have jumped in to get things going on such short notice. Your help does not go unnoticed and has been invaluable. We have a great fleet and have some new toys coming this spring as well. Excavators, a couple of new tandems, a set of cement bulkers, a couple of CAT skid steers, a grader, some loaders, a dozen western stars, and some red-mix trucks are among the updates you’ll be seeing. Thank you for always taking care of the equipment we have. The prices have skyrocketed on new equipment and it is getting harder to get. It has been awesome to get back together, in person, for spring training! Special thank you to Rob Donnell, Eric Seaburg, Tom Wolf, and Jim Perkins for doing such a great job packing the day with great material. Thank you for educating us and making safety a priority in our daily activities. Thank you for keeping us all safe and returning to our families! Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews, But NOW my kingdom is from another place.” John 18:36. Fulfillment and significance does not come through human means, but a relationship with the King of Kings fills me like nothing else! May this Easter season start filling our basket to overflowing with a relationship with the one that saved us all. Until next time--be safe and God Bless. NEW SEASON. NEW TOYS. FROM THE PRESIDENT 3 Troy
Happy Spring, Everyone! It was great to see all of you in spring training. Lots of material and awesome things to think about in one day. We hope to do continuing education in the field for “lock-out/tag-out” and some panel inspections. If you have any additional questions post training please feel free to call and we can discuss them. I appreciate everyone traveled in to come to training. It is always tough to get everyone together in the winter but it seemed to work out even with “Snowmageddon” the day before. I fully appreciate all suggestions we received on how we can improve to help you succeed in getting the job done. Thank you! Remember, we are only as good as our last job and make sure to sign your name on it when you’re done! This year looks to be the “Best Summer Ever” as Nick calls it. We are truly blessed. We have a lot of work on the books and seem to be bidding quite a bit as well. We will soon see how that all shakes out. Please plan to get going the first part of April if the weather allows. After a short five years, three managers from the county and so many meetings at the township, we will finally be lowering Baatz Road. We are set to break ground this spring and put in a tunnel to convey materials from the north to the south cell. If you can’t tell, we are very excited. I think it will be a great way to make Baatz Road much safer than having haul trucks or semis crossing the road. We should be able to put in the temporary road as soon as the weather allows and get to work. Consumers is removing the poles and will replace them when the road grade is finished. I am looking forward to getting rid of the snow and cold and getting back to work even though this winter has been pretty good for temps. (Just the occasional Bomb cyclone, right?) Have an amazing Easter with your loved ones. We will see you soon and we are looking forward to it. Be safe and smile, AGGREGATES 4 Todd LET’S CRUSH THIS SEASON “This year looks to be the best summer ever!” “We will see you soon and we are looking forward to it.”
COMMUNICATIONS BUILDING ROADS TO A BETTER FUTURE As the snow melts away and the sun shines brighter, Team Elmer’s is ready to spring into action and continue building a better future for communities across Michigan. With the winter season behind us, our team is gearing up for a busy spring start up. Our industry is a vital component of our economy, as it builds and maintains the infrastructure that allows us to travel safely and efficiently, bring clean water to communities, and lays the foundation for many a home, hospital, or school. At Team Elmer’s, we take great pride in our work, knowing that what we build will make a real difference in the lives of the people who use them every day. Our spring start-up is a time of excitement and anticipation, as we begin to work on a variety of projects that will enhance our state. From creating the aggregate product for the mix designs to trucking it into each plant, providing concrete in new a retirement home or hotel to testing the same product to ensure it meets specifications, lifting trusses or new rooftop HVAC units, getting up early to start the asphalt plant to repaving roads, and constructing new water or sewer line to rebalancing a whole site for a future project, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality results that will stand the test of time. It’s not just about the work we do - it’s also about the team we have. At Team Elmer’s, we know that the success of any project depends on the skills and dedication of our crew. That’s why we invest in our people. Spring training was transformational, getting crews in the safe work place mindset. Where they are looking for ways to stay SAFE. Look forward to documenting you on your projects this season. Tell your friends we are hiring. And here’s to building a better future, one project at a time. Go, Team! Tonya “Our spring start-up is a time of excitement and anticipation, as we begin to work on a variety of projects that will enhance our state.” 5
SNAPSHOTS 5 4 2 6 3 1 AROUND THE STATE 3
1. West Bay Volleyball Court Excavation 2. Steaming Mixer, Alanson 3. Elberta, Watermain Repair 4. Kegan Coger, TC Weld Shop 5. James Lacross, Meadow Lane Waterline repair 6. Leon Carey & Ryan Farmer, Alanson Plant 7. Colton Hagelstein, TC Crane 8. Edna the Snowy Owl 9. Tad Elliott, TC Weld shop 10. John Liljeroos, West Bay Volleyball Courts 11. Chris Herman, Boardman River Wall Stabilization 27 11 8 10 9
This year marks my tenth spring at Team Elmer’s. It has been a joy getting to know and work with so many amazing people. I am looking forward to another great year. As you may know, Men’s and Women’s Bible Study meet on Wednesdays at the Traverse City location. I recently asked a couple of people why they attend Bible Study. Here are some of the responses I received. “It gives me an opportunity to learn how the Bible relates to real life.” Someone else said: “It allows me to reconnect with God in the middle of the week.” I want to invite you to attend one of the studies. It will allow you to be part of a supportive group of people who are seeking to grow in their relationship with God and each other. Please reach out to me if you would like to attend in person or online. I want to talk to you about Easter. When I think about Easter what comes to mind? Do you think about being on a spring vacation in a warm sunny place? Maybe you have a vision of your family sitting at a table filled with all kinds of delicious food. When you stop and think about it, Easter started with God. It was His idea. He planned the whole thing from start to finish. Ever wonder what He thinks of when He hears the word Easter? The Bible has convinced me that God thinks of people. The central theme of the Easter story is Jesus dying on the cross for our sins and rising from the dead as our example of eternal life. God did all of this for us. Look at what the Bible says. “But God demonstrates His love for us in this; while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8. He was thinking about you and me over two thousand years ago. His whole purpose for Easter is to have a relationship with us. That relationship begins by confessing to God our need for Jesus to save us from our sins and asking Jesus to take control of our life. On one occasion Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and have it to the full.” Let Him fill your life. If I can help you in any way, please reach out to me at: 231-218-1042 or [email protected] SPRING INTO FAITH CHAPLAIN’S CORNER 8 Tom
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10 UPCOMING PROJECTS
5 1. Jake Ristow, TC Weld Shop 2. Greg Town, Meadow Lane Waterline Repair 3. Ryan VanderWeele, TC Concrete Recycling 4. Mark Vosters, Boardman River Wall Stabilization 5. Zach & Joe, Cambria Hotel Parking Lot 4 1 2 3 5
Well, I have good news and I have bad news. Let’s start with the bad news, it’s time to go back to work! The good news, it’s time to go back to work! Unsimilar to the last few years, this year we had very little work going on over the winter months. Meaning, most were laid off for the winter season. Everyone should be well rested and have hopefully taken care of their miscellaneous appointments. Spring is here and I hope you are raring and ready to go because as Brittney Spears would say “Oops! We did it again”, overbooked that is. In Hillman, we were pretty comfortable with our scheduled workload for spring startup then the phone rang. Lafarge Presque Isle was on the other end saying they need 600,000 cubic yards of overburden moved before June 1st and of course, we say no problem. The problem is there are lots of issues starting with the frost laws are already on from M-55 south and it’s 50 degrees outside. So, the clock is ticking. We got the call on a Monday and by Thursday we had guys onsite working and most of the equipment was onsite. A big shout out to Lucas Barron who orchestrated getting the equipment and scheduling the moves in CB’s well-deserved absence. Nice Work! TEAM! We currently have around 60% of our season filled with tons of nice projects still coming out to bid. To start the season out, we will be heading to do Carbide Dock in the Soo, US 23 south of Alpena, Spruce Road south of Alpena, Boyne City Schools parking lot renovations, Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands (Nice work Dustin and team working with Boyne Resorts and continuing that relationship) and Lafarge PI Overburden. Hopefully, everyone appreciated this year’s safety/ EIT training and obtained a thing or two. While it’s fresh in everyone’s mind, I would love observations from you. Should we do anything differently? Add or omit any content? All of the training is assembled to educate and empower YOU so if we need to be doing something different, we want to know how to serve you better. Please reach out. Well, our crews are overbooked, the trucks are going to be busy, the quarry is about out of inventory, we’re shorthanded, & we’re short 2 foreman…. perfect…right where we need to be! Lean, mean, and productive! Stay safe and have fun! RESTED AND READY HILLMAN/PETOSKEY Mike US-23 | Harrisville 12 “The good news, it’s time to get back to work!” “We have 60% of our season filled already.”
It is spring in 2023. Wow! Time is sure flying by. The 4th and fireworks are just around the corner. Hopefully, everyone is ready for an awesome 2023 season. We have had a pretty big change in the Crane and Rigging department this spring. Sometime last year-- Troy, Todd, & Tonya managed to finally purchase the small chunk of property that had been landlocked in the middle of the Traverse City yard also known as “the yellow building”. I immediately planted the seed that the Crane and Rigging department would be a great fit for this new location. In the early months of 2023, Crane and Rigging offices left the Team Elmer’s Traverse City mothership and moved into the newly remodeled office space in the southwest corner of “the yellow building”. Barry and his spectacular crew refurbished the entire inside of the building and it filled up almost immediately. Electricians occupy the entire east side, carpenters in the north corner, Crane and Rigging on the opposite end, and our awesome equipment managers Zack Broad and Ryan Groleau planted themselves in the middle office. An eclectic bunch at best, but just like everything at Team Elmer’s, it works well. Randy Brown, Michelle Fredette, and I share a large “bullpen” style office. This provides a great atmosphere for communication, planning and simply bouncing ideas off one another. We have a dedicated entrance to our area now, which allows for good access and communication with our team and our customers. Although we are no longer in the main office, we are still on campus and merely a phone call away. Stop in and say hi so you can check out the fresh digs next time you’re in the area. Hold into the wind. Kent FRESH DIGS 13 CRANE AND RIGGING “In the early months of 2023, Crane and Rigging offices left the Team Elmer’s Traverse City mothership and moved into the southwest corner of ‘The Yellow Building’.”
14 Thank you for attending the first inperson spring training in 4 years! It was awesome to see everyone set the bar for the year and spend some time together. Remember the goal this year is “survey says!” Please check those jobs before and after we pour. Let’s remove the backing and too-tall incidents this year! Also, it was great to chat in reviews. Remember that customers work with our experienced staff for a reason. Keep giving them that reason and they will keep calling. On time, slump, a safe, professional fleet of concrete warriors! Thank you. Spring and workload for 2023 overall are looking good. We will see what the weather does by the time you get this newsletter; it has been a hot and cold winter that’s for sure. The kids are sledding one week and biking the next. My projection has this year’s work very similar to the last two. I look forward to getting our new iron in service and rolling to help get it all done. Please keep our brand (our billboard and your office) clean and safe. Take care of our customers and the rest will take care of itself. Jason SOLID FOUNDATIONS CONCRETE “Customers work with our experienced staff for a reason. Keep giving them that reason and they will keep calling.” “Remember the goal this year is “survery says” Please check those jobs before and after we pour.”
15 CALL THE SAFETY HOTLINE FOR ACCIDENTS/INJURIES: 231-735-8660 TOM WOLF ERIC SEABURG JIM PERKINS SAFETY TEAM
16 FEATURED ARTICLE THE NEW ALANIn the fall of 2021, our team began site clearing, making way for the new Alanson Concrete Plant. In late spring of 2022, excavation of the site and drain field installation was started by the Petoskey dirt crew, and construction of the “Frankenplant” was initiated in September of 2022. The Alanson plant has been constructed of “parts and pieces from everywhere,” said Jason Reece. Made up mostly of repurposed parts from our former Beaverton location, some parts from the Traverse City inventory, and a brandnew silo and truck load-out assembly. It has taken six laborious months to build the new plant. Thanks to our hardworking team the plant is scheduled to be complete on March 1st and ready to service areas from Charlevoix to Rogers City and over the mighty Mackinac Bridge. A LONG TIME COMING Our Alanson crew has been operating out of a portable concrete plant on this site for the last three years. We have a very successful team in Alanson and were ready to put a permanent home in place. The temporary plant was cobbled together. Hay bales were piled high to winterize the infrastructure. An Allmand heater was used to heat the plant, keep the parts warm, and make sure the materials were flowing properly. As unsightly as this setup was, it worked. However, it was time for something new. THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS The process started with permitting, which in Emmet County, is processed through the township and the county. Jason Horton attended 5 Planning Commission and Board Meetings to get the Land Use Permit. A well, drain field, stormwater management system, and a building permit were all required. After this instrumental process was complete, it was time to source materials for the build and assign crews and subcontractors to complete the work. Silos, aggregate bins, and conveyors were the first elements in place. Randy Brown and the crane department erected the plant’s vital organs, piecing it together like a puzzle. Barry Lowe, Kevin Siperling, and their team of carpenters built foundations, exterior walls, siding, roof trusses, interior walls, drywall, concrete floors, and plumbing. They also installed an 8,000-gallon water heater. “These men are much more than electricians. Magicians is a better word” - Jason Horton
17 ANSON PLANT This massive project demanded extensive welding, completed by our talented fabrication team. Jeff Dreffs worked tirelessly for many months to accomplish the welding required. Tom Fields and Jeremiah Torrey worked on all of the electrical components, as well as running the airlines and installing fiber optic cables for the internet. “These men are much more than electricians. Magicians is a better word,” said Jason Horton. Although bringing old and new parts together was a challenge, it was nothing our team couldn’t handle. Even in the harsh elements of a Northern Michigan winter, our guys got it done. THE SACRIFICE The challenges of the job site and the weather conditions were not the only hurdles our team faced. The crew that built the Alanson Plant spent six months living there. Some stayed onsite in campers while others opted for hotel rooms, sacrificing time with their loved ones to build the plant. “Thank you for being out of town for long periods, battling inclement weather, and doing such an incredible job to bring in this project on schedule!” - C.B. Lowe “To the ones who spend months away from their families to make sure the other locations are up and running and ready for spring. Thank you for all you do! Love, the families at home.” - Andi Dreffs “Full credit to all the hands that made it happen” - Jason Horton The Alanson Plant was truly a team effort with multiple divisions and cities working together to bring the Franken Plant to life. ” Thank you for being out of town for long periods, battling inclement weather, and doing such an incredible job to bring in this project on schedule! ” - C.B. Lowe
18 SERVICE ATTITUDE CONSISTENCY TEAMWORK Make serving others your #1 priority. You’re in a noble profession. Be proud of what you do and where you work. Choose your attitude. How you think about customers is how you will treat them. Remember your mental “I Like Yous!” Customers return because they like what happened last time. Stick to your high service standards. Go out of your way to make each other look good. Everything you do ends up in front of the customer. GIVE ‘EM THE PICKLE PICKLE HIGHLIGHTS
Frost laws, in February… who would have thought? I’m sure I’m not the only one surprised by the weather so far this year. It has definitely made the off-season repairs much more difficult as equipment has already left the yard and headed to jobs. Rest assured; we WILL get it done. Another successful winter of rebuilds, DOT’s & OSHA inspections in the books! Three complete Domor rebuilds headed up by Bryan & Alex included rebuilt engines, transmissions, axles, hydraulic cylinders, and paint. We have run through several hundred DOT/OSHA inspections by mechanics all over the state while maintaining plated trucks and snow plow equipment daily. Thank you to all the mechanics for the long hours and hard work to accomplish our goal! Thank you to all the operators and truck drivers who filled out a repair sheet for your equipment and gave us a quick reference on what to look for. We did our best, within reason, to get all requests fulfilled and completed. With start-up just around the corner, please remember to give me a call with any issues. Keep it running! KEEPING IT RUNNING 19 MECHANICS “Calling the shop first will expedite the repair process and keep everything running smooth.” 231-943-5689 (Eric) 231-463-6143 (Doug) Eric “ Thank you to all the mechanics for the long hours and hard work to accomplish our goal!”
THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP Poor sleep habits can put you at risk of a variety of chronic conditions such as type two diabetes, heart disease, depression, and obesity. Lack of sleep can also lead to chronic fatigue and decreased productivity at work. People aged 10 or older should get at least seven hours of sleep per night. To determine your sleep quality and quantity keep a journal. Take note of how long you slept, whether you’re waking up throughout the night, if you wake up feeling unrested, or if you experience breathing problems while you’re sleeping. While your sleep quality may be improved by implementing better sleep habits, symptoms of poor sleep quality may be attributed to a sleep disorder that requires further evaluation. BENEFITS OF A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP Increased productivity and work performance – proper sleep increases your energy, supports muscle repair, improves memory. 20 HEALTH AND WELLNESS MEGHAN SARNA [email protected] 231-943-5690 WELCOME TO THE FAMILY Adelaide Marie, 8 lbs 4 oz, 19.5”, Born December 20th 2022 to Mia Nichols and Nicholas Addington, Mechanic, Traverse City Edmund, 8lbs 9oz, 20.5”, Born February 2nd 2023 to Catherine and Sebastian Schoech, Service Technician, Traverse City If you’re experiencing trouble getting enough sleep, please schedule an appointment with Copper Ridge Workplace Wellness at 231-943-5690. Decreased weight gain – The particular hormone that gives you the feeling of being full or hungry can become irregular due to lack of sleep, which may cause increased feelings of hunger that can lead to weight gain. Improved mental health – getting enough sleep can help alleviate feelings of fatigue that may contribute to stress, depression, and anxiety. Symptoms of fatigue can be drowsiness, loss of energy, and even mood swings. SLEEP HYGIENE TIPS: 1) Avoid stimulants that may impair sleep (caffeinated beverages, spicy foods) 2) Create an environment for better sleep a. Reduce excess noise b. Avoid using TV in bedroom or cellphones c. Utilize white noise machine 3) Avoid day time naps 4) Ensure Proper vitamin D intake or exposure 5) Engage in regular physical activity 6) Incorporate stress management and relaxation techniques
HR CONTACTS: HUMAN RESOURCES FLEX SPENDING ACCOUNT (FSA) If you participate in the flex spending account (medical or dependent care) for 2022_2023 you have until July 15, 2023 to spend those funds on any reimbursable medical and/or dependent care expenses. Funds do not roll over into the next plan year, so be sure to spend them by the deadline or they will become unavailable. 401(k) CONTRIBUTION LIMIT CHANGES FOR 2023 Max Contribution (employees under the age of 50) $22,500 Catch-up (ages 50 and older, see HR for paperwork) $7,500 additional BENEFIT OPEN ENROLLMENT: APRIL 1 – APRIL 15 Open enrollment is your opportunity to review your group health benefit options and make choices for the upcoming plan year. ALL employees must log in to enroll OR opt out. To make your elections scan the code above with your phone’s camera and open the link that appears on your screen CINDY KARKER [email protected] 231-943-5544 KRIS HARRINGTON [email protected] 231-943-5610 CHRISTY PARKER [email protected] 231-943-5556 BENEFIT UPDATES: RETURN TO WORK REMINDERS: SAFETY VESTS Be sure to inspect your vest for fit, excessive wear and tear, etc. If you need a new one, please let Dispatch know. UPDATED DRIVER’S LICENSE / DOT MED CERT? If you updated any documents over the winter, please ensure that copies are provided to Amy Barry in HR. WORK ATTIRE Please remember that you represent Team Elmer’s on the jobsite – present a clean, neat and tasteful appearance that maintains our image throughout the communities we serve. *All shirts must have a 4” sleeve and shorts are not allowed. TEAM ELMER’S IS TOBACCO FREE (including chewing tobacco) Team Elmer’s is a “tobacco free” work place. This means not only in our buildings but our vehicles and equipment too. Thank you for your efforts in keeping Team Elmer’s “tobacco free”. Any employee that does not complete an online enrollment will automatically be removed from Elmer’s group health benefits coverage effective May 1. Your next eligible date to enroll will be May, 2024. Human Resources is also available for assistance in enrolling in your group health benefits. NEED TO CANCEL YOUR COBRA INSURANCE? To prevent overpayment, please do the following as soon as you return to work: Email [email protected] Request a cancellation of your insurance and provide the following: • Name • Date of Birth • Insurance ID found on your BCBS card • Cobra termination date • Specify which coverage you would like to terminate (medical, dental, vision) This will take 2 – 4 days to process AMY BARRY [email protected] 231-943-5577
Spring already?!? Hopefully, you are well-rested and ready to hit the ground running. Plant start-up is tentative on April 24th depending on weather and job readiness. It was great to see everyone for reviews, we appreciate the evalutations. Spring training for the Asphalt Division is on April 5th. Lots of great content to cover together. Looking forward to another busy and successful year. Maintenance has been completed on paving equipment via lists that were provided. Thank you, Al, Dean, Bob, Scott, and John for getting us ready to go for the season. We appreciate the hard work. The workload is looking healthy. Planning to start with some local work in Grand Traverse County and then migrate out of the county as the season goes on. There has been some nice work we have successfully landed and we are excited about the year ahead of us. Please welcome our new staff members as you see them out there. Be open and willing to lend a helping hand to make them feel at home. They are important to our team, our team’s future and are here to help get the job done well and timely. I look forward to working with you all again this year. Please stop in and say hi and let me know how we can help be the best! 22 ASPHALT Brian TIME TO GET ROLLIN’ “Please welcome our new staff members out there. Keep in mind to always be willing to lend a helping hand and make them feel at home. They are important to our team.” “Spring Training for the Asphalt Division is on April 5th. ”
Is everyone ready for spring? Some days it feels like it is already here but winter keeps reminding us it is only February. What a strange winter it has been, cold and snowing one day50 degrees and melting the next. All I know for sure is that spring will get here before we know it and construction season will be underway. Project Managers continue to build workload for this season with a 4.2 million-dollar job for the new BATA facility on Lafrainer, a 3.7 million-dollar street project for the City of Traverse City on Madison and Jefferson Streets, and a 1.6 million-dollar parking lot project for the TCAPS bus garage on Cass, along with numerous smaller projects. The bidding market remains strong even with cost increases due to inflation and there is a lot of work still coming out. Employee reviews for the TC Dirt Division are completed. If you don’t know what I am talking about you are one of the dozen or so people who were out of town or missed your review for some other reason. I will be reaching out to you soon to reschedule. As always, it is great to get to sit down with everyone and talk about where they are and where they want to be. Thank you for all of the great suggestions. Spring training was a success and it was great to get everyone together for the first time since the word “COVID” became part of our everyday vocabulary. Hiring has been awesome with a seemingly higher level of applicants than in recent years and we will be adding an additional eight members, so far, this season. Please welcome them to the TEAM and show them what TEAM ELMER’S is all about and why we are the best around at customer service. Until next time, keep calm and dig on. EXCAVATION Max 23 DIGGING IN TO A NEW SEASON “2023 will definitely be another busy year.”
JEFF DREFFS Years of Service: Over 7 years Position: Welder, Traverse City An incredibly skilled welder and fabricator, Jeff can be found traveling between concrete and asphalt plants as a portable welder. He is a hard worker and puts in long hours to get the job done in the quickest, safest way possible. Always the first to offer to travel, we know we can count on him to finish any project at hand. Jeff, you are appreciated and we are thankful to have you as part of the TEAM. EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT BEHIND THE SCENES: GREG DECKER Years of Service: Over 6 years Position: IT System Integrator, Traverse City To say Greg is only an electrician is a massive understatement. From aggregate to asphalt automation, he is multifaceted and extremely innovative. Greg builds and programs robust control panels that automate production machines, like aggregate crushers. Automation of these machines provides a decrease in human error and an increase in safe practices. He is committed to instilling his work ethic and values into the next generation by educating and sharing his vast knowledge. Though behind the scenes, his work shines through in everyday operations. From our aggregate pits to our asphalt plant, our gratitude for Greg’s dedication is plentiful. “Jeff takes pride in his work and always makes sure it’s done right.” -Jason Reece Team Elmer’s is a well-oiled machine with so many moving parts. Some parts of the machine are on the exterior, visible, and in the spotlight. However, there are interior instrumental parts that keep the Team Elmer’s machine running. Like you, there are so many unsung heroes and here are a few more of them: 24
25 UNSUNG HEROS MARK DAVISON Years of Service: Over 4 years Position: Foreman, Maple City Mark Davison is the production Foreman at the M72 Pit. He is extremely attentive to detail, making sure everything is functioning properly. Safety is a crucial part of his daily thought process. What a valuable teammate. He will always take it upon himself to stay late to make sure that we’re ready to fire up in the morning. Although Mark is rarely in the spotlight, his hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed.. DOUG WEBER Years of Service: 2 years Position: Equipment Operator, Maple City At the M72 Pit in Maple City, you will find Doug Weber running a loader, bulldozing topsoil, reclaiming the mine, or operating an excavator to load haul trucks. Some would say he is the infield rover, always willing to not only take on but jump from task to task with a great attitude. We are thankful to have him as such a flexible member of the team. “Mark always starts his day with a positive attitude & a smile. Willing to lend his wisdom, knowledge, & a helping hand. His generosity & kindness speak volumes.” -Tiernan McGrew “We are thankful to have him as such a flexible member of the team.” MATTHEW HACKBARTH Years of Service: 1 year Position: Shop Laborer, Traverse City You may have seen him around the mechanic shop, helping on various jobs or delivering packages but Matthew is always coming to the rescue without ever being asked. He sweeps the shop, cleans the pits, does routine maintenance, picks up parts, runs around town, is learning to weld and gives a hand and a smile wherever is needed. Additionally, the care for his fellow teammates is felt by all. His genuine heart shines through in all he does. Thank you Matthew for being an outstanding example and an unsung hero.
KEEP ON TRUCKIN’ 26 Jim TRUCKING Here we go again, off to another exciting season with some familiar challenges and some new ones for 2023. Hopefully, the Aggregate Division gets an early start on washing materials at the Maple City plant. Specifically, 6-A because the west side concrete plants will be getting busy as soon as frost laws are off. A great problem to have! Traverse City Dirt will be gearing up and they have a busy year ahead of them as well. I expect Traverse City trucks are going to need help from our trucks stationed at outer locations to meet the needs of Dirt and Concrete. Every load is going to count, so make sure your boxes are clean and free of contaminants before each load. We cannot afford to be wasting materials, every ton is going to count this year. We have hired four exceptional individuals to help with the workload in Traverse City already this year. An experienced Gravel Train driver, 2 Live Bottom drivers, and a Transfer driver. This will allow us to move Mike Smith and Tony Leffingwell to Live Bottoms. Hopefully, this means Mr. Sulser will not have to drive a Transfer too much in 2023, and we will have a good number of drivers that can help haul Asphalt with Transfers and Tandems for smaller paving projects. I would like to remind everyone of the importance of doing a good Pre-Trip/Post-Trip every day. If something does not look or feel right, we need to get it checked out or fixed before leaving the yard. Let the Mechanic Shop, Dispatch, or myself know so we can get it checked out before it gets to a job site with a problem. Before starting up a truck each day we need to check the fluids, look for leaks, check all tire pressures, tire tread depth, damages or unusual tread wear, fasteners, objects in the tread (nails, bolts, screws, little pieces of metal and sharp stones imbedded in the tires), lights, hoses, connections, safety pins. Make sure before leaving that the brakes are working properly, all wheels are turning freely, the airlift axles work properly, the boxes and trailer decks are clean, the Live Bottom belts are turning, the tailgate latches work and are closed & locked, and finally that the traps are working properly. Make a habit of smart practices, like making sure fire extinguishers and tri-angles are in proper working order. If it rains overnight unlatch the tailgates and raise the box to make sure there is no water inside. If it looks like it’s going to rain overnight or weekend, get the tailgate outside the closed latches and raise the box just a little so the water runs out. Tarps that are rolled up may need to be unrolled completely after it rains to get the water out of them (Live Bottoms especially). Always make sure to clean the boxes out after the last load of the day, and never leave Asphalt in a box overnight. Looking forward to a great and successful season. Keep on Truckin’. “Every load is going to count this year.”
SAFETY How often are you holding toolbox talks or safety briefs at your job site? Do you think you don’t have time? Don’t know what to discuss? Toolbox talks or safety briefs shouldn’t take longer than 5 – 10 minutes at the beginning of your day. Once the entire crew is present at the site the discussion can be used to raise awareness of health and safety risks at a site, promote the Team Elmer’s safety culture, and should result in the sharing of standard operating procedures or best practices. All of this contributes to a reduction in workplace accidents. There is a difference between a toolbox talk and a safety brief. Toolbox talks can focus on a specific item or hazard, and they’re meant to supplement your safety training. For example, you may start the season with a team that includes 2 – 3 new employees with minimal or no construction experience. They completed their safety training during orientation, but do they recall everything they were taught? You might want to start your job with a Trenching Safety Tool Box talk that emphasizes the basics of trench safety. . . spoils requirements, ladder requirements, sloping requirements, etc. If you have a more experienced crew and you’re starting a more complicated job, a Safety Brief might be more appropriate. Walk the site as a crew, identify hazards such as overhead power lines (and use of signs to keep crews alert to their presence), consider factors including the weather and how you’ll manage it (heat, thunderstorms), ground conditions, whether your MISS Dig is valid, or review the placement of your construction zone signs. A Tool Box Talk or Safety Brief doesn’t take long to complete. 5 – 10 minutes each shift will go a long way in keeping you and your team safe. It’s a small investment that will prevent injury and reduce property damage. Rob 27 TOOLBOX TALKS “It’s a small investment that will prevent injury and reduce property damage.” “Toolbox talks or safety briefs shouldn’t take longer than 5 - 10 minuets.”
AROUND THE STATE 4 1 SNAPSHOTS 5 3
1. Gerald Sydow, Alanson Plant 2. Jeff Newman, TC Plant 3. Cathy Giddis, Detailing specialist 4. Rick Licking, TC Yard 5. Tom Fields, Alanson Plant Construction 6. Grand Traverse Mall Hvac removal/install 7. Elberta, Watermain Repair 8. Kevin Parker, TC Welding 9. Jerry Johnston, West Bay Volleyball Courts 2 8 6 9 7
SCHOLARSHIPS TEAM ELMER’S SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 30 We’ve passed the six figure mark! Team Elmer’s is proud to award education scholarships for the dependents of our employees. There are always more submissions than we can say yes to. Thank you to all who submitted! Recipients are notified directly about how to claim their prize. Since 2010, Team Elmer’s has had the privilege to award over $101,500 in scholarships for continuing education. The recipients of these non-renewable scholarships, in no particular order and including their favorite quote, are as follows: $500 Elmer’s Education Scholarships Liam Hoxsie “The hardest thing for - not only an artist but for anybody to do is look themselves in the mirror and acknowledge, you know, their own flaws and fears and imperfections and put them out there in the open for people to relate to it.” - Kendrick Lamar Noah Hoxsie “You’re just a kid, you don’t have the faintest idea what you’re talkin’ about.”-Robin Williams, Good Will Hunting. Jade Schultz “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi Emma Rosa “When you have faith in God, you don’t have to worry about the future. You just know it’s all in His hands. You just go to and do your best.” -Elder Bryan Mathison Jessica Decker “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!” ― Audrey Hepburn Emma Ruppert Everything happens for a reason- Unknown $1,000 Trades Scholarship Billy Rosa Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. NIV Joshua 1:9 $1,000 Team Elmer’s Believes FPU Scholarship Chasidity Shimko Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. Proverbs 17:28 Congratulations to the recipients! VISIT: pitspitters.com and use the code ‘Elmers’ at checkout to receive a discount of $2 per ticket on box seats. *valid for any game during the 2023 season and will apply to a maximum of 8 tickets per order. If you have any questions, please contact Sam Connell at (231) 943-0100 x 206 The Traverse City Pit Spitters are happy to offer discounted tickets to all Team Elmer’s employees & their families.
31 EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Tonya Wildfong, EDITOR Aimee Butts, EDITOR & WRITER Emily Hansen, EDITOR, WRITER, & PHOTOGRAPHER FREQUENCY OF PRINT 2022 Quarterly publications January, April, July, October PRINT Village Press CONTACT US 3600 Rennie School Road Traverse City, MI 49685 231-943-3443 www.teamelmers.com THE DIRT PUBLICATION COMMUNICATIONS TEAM TONYA WILDFONG AIMEE BUTTS EMILY HANSEN ALEX TWIGG FOR MORE DIRT FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @TEAMELMERS
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