Holiday 2012 THE ASPLUNDH TREE ‘Tis The Season For Giving n these tough THE economic times, ASPLUNDH Ischools rarely have extra money in the budget for tree work. That’s why TREE Dr. Leah Keith, principal of Holiday 2012 the Arab Primary School Contents in Arab, Alabama, turned Safety Success Is No Accident ...... 2 to Asplundh Coordinator Lonny Bridges of the Steve Stormy Times: Responding to Sandy And Isaac ...... 4 Bostock Region for help. In a thank-you letter that Game Lands 33 Research: th she recently wrote to the 60 Anniversary ...... 6 Bostock Region office, Dr. Keith explained that the school was built in 1971 and many Co-op Corner ...... 7 Bradford pear trees had been planted on the campus at the time. These aging trees Management Update ...... 8 were losing limbs in every thunderstorm, making the trees not only an eyesore, but a An Everyday Guide To Business Ethics .....9 possible threat to the students. Merit Awards ...... 10 Lonny talked it over with his co-workers on the Arab Electric Cooperative system Retirees Honored ...... 12 and they agreed to volunteer on Saturday, October 20 to remove the weak limbs Orchids ...... 13 and split trees. With Steve’s permission, arranged by Superintendent Randy Parham, Service Anniversaries ...... 19 the crew used an Asplundh bucket truck and log loader to haul away the limbs and Crews & News ...... 22 wood they had removed. Thanks to this great group of volunteers, the students and Shoot Out 2012 ...... 28 faculty now have the gift of a safer, more attractive campus. Pictured above (L to R) are: Coordinator Lonny Bridges, Trimmer Brian Stevens, Forepersons Greg Gilliland and Daniel Hallmark, Trimmer/Operator Amanda Brown, Forepersons On The Cover Alan Hyde and Roy Hyde, Groundperson Adam Holmes and Trimmer/Operator The colorful plumage of a ringnecked Matthew Bolton. Nice work for a good cause — public safety, especially for children! pheasant stands out against the snow-covered underbrush. As it searches for food, it also looks for cover, hoping to avoid becoming part of someone’s holiday feast! (iStockphoto)
December 2012 Willow Grove, PA Managing editor Corporate Communications Patti Chipman Writer/Editor An Open Letter to All Employees Kristin Wild It is the policy of our Company and all of its subsidiaries and management to Assistant Editor/ work continually toward improving recruitment, employment, development and Graphics Specialist promotional opportunities for minority group members and women. Ronnie Gauker It is the Company’s intent to provide equal opportunity in all areas of its employment practices and to ensure that there be no discrimination against any The Asplundh TREE is a family magazine, applicant or employee on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, published three times a year for all employees national origin, veteran status, marital status, or sexual orientation. and friends of the Asplundh companies. This policy extends to recruiting and hiring, to working conditions, training Asplundh welcomes requests to reprint or programs, use of company facilities, and all other terms, conditions and privileges otherwise duplicate this magazine, in whole of employment. As a field employee, complaints may be made to your immediate or in part. Please contact the Managing Editor supervisor (foreperson, general foreperson, supervisor) or Division manager. As of Corporate Communications at the address a Corporate Home Office employee, complaints may be made to your immediate below for permission, or call 1-800-248-TREE supervisor, department manager or the Office Personnel manager. (in the U.S. or Canada). If you cannot report to your supervisor or manager, or if a complaint you have ©2012 Asplundh Tree Expert Co. made has not been promptly addressed, you should call the Corporate EEO Officer at (215) 784-4200.
Management will continue to be guided and motivated by this policy, and with Asplundh Tree Expert Co. the cooperation of all employees, will actively pursue the related goals of equal 708 Blair Mill Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090 opportunity and affirmative action throughout the Company and all of its subsidiaries. www.asplundh.com
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Scott M. Asplundh, Chief Executive Officer Happy Holidays!
s the holiday season groups, but its implementation has “FrankenStorm,” which knocked out approaches, we pause to been a big success to the corporation. power to 8.7 million people from A reflect on 2012 and the many Thanks to all who made this happen North Carolina to Massachusetts in late exciting events that occurred this year at during the year! October. Our thoughts and prayers go the Asplundh Tree Expert Co. out to all who continue to repair and The company continued to expand rebuild after the passing of these storms. SafeProduction® continues to be the during the year, employing just over objective of all operations. Safety and 31,000 men and women throughout the Of course, we reacted immediately productivity go hand-in-hand. We have enterprise. With this continued growth with safe, professional, experienced seen the practice of this concept grow brought the need for a few changes and productive crews. Restoring power during the year, providing results that within our executive structure. Steven depends heavily upon the thousands indicate our most productive operations Asplundh was named president of of Asplundh and UtiliCon employees are the safest. I commend all of you who UtiliCon Solutions, Ltd. after many who responded tirelessly to these embrace SafeProduction®. It is what years on the vegetation side of the storms. Our people were challenged the industries we serve demand, but business. He will bring sound leadership by difficult working conditions, unusual more importantly, we can feel proud and a renewed focus on the vision of accommodations, irregular meals, and about performing work in a manner our utility infrastructure group. In being away from their homes and families. that takes us all home safely every night. addition, we created the Executive Many thanks to the spouses and family Remember our vision “Safety First … Management Development Program to members who remained at home during No One Gets Hurt!®” help selected individuals learn to execute these restoration efforts! Your support business strategy at the executive level of our storm responders, often from afar, This year we saw the continued through assisting the sponsor team. This is greatly appreciated by all. implementation of the Enterprise move will bring long-term benefits to Resource Planning (ERP) system. This the corporation. Understandably, storm work creates program will have a significant positive an upheaval in our planned work impact on how we perform work at the This was an unusual year for storms in schedules. Completing the annual work Home Office in Willow Grove while the Eastern United States. First, a Super plan for vegetation programs on-time, providing more accurate and timely Derecho (wind storm) hit just before on-budget, and by the specifications is a information to our field operations. the Fourth of July, wreaking havoc from must. We remain committed to solving Although integrating so many functions Chicago to the Jersey shore. The second scheduling conflicts by working closely and learning new systems can be difficult, was Hurricane Isaac which pummeled with our customers. we all must continue to work through and drenched Louisiana and Mississippi the issues. during the last days of August. The As we look forward to 2013, we third was Superstorm Sandy, nicknamed seek to excel through our core values We also saw the development of: safe operations; professional and launch of the E-Hire program and productive crews; listening during the year. All new employees to the industry; continuing to now go through the hiring process improve operating efficiencies; in a paperless mode, significantly and responsible and accountable reducing the time it takes for management teams. documentation to flow from the field, to the regional office, and Thanks to all of our customers then to Willow Grove. There and employees for helping to make may have been doubts about 2012 a successful year. Best wishes how the E-Hire program would to all for a safe and happy holiday be accepted by the various user season and all the best in 2013.
Scott M. Asplundh Christopher B. Asplundh George E. Graham, Jr. Steven G. Asplundh Chief Executive Officer Chairman of the Board President President Asplundh Tree Expert Co. Asplundh Tree Expert Co. Asplundh Tree Expert Co. UtiliCon Solutions, Ltd.
The Asplundh TREE Holiday 2012 1 by Tim Walsh Safety Success Director, Safety Operations I s N o Ac c id en t The Little Things
s I write this, the company is winding down on the There is also an effect on compliance officers who Superstorm Sandy restoration. We had a large evaluate our work practices and it showed during the storm A portion of the company involved with the process restoration. OSHA tends to notice the “little things.” We had and we saw some great things in terms of SafeProduction®. many stops by compliance officers during the storm and they But one thing struck me during my observations in the field: liked what they saw. They would often comment on how our when we take care of the little things, the big things tend to job site set-ups take care of themselves. looked good, how all the crews had Some would say that their PPE on and whether we have the right how well the job number of cones down briefings were or put both wheel chocks done. They would down — properly — doesn’t shake the hand really affect our safety as of the general tree trimmers. I disagree, foreperson and and what I see in the field has move on. However, proven it over the years. If if they didn’t like a crew can pay attention to what they saw, I the details, they usually put am sure that they the same effort into doing would have looked the things that we normally much, much closer consider to be more at what the crew important for safety. was doing on the Job briefing for each new location job site. Wheel chocks and safety cones When you look closer at the crews that do a good job So, start looking at the “little things” on your job sites on these issues, you often see other good things as well: clean and make sure that they are right. Also, please remember trucks, sharp chain saws with ropes and other gear in good our Human Performance Error Prevention Tools, especially shape. I also believe that the morale is better on these crews. Job Briefing, Procedures and the Questioning Attitude. By When people take pride in what they do, they tend to want to using these tools in every aspect of the job and really paying do a better and safer job. attention to the “little things,” we will surely reduce risk on our job sites. The opposite of this holds true as well. If a crew doesn’t Have a safe day, bother to do the simple, easy things for safety, they are probably taking risks in other areas, too. When I drive up on a crew and see just one sign, only half of the crew with hi-vis Tim Walsh apparel on, and other, simple [email protected] issues to fix, I am pretty sure that if I watch for long enough, there will be other, more serious issues. If people don’t really care, it will show. When they take shortcuts in one area, they tend to take them in Hi-vis apparel and PPE other areas as well.
The Asplundh TREE 2 Holiday 2012 with Rigging Kit Training
An important part of the SafeProduction® concept is employing improved climbing and rigging gear. However, new tools are only effective if you know how to use them properly. To make sure that our crews and supervision understand how to safely use and maintain the new rigging kit tools, the Safety Operations Group has developed a special training packet and qualification that must be completed by employees before use.
u The Mel Riley Region in Kansas invested in the new rigging kit and training effort right away. Earlier this year, Vegetation Training Manager Tracy Hawks and Lead Vegetation Trainer Ray Apking (at right, in the Westar Energy Log Cabin Training Center in Wichita) were brought in to orient all of the region’s 35 general forepersons over a one-week period. Then Regional Safety Supervisor Paul Snethen, who had received comprehensive rigging kit training from Vegetation Trainer Sean Graziano, followed up with each general foreperson to provide on-the-job experience with rigging kit items. u Paul (L) is shown here with General Foreperson Josh McGrath (R), making sure he understands how to set up the 5-to-1 mechanical advantage system, along with other items like a port-a-wrap and whoopie sling.
u Paul says the new rigging equipment and training was put to good use several times by Riley Region crews who were recently sent to the Northeast during the Superstorm Sandy response. Large storm-damaged trees and limbs, such as this one on Long Island in New York, were often dangerously close to houses as well as power lines. Every rope, pulley, block and rope-saving device found in the kit was used to complete these complex rigging jobs safely and efficiently. That’s whatSafe Production® is all about!
REGIONAL safety recognition
t It’s always important to take individual responsibility for working incident-free, but it’s not always easy. Maintaining an incident-free record as a group can be even more difficult. Earlier this year, this group of 12 employees from the Dave Puckett Region in western Pennsylvania reached the goal of two years incident-free set by Supervisor Bill Crouse and General Foreperson Ron McGinnis. As a reward and token of appreciation, the employees were presented with hi-vis hooded Asplundh jackets to keep them warm and dry while they focus on working safely and productively. Our congratulations go to (back row, L to R): Bob Runyan, Mel Anthony, Tony Mercatell, Bob Floyd, Richard Stitt, John Hulsey and Justin Wilson. In the front row (L to R): Dawn McGinnis, Don McGinnis, Bobby Gibson, Barry Page and Tonya Erb. They work out of the Butler Service Center of West Penn Power. Keep up the good work — and keep it safe!
The Asplundh TREE Holiday 2012 3 StormyTimes: Responding to Sandy And Isaac he second half of the 2012 hurricane season is one that u After the floods from Hurricane Isaac receeded, will long be remembered for Asplundh crews headed into the devastated T Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. They got caught in thousands of Asplundh and UtiliCon employees who were mobilized to a traffic jam of folks needing supplies provided by assist utilities in restoring power. And FEMA near St. Bernard State Park. the utilities affected will certainly never forget the challenges they faced in responding to Hurricane Isaac in late August and especially Superstorm Sandy in late October. Let’s summarize each t Isaac’s storm surge and flooding rains pulled separately, starting with Isaac. this porch off and it ended up on top of a pick up Isaac made landfall as a Category I truck. Crews saw many strange sights like this. hurricane at the mouth of the Mississippi River on the evening of August 28, the seventh anniversary of the infamous Hurricane Katrina. Having skirted Florida a couple days earlier, the storm slowly moved through Louisiana, causing u General Foreperson Billy Schonder from the tremendous flooding and knocking Ronnie Collins Region in Florida snapped this out power to over 700,000 homes shot of Foreperson Stephen Bridges cutting an and businesses in the state. Parts of uprooted tree off an Entergy line under tension in Mississippi were also seriously affected. the town of Pointe A La Hache, Louisiana. The Asplundh Storm Center had initially mobilized over 1,000 tree workers to go to Florida and UtiliCon had sent over 400 additional line t Like hundreds of trees after Superstorm workers, but all of those resources were Sandy, this towering tree in Roslyn Heights, soon redirected toward Louisiana. At New York split and was too unsafe to climb. the peak of Asplundh’s mobilization, just over 3,000 employees from 21 different states had been sent in to assist primarily Entergy, but also Central Louisiana Electric Co., Mississippi Power and Magnolia Electric Power Association in Mississippi. Line workers from UtiliCon subsidiaries, Asplundh Construction u With the help of a crane, Foreperson Donald Corp. (ACC) and Utility Lines Kellum and crew from the Tom McDonnell Construction Services (ULCS), traveled Region in Virginia safely removed this high-risk tree from as far away as Massachusetts to without damaging the LIPA three-phase line and help rebuild lines for Entergy. A few the apartment complex that was in its path. crews were released to go home by Labor Day, but the last of the mobilized tree and line crews were sent home by September 10. t Regarding three crews from the Wilmer McWhirter Region in Georgia working on Long There was a month or so for the Island in New York, John Roach of National Grid Storm Coordination Team and our said, “Crews from two other companies looked at Customer & Field Liaison Department this work yesterday and said they could not do it to regroup before weather forecasters without damaging the fence, the shed or taking warned that Hurricane Sandy in the the lines down. These Asplundh crews were able to Caribbean could combine with a low to develop a plan to do the work without any damage become a “Frankenstorm” for the Middle to the property or further damage to the lines.” Atlantic and Northeastern states.
The Asplundh TREE 4 Holiday 2012 On the evening of October 29 near Atlantic City, New Jersey, Category I u A little over a week after Sandy hit, a Hurricane Sandy made landfall. The Nor’Easter brought snow and more wind to the windspeed dropped slightly, but the high Northeast, keeping this crew from Virginia on the tide made for record-breaking storm lookout for added hazards. They worked 11 days surge in New York and New Jersey. Now in Massapequa, New York on Long Island dubbed a “Superstorm,” the size of the for LIPA/National Grid. system broke records at 1,100 miles wide and wind gusts were still clocked at 90 mph in many places. Sandy caused damage all the way into eastern Canada, accompanied by heavy snows recorded in the Appalachian Mountain Range. t After struggling down a steep mountain in the snow Ahead of Sandy’s landfall, Asplundh and near Elkins, West Virginia, a crew from the Mike Wolford UtiliCon had helped utilities to mobilize Region finds a safe spot to discuss a tree removal plan with an extra 2,500 tree workers and over a crew from ULCS who joined them there to help repair the 400 additional line workers, but it was line for FirstEnergy/Mon Power. quickly apparent that many more crews would be needed to help clear trees and restore power. This massive storm had left more than eight million utility customers without power in the densely populated Northeast and Middle Atlantic states. At the peak of Asplundh’s response, u Snow, sleet, wind and a maze of downed lines over 4,900 tree workers had been sent made it a little more complicated for this in from 23 different states, the farthest ACC crew in Tom’s River, New Jersey to replace being Arizona, as well as three Canadian a broken pole for FirstEnergy/Jersey Central provinces. They assisted 22 different Power and Light. utilities from Virginia to Massachusetts who requested extra help. As the crews finished restoration on utilities less affected by Sandy’s wrath, many of them t Thousands of job briefings, like this one with migrated to hard-hit utilities in northern ACC employees in New Jersey, took place every New Jersey and Long Island, New York. day amongst Asplundh and UtiliCon employees. This helped to keep people safe, efficient and in UtiliCon’s storm resources peaked coordination with utility restoration plans. at over 700 additional employees who were provided to assist 16 utilities that requested help. Beyond the expert line repair personnel from ACC and ULCS, other subsidiaries of UtiliCon were involved in the storm response. Utility Pole Technologies and Grid u Despite the frustrations of being without One Solutions provided storm damage power, many homeowners showed their assessors and patrollers, American appreciation for the efforts of our tree and line Lighting and Signalization performed workers. Some brought coffee and doughnuts to secondary repairs, and American them, some sent e-mails and others made signs Electrical Testing handled numerous like this one on Long Island! substation restorations for various utility, transportation and industrial clients. Asplundh One Call’s Disaster Recovery Center in Kentucky also successfully their work and traveled home in time came out of these two storm responses. took over the Connecticut center’s for Thanksgiving with their loved ones. For a glimpse at more photos and operations during the storm. Many thanks to the families of our storm anecdotes, please visit our Storm workers and the dozens of utilities and page in the Services section of Despite long hours, strange food and municipalities who released them to help www.asplundh.com and the home accommodations, missing out on Election others in need. page of www.utiliconltd.com. Day and working in a snowy Nor’Easter on November 7, thousands of Asplundh This brief overview can’t possibly cover all of the amazing stories and photos that and UtiliCon employees safely completed continued on page 21
The Asplundh TREE Holiday 2012 5 Game Lands 33 Research: 60th Anniversary
n 1952, a five-year herbicide research project on a utility right-of-way t In the early days, before big mowers, was initiated to answer important side trimmers and herbicides, many workers I swinging sharp, heavy brush axes were environmental and operational questions. Despite the many changes in technology needed to maintain a right-of-way. It was and regulations surrounding utilities extremely labor intensive and dangerous. and the environment, this research continues and has managed to maintain its relevance for six decades! Several partners embarked on this journey, including Pennsylvania Electric u Game Lands 33 research proved that herbicides Company (now FirstEnergy Corp.), the could be safely used to control undesirable Pennsylvania Game Commission, Penn woody species under power lines, like this oak tree State University’s School of Forestry on the research plots being treated with a basal and Conservation, Amchem, DuPont application by Work Planner Les Witmer of the (no longer involved), and Asplundh Tree Dave Puckett Region this past summer. Expert Co. In 1953, the first research and demonstration plots were set up on a two-mile section of newly-built 230kV right-of-way which crossed Pennsylvania State Game Lands 33 — hence the nickname “Game Lands 33.” t The research also showed that the abundant grasses, shrubs and According to Vice President Jim Orr of meadow plants resulting from Asplundh Technical Services, who has been herbicide treatments made ideal involved with Game Lands 33 research habitat for a variety of wildlife, for 35 years, “They didn’t know it then, including the fawn and Monarch but they were proving that integrated butterfly shown here on the Game vegetation management (IVM) works for Lands 33 research plots. both wildlife and electric reliability.” Looking back to the late 1940s, traditional vegetation management Dr. William Bramble, then of Penn herbicides might have proved unfounded. methods were extremely labor intensive, State University’s School of Forestry and In fact, the data showed a positive impact. somewhat dangerous and relatively Conservation, was approached by Ralph The reason for this is that herbicides are expensive. Powerful mowers and Kaufman and Hyland Johns of Asplundh along applied in a way that targets undesirable side-trimming machines did not exist. with Bob Beatty and Bill Allen of Amchem. vegetation such as trees. The resulting Although new herbicides were being He agreed to take up the challenge. shrubs and grasses supply food and shelter developed by the post-war chemical Under the guidance of Dr. Bramble and not found in the forest. A wide variety of industry, and herbicide use was appealing his then graduate student, Dr. Richard animals take advantage of this meadow-like in terms of labor and cost, there were Byrnes, multiple methods of vegetation habitat. Furthermore, these plant and animal many people with concerns about its management were evaluated side-by-side. communities help to resist the invasion potential impact on the environment. Manual (and later, mechanical) brush of unwanted woody plants through plant Hunters and sportsmen, bird-watchers cutting was compared to the use of competition and by animal feeding behaviors. and gardeners, farmers and utility herbicides. Different types of herbicides “The area contains an impressive personnel would have to be convinced. and various means of application were also array of species of plants and relatively The Game Lands 33 research partnership evaluated. With the partnership’s support, unknown wildlife such as about 30 kinds expected that a scientific study by expert including Dow AgroSciences who took of butterflies, as well as birds, large and academic researchers would provide the place of Amchem and DuPont in the small mammals, amphibians and reptiles,” credible results, which would hopefully 1980s, the research continued. said Dr. Richard Yahner, Professor of make sure that utilities had access to Sixty years of this ‘five-year’ project Wildlife Conservation at Penn State every possible tool to manage their have yielded some fascinating results. The University, who carries on the rights-of-way, including herbicides. concerns about the harmful impact that research today.
The Asplundh TREE 6 Holiday 2012 “Although the herbicide products and methods that are studied every five t ‘Seeing is believing’ as over 200 years have evolved over the years, Game attendees of the 2012 Mountain Lake Lands 33 research continues to provide Vegetation Management Council valuable data,” says Vice President Joe Conference learned during a tour of Lentz of Arborchem Products Division. the FirstEnergy right-of-way near State “It’s also a great place to show people College, Pennsylvania in September. how integrated vegetation management The Game Lands 33 research has been works with nature.” conducted there since 1953. Proving that IVM methods benefit both wildlife and electric reliability is as important today as it was 60 years u Representatives of the research partnership, ago — perhaps more so, due to the who gathered for a photo at the Cut Stubble North American Electric Reliability research plot, were (L to R) Brandon Dunlap Corporation (NERC) regulations of Dow AgroSciences, Vice President Jim Orr of regarding vegetation management Asplundh Technical Services, Eric Erdman of the on transmission lines. Thanks to Pennsylvania Game Commission and Rebecca forward-thinking people and their Spach, Manager, Vegetation Management at organizations, the tools of right-of-way FirstEnergy. Dr. Richard Yahner of Penn State management are as diverse as the plant University, who currently conducts the biological and animal communities living there. research, was not able to attend that day. Co-opCorner n the hilly terrain of northeastern u Claverack REC’s Director of Pennsylvania, many small towns Operations Doug Nichols (L) I dot the woods and farmland of and Operations Supervisors Jim Claverack Rural Electric Cooperative. A Altemus and Dennis States (not team of Asplundh crews from the Darhl shown) work closely with Trail Region have been helping the co-op Asplundh General Forepersons maintain safe, reliable power at the lowest John Wheeler (R) and Roy possible price in this area for the better Burrows (not shown) to keep the part of the past 25 years. co-op’s right-of-way maintenance program on cycle and on budget. With 2,700 miles of line spread out over 2,250 square miles, serving over 18,000 meters, the right-of-way maintenance task is significant for Claverack REC and requires the use of a variety of vegetation t The Asplundh crews working on management tools. In addition to a few the Claverack REC system, many of standard aerial lifts, Asplundh crews under whom are members of the co-op, are General Forepersons John Wheeler versatile workers. Skidder buckets, and Roy Burrows are also using skidder mowers, aerial lifts, climbing gear and buckets for rugged off-road work and spray equipment are all put to good mowers where appropriate. A follow-up use to safely and efficiently control ultra low volume spray program was vegetation on the rights-of-way. recently initiated to help control ‘cycle-buster’ trees on certain segments of distribution lines. “We expect the cost per mile to go down their forepersons also make a point of With information presented by on the next cycle,” says Claverack REC’s speaking with every member whose property Asplundh Technical Services and the Director of Operations Doug Nichols. adjoins a right-of-way to be sprayed, to Arborchem Products Division, the co-op “And we have almost zero complaints.” build confidence in the IVM program. chose to implement selective herbicide To help co-op members understand the “I really value Asplundh’s partnership,” applications as part of an integrated purpose of herbicide applications, Asplundh says Mr. Nichols. “The crews really know vegetation management (IVM) program displays spray equipment and information at our system. They’re like an extension of on its system three years ago. the co-op’s annual meeting. John, Roy and our line crews.”
The Asplundh TREE Holiday 2012 7 ManagementUpdate NewPresidentOfUtiliConSolutions, Ltd.
Steven Asplundh, former executive vice president, was elected president of UtiliCon Solutions, Ltd., Asplundh’s holding company for all of its utility infrastructure subsidiaries, as of September 30. The corporation’s Board of Directors announced the decision back in June in order to allow three months for a smooth transition of responsibilities. A seasoned executive, Steven has almost 30 years of utility service experience with Asplundh Tree Expert Co. and the past 20 years were at the sponsor level. After graduating from Stetson University in Florida in 1983, he joined the company full-time to gain field experience on a tree crew in North Carolina. The following year, Steven began working on a master’s degree from Georgia State University. Upon completing his MBA in 1986, he returned to the company to work as a general foreperson in Wisconsin, then supervisor in Indiana in 1988 and three years later, manager in Tennessee. In 1992, Steven came into the Home Office as a sponsor and was elected vice president the following year. In addition to his management experience in the company’s vegetation operations, he also oversaw meter reading and One Call center services before they became part of UtiliCon in 2004. Steven is active in various utility industry organizations, as well as civic groups. NewExecutivesInTheHomeOffice
Shawn Shapiro joined the Asplundh Eric Stall, former superintendent in organization in August as a Director of California, was promoted to Director of Strategic Development under Executive Strategic Development in September under Vice President Brent Asplundh. Executive Vice President Matt Asplundh. Shawn brings over 18 years of experience Eric started with the company in 2003 as a in operations planning and management, groundperson, working on the property of primarily for complex commercial San Diego Gas & Electric during summer construction projects. For the past seven breaks from college. After graduation, years, he was vice president of a leading he returned to a crew to complete his industrial construction services firm based Foreperson Certification and commercial in southeastern Pennsylvania. Originally from New Jersey, Shawn earned driver’s license. In November 2007, Eric advanced to general foreperson a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson under Account Manager Gary Cooper and in 2009, he was promoted University in New Jersey. He is currently responsible for organizational to superintendent of various crews working on the systems of Southern and special projects for both the Asplundh Tree Expert Co. and California Edison and the City of Riverside. Eric graduated cum laude UtiliCon Solutions, Ltd. field management regions that report to Brent. from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in business Shawn is a member of several industry and civic organizations. management. He is an ISA Certified Arborist and member of the UAA. NewManagersAnnounced
Martin Morfin joined the Asplundh Ray Seaman, former supervisor for Home Office in August as the corporation’s Asplundh Brush Control Co. (ABC), advanced Compliance Manager. He reports to to manager in July when ABC Manager Mike Controller Brian Bauer in the Corporate Gordon retired. The Seaman Region of ABC Accounting Department, which is is sponsored by Vice President Larry Moore. sponsored by Secretary-Treasurer Joe Dwyer. Ray first came to work on an Asplundh Martin comes to Asplundh with five years tree crew in his home state of Michigan of audit and forensic accounting experience in 1985. Six years later, he left to work with a major public accounting firm in for Consumers Energy in vegetation Philadelphia. He earned a bachelor’s management and training. In 1995, Ray degree in accountancy from Villanova University in Pennsylvania and a returned to Asplundh and was promoted to general foreperson. master’s degree in accountancy from the University of Virginia. Martin By January 2003, he advanced to supervisor and in May 2011, he is responsible for managing internal and external audit processes for transferred into ABC. Ray has participated in various Asplundh the company and its subsidiaries, with special reporting responsibilities management training programs and has earned credits in machine to the corporation’s CEO and presidents of Asplundh and UtiliCon. He shop skills from Montcalm Community College in Michigan. He has is a member of the Latino Professional Network. also repeatedly earned corporate recognition for safety performance.
The Asplundh TREE 8 Holiday 2012 NewSupervisorsInTheField Bob Kubacki, former regional William Carl Smith, former general safety supervisor, advanced to supervisor foreperson, was promoted in June to in Wisconsin under Vice President Joe supervisor under Manager Scott Bailey in Schneider in August. The Schneider Region Oklahoma. Executive Vice President Matt is sponsored by Executive Vice President Asplundh sponsors the Bailey Region. Matt Asplundh. Carl came to work for Asplundh in A 32-year Asplundh veteran, Bob joined December 2007 with nine years of a tree crew in 1980, working in his home prior experience in utility arboriculture. state of Wisconsin and the upper peninsula With his range of experience, he soon of Michigan. By 1997, he had advanced took on the role of permissions person to general foreperson overseeing crews working on the We Energies and job planner on the property of Public Service Co. of Oklahoma system. Thirteen years later, Bob was promoted to regional safety (PSO) and was promoted to general foreperson in March 2010. As supervisor, working throughout Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper a supervisor, Carl is responsible for overseeing all Asplundh crews Peninsula. His current supervisory responsibilities include overseeing working on the PSO system in Oklahoma. A May 2011 graduate of Asplundh operations on the property of American Transmission the Asplundh General Foreperson Training Program, he is an ISA Company. Bob has participated in various professional development Certified Arborist, a certified herbicide applicator and has specialized training programs with Asplundh and is a certified First Aid instructor. equipment training. An Everyday Guide to Business Ethics
n order for the Asplundh Tree Expert Co. and its u Each employee has an individual responsibility to subsidiaries to achieve operating and financial goals, safeguard confidential information that has been I it is essential that all company directors, officers and obtained on the job. Confidential information includes: employees conduct business within the framework of the law proposed or advance plans, service contracts, and in accordance with good business ethics. construction of facilities, earnings, dividends, personal information on other employees, managerial or Asplundh is committed to compliance with all federal, state organizational changes, and customer information. and local laws and regulations. To address certain business ethics issues, our General Business Policies were updated in u All internal reports, statements, records and business 1993 and each year, we like to highlight some specific points transactions handled by Asplundh employees should be that may not be clear in other company manuals. prepared honestly and with care, and should present an accurate and complete picture of the facts. u All employees should avoid any activity, investment or interest that might reflect unfavorably upon the The spirit and intent of these policies are fully supported integrity of themselves or Asplundh. While on the job, by Asplundh’s Board of Directors and corporate employees have the duty to act in the best interest of management. Any violation of these policies will lead to the company. disciplinary action up to and including termination.
u Customer entertainment and gifts should be If any employee is unsure whether certain conduct is illegal, reasonable and kept within the customers’ codes of unethical or a violation of these policies, he or she should conduct. Asplundh employees and immediate family seek guidance from a supervisor. If the question cannot be may not accept gifts or favors of any significant value adequately answered, it should be referred to the Personnel from any supplier or customer. Department or Legal Department. These departments are also responsible for investigating suspected violations of u Employees may not financially influence anyone in these policies. either the private or government sector. Personal contributions by employees to political parties or Asplundh’s Board of Directors, officers, corporate candidates are permitted, however corporate funds management and all employees are bound by these policies for or resources may not be given to any political party or the greater good of the company. Please respect these policies candidate for political office. and let them guide you in your day-to-day activities.
The Asplundh TREE Holiday 2012 9 Merit Awards splundh is proud to recognize Manager Mike Zehler (far L) eleven employees whose and Senior Forestry Supervisor selfless, observant, skillful and Jack Feltz of National Grid, A Genesee Region (far R) shake brave actions recently earned them Silver Merit Awards. hands with Foreperson Josh Murphy (second from L) and Trimmer Simon Chavers Car Shears Off Utility Pole (second from R), congratulating It was a sunny winter morning on them for their quick reactions February 2, when Asplundh Foreperson to get emergency medical help Josh Murphy and Trimmer Simon Chavers to a woman who ran off the of the Mike Zehler Region were driving road near Elba, New York. to a trouble call site for National Grid in National Grid Lead Supervisor far western New York state. Suddenly, up of Distribution Forestry Nathan Wright (center) also offered congratulations to the heroic duo, who th ahead, the crew saw a broken utility pole received the Asplundh Silver Merit Award pins during the 8 Annual National Grid Safety Day in May. with the wire barely suspended above the ground. The car that had been ahead of them had run off the road, sheared off the Leading Hand and High Voltage Cutter Mark pole and then barreled into the woods for Vickers (R) of Asplundh Australia is shown here another 200 yards or so. receiving a congratulatory handshake and a certificate of appreciation from Managing Director Reacting quickly, Simon was able to Greg Fitzgerald (L) in early August after an e-mailed safely stop the bucket truck just short of thank you note revealed that Mark had rendered the guy span. Putting on his strobe lights first aid to a car accident victim on July 27. Mark’s to warn other drivers, he immediately good deed was officially recognized by Asplundh called 911 and radioed National Grid to executives and approved for a Silver Merit Award in let the utility know what had happened. late August, however, it was presented at a later date While Simon was giving first responders in the form of a gift card (no photo available). critical information, Josh ran to the vehicle in the woods to assist the victim, an older woman who was barely conscious. Not knowing the severity of her internal injuries, he didn’t feel he First Aid Rendered victim. The driver, a young woman, was could move her so he just kept talking conscious, but had a cut on her head. Sometimes a long commute home from to her to keep her conscious and calm. Concerned that she was badly shaken up work can be boring, but not for Asplundh Fortunately, emergency responders by the accident and might slip into shock, Australia’s Mark Vickers on July 27 as he arrived on the scene within minutes. Josh Mark did not hesitate to climb into the was travelling toward Queanbeyan, New and Simon assisted in stopping traffic on car to render first aid. He put pressure South Wales (NSW), Australia. the roadway to allow a helicopter to land on the head wound and kept her calm and transport the woman to the hospital. Mark, a leading hand and high voltage until the ambulance arrived. Once Mark Thankfully, she survived the crash. cutter, had spent the day helping to train knew she was being looked after, he left new employees working on a freshly and thought nothing more of it. Senior Forestry Supervisor Jack Feltz awarded contract with Essential Energy of National Grid, Genesee Region, An e-mail to Asplundh Australia came in Goulburn, a town northeast of the reported the crew’s action in an e-mail a few days later from the accident victim’s nation’s capital, Canberra. It was late in to Asplundh Corporate Communications. father, John Roberson, and Mark’s good the afternoon when he witnessed a car He wrote, “By maintaining a cool deed came to light. Mr. Roberson was miss a corner and go off the road. demeanor and willingness to assist others looking for an employee named Mark so in need, [Simon and Josh] embody the Pulling off the road carefully, Mark he could say thanks to him for going out qualities of not only good men, but great immediately asked another driver who of his way to help his injured daughter. employees. I believe these are the selfless stopped to call an ambulance and then Managing Director Greg Fitzgerald said it acts that deserve recognition.” We agree! went to go see if he could assist the crash took a little while to find out which Mark Well done, Josh and Simon! it was because he hadn’t told anyone about
The Asplundh TREE 10 Holiday 2012 come out to talk her into getting medical Displaying their Silver Merit Awards help. Eventually, they were able to get her are (front row, L to R): General into an ambulance and taken to a hospital Foreperson Ben McFadden, in Hagerstown for care and observation. Trimmer Jose Melvin Lemus Mrs. Margaret Swope, after two days and Foreperson Charles Smith, Jr. who were presented in the hospital, was able to personally with the pins by Manager express her appreciation to Ben and Darhl Trail (back row, R) and Charles who returned to check on congratulated by Superintendent her a few days later. The entire crew’s Walter Vanorsdale (back row, L). compassion and persistence are well The employees were recognized deserving of Silver Merit Awards. for discovering and assisting a 77-year-old woman who had Toddler Kidnapping Averted fallen in her driveway. She said she had been there for three days, hoping for someone to help her get up. Despite her initial resistance, they were eventually able to convince her to get checked out After a lunch break on August 16, by emergency medical personnel who took her to the hospital in Hagerstown, Maryland. Crew Leader Hugo Uribe and Acting Foreperson Hector Rodriguez, along with Trimmers Mario Banuelos, Jose Luis Luna In September, and Irving Martinez were driving slowly Vice President through an El Paso, Texas neighborhood Tom Leverentz to get back to their work site for El Paso (far L) joined with Electric. They stopped when a ball rolled El Paso Electric into the street. A child came out to Operations retrieve the ball and soon after, a man who Supervisor David was walking his dog began talking to the Rios (far R) crew. He was not making sense and as he to present grew more agitated, he jumped up on the specially-engraved truck’s step and threatened the crew with plaques from the a knife. They pulled away and he fell off. utility and $200 Cabela’s gift cards as Asplundh Merit Awards for the five employees above who rescued a little girl from a deranged man as he attempted to kidnap her. The man also threatened Looking in the side mirror, Mario saw the crew with a knife before they were able to subdue him. These heroic employees are (L to R): the man grab a little 18-month-old girl Acting Foreperson Hector Rodriguez, Trimmer Irving Martinez, Crew Leader Hugo Uribe, from the yard where the ball had come and Trimmers Jose Luis Luna and Mario Banuelos. The El Paso, Texas Police Department from and start carrying her off down the also presented plaques to the crew to thank them for their bravery and heroism. street. The crew immediately turned around, hopped out and started chasing the man, along with the toddler’s siblings. the incident. He just thought it was the three days and nights! She wasn’t sure, right thing to do; no big deal. It certainly but thought she had fallen by missing a Holding the little girl in his arms, the was the right thing to do and as Greg said, step on her porch and then she rolled deranged man jumped into a nearby “In our eyes, it was great work!” about 50 feet down the driveway. Despite irrigation ditch and as he attempted to some bruises and scrapes, she asked climb up the other side, he dropped the Elderly Woman Found Charles and Jose to help her get up. They child into the water. One of the crew were able to make her comfortable on the members quickly jumped in and was able It was a routine Wednesday of spray porch and gave her a bottle of water since to rescue her. Seeing this, the man work on August 8 when Foreperson she was dehydrated and hadn’t taken her returned to the water, took off all his Charles Smith, Jr. and Trimmer Jose medications for days. clothes and came at the crew, naked and Melvin Lemus of the Darhl Trail Region threatening them with the knife again. pulled into a driveway in Myersville, When asked if they could call an Significantly outnumbered, the crew was Maryland to reach the end of a Potomac ambulance for her, she resisted and asked able to subdue him until police arrived Edison right-of-way that they were them to help her call her niece. Since on the scene. The little girl was safely spraying. Although you couldn’t see her she had been without a bathroom, she returned to her family, much to their relief. from the road, the men soon noticed a wanted to get cleaned up before going The El Paso police credited the crew woman lying in the driveway and then anywhere. After finding out that she was with the arrest and publicly thanked them heard her call out for help. 77 years old and living alone, Charles for their bravery. El Paso Electric also then called General Foreperson Ben The men immediately went to her presented the men with plaques for their McFadden to let him know the situation. side and she told them that she had been heroism and now we can join in honoring Ben happened to know the president of there since after church on Sunday — them, too. Bravo! the local fire department and asked him to
The Asplundh TREE Holiday 2012 11 Congratulations and best wishes for a happy and healthy Retirees retirement to all the Asplundh retirees listed here! honored Ralph Bennett William Daclan Robert Jeffries Steve Pontius Foreperson, Virginia Foreperson, California Journeyman, West Virginia Foreperson, Ohio First employed January 2000 First employed September 1980 First employed August 1991 First employed April 1994 Retired July 2012 Retired July 2012 Retired July 2012 Retired July 2012 Steven Bruffy William Dailey Jaime Juarez Robert Ryder, Jr. ArborMetrics Solutions, Inc. Crew Leader, Pennsylvania Apprentice, California Groundperson, Virginia Work Planner, Washington First employed March 1996 First employed May 2002 First employed June 2007 First employed March 2000 Retired October 2012 Retired October 2012 Retired June 2012 Retired September 2012 James Davis Manuel Mutia Larry Stallings Dennis Clark Blume Tree Services, Inc. Groundperson, Florida Trimmer, Georgia Trimmer, Wisconsin Trimmer, Tennessee First employed September 1997 First employed March 2001 First employed November 1989 First employed November 2004 Retired October 2012 Retired June 2012 Retired July 2012 Retired August 2012 Rupert Pearson, Jr. Beryl Taylor Daniel Craig John Deslich General Foreperson, Virginia Foreperson, West Virginia Trimmer, Pennsylvania Groundperson, Pennsylvania First employed August 1985 First employed October 1993 First employed October 1971 First employed October 2001 Retired October 2012 (Plus three months with Tree Retired July 2012 Retired November 2012 Preservation Co.) William Perry Retired August 2012 Jerry Curtis Richard Gleason Asplundh Brush Control Co. Apprentice, Tennessee Foreperson, Massachusetts Trimmer, New York Ronald Wince First employed May 2007 First employed October 1972 First employed April 2007 Journeyman, West Virginia Retired September 2012 Retired June 2012 Retired October 2012 First employed January 1990 Retired August 2012 SPECIALRETIREMENTHONORS Mike Gordon, Asplundh Brush Control Co. (ABC) manager and 35-year company veteran, entered the venerable ranks of the retired in July. To recognize his contributions to ABC, he was presented with a sporting goods gift card from his co-workers and a celebration with Sponsor/Vice President Larry Moore and the other ABC managers will take place in the near future. Mike joined Asplundh in 1977 as a sprayman in his home state of Michigan after serving three years in the U.S. Navy and working for five years as a service manager at a car dealership. He soon became a Hydro-Ax operator and then foreperson. By 1979, Mike had advanced to general foreperson and seven years later, he was promoted to supervisor under the late Vice President Dave Fritsch. When Dave passed away in 1992, Mike was named manager of Asplundh operations on the properties of several utility, pipeline and telecommunications companies in Michigan. In 1998, he moved over to Asplundh Brush Control Co. as a manager overseeing right-of-way clearing and maintenance projects in the Midwest. Mike has received company recognition for excellent safety performance and storm response. His retirement plans include a little fishing and hunting, along with some travel to the Florida Keys and to visit his three grown children living in Chicago, Denver and Las Vegas. Happy trails, Mike!
InMemoriam
Fernand “Frenchie” Perras, retired vice president of Asplundh Brush Control Co. (ABC) and 39-year veteran of the company, passed away on November 25 in Indianapolis, Indiana at the age of 81. Born in the province of Quebec, Canada, Frenchie came to the U.S. in 1948 and served in the U.S. Army in Korea for two years before joining ABC as an equipment operator in 1957. Within two years, he had advanced to general foreperson and after working in 26 states over a 13-year period, Frenchie set up his base of operations in Indiana in 1972. In 1985, he advanced to district manager and six years later, he was named regional manager of ABC operations in parts of the Midwest. Frenchie was elected vice president of the subsidiary in 1992 and retired four years later. He is survived by two daughters, Rita and Michelle; two sons, Dave and Lucien; six grandchildren and one great granddaughter. We extend sincere condolences to Frenchie’s family and many friends.
The Asplundh TREE 12 Holiday 2012 Orchids Letters and telephone calls were received complimenting the following forepersons and their crews working on the property of the utility or organization listed below the employees’ names. This listing covers all Orchids that were received in the Corporate Communications Department between July 10 and November 9, 2012. For their outstanding job performance or special volunteer efforts, we say ... Thank you and congratulations!
Alaska Hildebrand, Forepersons Gastelum and Trimmer Santana and Trimmer Stan Chaloner, Michael Javier Arambula, Fernando Arambula, Dan Downing and Crews, Kalivoda, Reg Martin and Pacific Gas & Electric Pacific Gas & Electric Chugach Electric Association Kurt Steinhauer, Saw Utility Tree Service General Foreperson Francisco Alberta Operators Lucas Bradwell, Forepersons Caleb Hogan Santiago, Forepersons Kevin Purkott and Jacob Gary Nevills and Nick Parson, and Crews, Jose Luis Garcia, Cuitlahua Wagner, and Apprentices and Groundperson Pacific Gas & Electric Prado and Carlos Toledo, Theodore Hildebrand and Climber Jaime Juarez, Noel McKenzie, Utility Tree Service Terry Marshall, Patrolman Christopher FortisAlberta Foreperson Jared Kirchner BC Hydro Pinedo and Groundperson and Apprentice Billy Senner, Arizona Norberto Anguiano, California Pacific Gas & Electric General Foreperson Dave Southern California Edison Utility Tree Service Utility Tree Service Brower, Forepersons Lorenzo Utility Tree Service Foreperson John Allread and Foreperson David Madsen Benitez and Eudes Valdez Foreperson Justin Steiner Apprentice David Boylen, and Kevin George, Sarria, and Groundperson and Crew, Pacific Gas & Electric Pacific Gas & Electric Hector Rodriguez, Pacific Gas & Electric Salt River Project Utility Tree Service (two letters were received) General Foreperson General Foreperson Howard General Foreperson Hector Utility Tree Service Bernardo Arambula, Vaeena, Foreperson Garcia, Forepersons Abel Forepersons Jason Foreperson Primitivo Marc Lozano and Trimmer Beltran and Antonio Martinez and Mell Null, Rivera and Trimmer Rene Espinoza, Diaz, Trimmer Raul and Crews, Fernando Rivera, San Diego Gas & Electric Oliva and Groundperson Pacific Gas & Electric Pacific Gas & Electric Gustavo Rodriguez, Utility Tree Service Colorado Salt River Project Utility Tree Service Foreperson Mell Null and General Foreperson Jimmy Foreperson A.J. Boylen and Australia Apprentice Bill Senner Babb, Foreperson Floyd Apprentice Marshall Varrone, Pacific Gas & Electric Kerr and Crew, Leading Hand and High Pacific Gas & Electric (two letters were received) Black Hills Energy Voltage Cutter Mark (two letters were received) for administering first Utility Tree Service General Foreperson Jimmy Vickers, Utility Tree Service aid to an automobile accident Foreperson Kyle Ray and Babb, Foreperson Mike General Foreperson James victim and keeping her calm Apprentice David Boylen, Swanson and Trimmer Boylen, Foreperson Jason until emergency responders Pacific Gas & Electric David Padilla, Martinez, Trimmer Steven arrived on the scene in New Black Hills Energy Patterson and Apprentice Utility Tree Service South Wales, Lee Thompson, Trimmer Aaron Reyna and Mike Bunker and Jeff King, Essential Energy Pacific Gas & Electric Apprentice Kevin Kaundart, and Crews, British Columbia (five letters were received) Pacific Gas & Electric Mountain Parks Electric General Foreperson Utility Tree Service Utility Tree Service General Foreperson John Hildebrand, Lead Foreperson Jorge Foreperson Jose Rex Hilton, Foreperson Foreperson Adam Gregory Hardgrove,
From an e-mail sent to Chugach Electric Association in Alaska From an e-mail to Dave Stall Region General Foreperson Howard about Foreperson Dan Downing from the Mick Kavran Region: Vaeena regarding the work of Foreperson Marc Lozano and “... We were without power for two days. ... I know we are one of Trimmer Rene Espinoza for San Diego Gas & Electric in California: thousands who found out how important electricity is to our daily “... Let’s start by complimenting Asplundh on fielding some of the top lives. Through this trying experience, there was one bright spot — people in the industry. I have the utmost respect for the assignment ‘Dan’. ... Whether the news was good or bad, he always returned they take on for their company and the hurdles they typically confront our calls, making us feel connected. You have a great employee when it comes down to ‘moving the job’ into a property owner’s there and certainly the right one to be handling calls from your coveted space. ... Your hands-on visit at the front end, availability via customers. We thanked Dan, but please extend our thanks again.” phone during the job and the overall coordination was outstanding!” Larry and Suzanne Imhof Dick Frost
The Asplundh TREE Holiday 2012 13 Orchids – July 10 through November 9, 2012
Journeyman Michael Powell Wildlife (CROW) by placing General Foreperson Dan Russell Schade, and Groundpersons Matt active bird nests in trees slated Roberson, Foreperson Nic MidAmerican Energy to be pruned into protective Kershaw and Korie Kleiwer, Stanton and Trimmers General Foreperson Jerry boxes and delivering them Colorado Springs Utilities Brandon Stanton and Mausich, Forepersons to CROW for temporary General Foreperson Steve Caleb Trier, Korey Einfelt and Mike rehabilitation and release, Kershman, Foreperson MidAmerican Energy Schilling, and Crews, Joe McLean, Trimmer Eli Lee County Electric Coop. Nic Stanton and Trimmer MidAmerican Energy Algien and Groundpersons Georgia Brandon Stanton, Supervisor Scott Richter, Davin Mills and Jeff Trent, MidAmerican Energy General Foreperson Intermountain REA Utility Lines Construction Services Foreperson James Indiana Eduardo Nunez, General Foreperson Chad Gaskin and Equipment Foreperson Victor Rucker, Job Planner Robert Landon Enyeart and Ronnie Gonzalez and Trimmer Operator Jeremy Bishop, Smith, and Groundperson Alexander and Crew, Georgia Power Antonio Carrera, City of Loveland Dave Hopkins, Alliant Energy Illinois City of Fort Wayne General Foreperson Chad General Foreperson Rucker, Foreperson Alex General Forepersons Greg Waltz and Trimmer Mitch Salek, Foreperson Arevalo and Groundperson Freddy Bracero and Carl Charles Nestler, Popiel Battin and Trimmer Jose Cruz, Winton, and Crews, Hendricks Power Daniel Crabtree, United Power ComEd IOWA MidAmerican Energy Dusty Crabtree and General Foreperson General Foreperson General Foreperson Mitch Chad Rucker, Foreperson Trimmer Jason McEntee, Jason Davis, Forepersons Salek, Foreperson Wayne Jeff King, Trimmer Mike MidAmerican Energy Kelvin Cooper and Johnson and Trimmer Bunker and Job Planner Crew Leader Nate Heller William Thompson, and Derek McNicol, Adam Paulson, and Trimmer Dan Vannatta, Trimmers Quentin Bell MidAmerican Energy Mountain Parks Electric City of Byron and Blake Meister, Jason Waugh and Crew, Levi Shown and Jerrad Ridge, General Foreperson Dan MidAmerican Energy MidAmerican Energy Xcel Energy Roberson, Forepersons General Foreperson Jason Kansas Florida Tim Kisner, Gary Randolph Davis, Work Planner Jason and Melvin Raygor, and Waugh and Crew, General Foreperson Kyle General Foreperson Dan Trimmers Zach Sloan and MidAmerican Energy Baur and Crew, Cannon, Foreperson Mike Kansas City BPU Billy Smith, General Foreperson Jason Pomatto and Journeymen MidAmerican Energy General Foreperson Ron Juan Mendoza, Jr. and Hasse, Foreperson Matt General Foreperson Dan Stephens and Trimmer Hatter, Foreperson Nathan Steve Stinton, McMurray and Crew, Florida Power & Light Roberson, Foreperson Brad Spring, Jesse Roberson and MidAmerican Energy Westar Energy Supervisor David Trimmer Leonel Marquez, General Foreperson Chris for assisting local General Foreperson Mick Hawley, MidAmerican Energy Newport, Foreperson Mike law enforcement with Linxwiler, Trimmer Scott Ford and Trimmers Zach an investigation, General Foreperson Dan Smith and Groundperson Engel and Jonathan Schussler, City of Homestead Police Dept. Roberson, Foreperson Nic Justin Britson, Stanton and Trimmers MidAmerican Energy Kansas City Power & Light General Foreperson Jason McEntee and General Foreperson Ty General Foreperson Jerry Robert Oen and Crews, Brandon Stanton, Rich, Foreperson Caleb for their cooperation with Mausich, Foreperson Dean MidAmerican Energy Anderson and Crew, the Clinic for Rehabilitation of Davolt and Trimmer Westar Energy
From an e-mail to the Home Office in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania From an e-mail to Alliant Energy in Iowa, concerning a crew under regarding the crew of Forepersons Landon Enyeart and Ronnie Smith Supervisor Scott Richter and General Foreperson Eduardo Nunez of the Wesley Washington Region working in Fort Wayne, Indiana: of the Adam Larson Region: “... We were so impressed with the crew working this truck as “... I wanted to compliment both Alliant as well as the tree-trimming they took extra effort to bring a big limb forward that our elderly crew on their professionalism and the fine work they did. First, I neighbor had finally gotten down from his tree. ... This neighbor will received a phone call over a week before the crew arrived. ... Then be so happy when he gets home and sees this gone. I just wanted the crew chief ... knocked at my door and told me they would be to say how nice it was of this wonderful crew of workers to take the there sometime that day. The crew ... made the trimming look extra effort, since the limb was not to the street edge.” natural and not “chopped out” while still protecting the wires.” Nadine Strebig Gail A. Rinderknecht
The Asplundh TREE 14 Holiday 2012 Orchids – July 10 through November 9, 2012
General Foreperson Tracy Permissons Person John Shillingford and Scott Strahan and Mason Wigle, Schmidt, Foreperson Weston Ball and Crews, Urbanek, and Trimmer Lincoln Electric System Cody Robb and Trimmer Indiana Michigan Power Mike Schedivy, Trent McGee, Xcel Energy New Hampshire Westar Energy Minnesota General Foreperson Ed (two letters were received) Supervisor Wayne Bailey, Missouri Cote, Foreperson Shaun General Foreperson Bob Trimmer Joshua Blanton, Messier, Trimmer Josh General Foreperson Sean Turner, Forepersons for his courteous driving Randall and Groundperson Snethen and Crew, Nick Czech, Chris Galvin through a subdivision in Kansas Travis Calloway, Kansas City Power & Light and Paul Santama, and City while towing a chipper, Liberty Utilities General Foreperson Mark Trimmers Mike Lother and Kansas City Power & Light Tim Cutter, Bruce Dolliver Thompson, for coming to the Chris Snyder, for driving in aid of two different motorists Joe Merrill, and Nelson Moffett, Xcel Energy a professional manner and experiencing vehicular trouble, and Permissions Person Al Ferrell and Trimmers Dave allowing other drivers to safely James DeGroat, Westar Energy Larsen and Greg Schiller, merge into traffic, Public Service Co. of NH General Foreperson John Xcel Energy Kansas City Power & Light Keith Duncan and Wright and Trimmers Al Ferrell and Nick General Foreperson Troy Groundperson Jon Towle, Andrew Sanford, Austin Hemsworth, and Trimmers Smith, Forepersons Johnny Public Service Co. of NH Spencer and Colby Witten, David Larson, Chad Pasch Helm and Mike Hernandez, Westar Energy Gary Villineau and and Robert Pavel, and Trimmer Jim Powell, Groundperson Marty Chase, Kentucky Xcel Energy Kansas City Power & Light Public Service Co. of NH General Foreperson General Foreperson Tim General Foreperson Mike Lenville Everidge, Trimmer Flansburg, Forepersons Jeff Williams, Foreperson Dean New York Pearl Banks and Crew, Cozzi and Stuart Vangen, and Wilmes and Trimmer General Foreperson Mike Kentucky Power Apprentice Joseph Puckett, Travis Lager, Greene, Crew Leaders Koch Pipeline Kansas City Power & Light Marshall Frazier and Jim Louisiana Miguel Gomez-Munoz General Foreperson Heath Moynihan, and Trimmers General Foreperson Ray and Trimmers Karen York, Foreperson Steve Chris Hayes and Nick Sherer, Felt and Crew, Davtyan, Nicholas Hunt Bruce and Crew, Con Edison Entergy and Matt Kivari, Crawford Electric Cooperative General Foreperson Mike Maryland Xcel Energy General Foreperson Heath Greene, Crew Leader Marshall Frazier and General Foreperson Ben John Holmes and York, Journeyman Scott Trimmers Nate Edwards Henke and Crew, Trimmer Nick Sherer, McFadden, Foreperson Con Edison Charles Smith, Jr. and and Tim Kalik, Crawford Electric Coop. Xcel Energy Trimmer Jose Melvin Nebraska North Carolina Lemus, for assisting an elderly General Foreperson Larry Work Planner John woman lying in her driveway, Mensing, Forepersons Eric Hartman and Trimmers Sam Decker, Korbin Stewart Chillson and Crews, unable to get up for three days, John Shillingford and Scott Duke Energy FirstEnergy/Potomac Edison Urbanek, and Trimmers Bryce and Jake Walter, Dankers and Mike Schedivy, Lincoln Electric System Forester Doug Cook, for Michigan stopping to change a flat tire for Xcel Energy General Foreperson David an elderly woman, General Foreperson Dave Sweeney, Foreperson Jon Ouzts, Forepersons Tony William Robison and Duke Energy Trimmer Kevin Jendro, Simpson and Trimmers Heffington, Luis Leal Jorge Cordenas, Shawn and Byron Sowers, Xcel Energy
From an e-mail sent to Vice President Keith Erickson and From an e-mail to Manager Jim Winemiller in Missouri concerning Supervisor Tim Washek in Minnesota about a crew under General the work of the crew under General Foreperson Heath York and Foreperson Tim Flansburg that was working for KOCH Pipeline: Foreperson Steve Bruce in Missouri: “Just thought I would let you know that in the last week, I’ve had “... I am encouraged by the number of members this year that three calls and a personal conversation with land owners thanking not only thank us for what we do but specifically mention the me for the job we did on their property. ... Specifically to the work demeanor and knowledge of the tree trimmers. ... While we are not that your guys did. We have actually been getting a surprising a perfect work force, I am very pleased with all involved and have amount of positive feedback about the project in general, but to get considerable confidence in what our current work force does day in it pertaining to the ‘guys with the saws’ is really saying something.” and day out for our cooperative.” Jared Baratono, Project Foreman, Minnesota Limited, LLC Terry Gordon, ROW Superintendent, Crawford Electric Cooperative
The Asplundh TREE Holiday 2012 15 Orchids – July 10 through November 9, 2012
General Foreperson Johnny General Foreperson Matt Oklahoma bird populations in the West Hunt, Foreperson Reuben Knisley, Foreperson James Chester area, General Foreperson Turner and Crew, McCoy and Trimmers Daniel PECO Shannon Moore, Duke Energy Diaz and Brian Stotridge, Forepersons Adolfo Alonso Douglas Brunner and Chris General Foreperson Joe AEP Ohio and Iris Anderson, and Wood, and Crews, Keener, Foreperson Joaquin General Foreperson Jason Crews, for their help removing PECO Zuniga and Groundperson McMahan, Foreperson trash, debris and brush as part General Foreperson Miguel Baltazar Vargas, Abraham Buentello, of the historic Lake Station Davila and Crews, Duke Energy Trimmers Raul Rodriguez neighborhood clean-up, PPL Electric Utilities General Foreperson Mike and Avilio Trujillo, and Public Service Co. of Oklahoma Frank Devine and Crew, Smathers, Foreperson Journeymen Obsuliman Oregon PECO Jorge Corrales and Crew, Leyva and Fidel Portillo, Progress Energy AEP Ohio General Foreperson Zach General Foreperson Zach Bertalot, Foreperson Foley and Crew, General Foreperson Joey General Foreperson Angel Garcia, Trimmer REA Energy Vines, Foreperson Matt Domingo Reyes and Crews, Duke Energy Adan Soto and Apprentice Coffey and Crew, for David Willett, Ken Lux and David removing some large trees at General Foreperson Portland General Electric Sliwinski, Jr., and Trimmers the St. Luke’s United Methodist Dave Vilvens, Work Jeff Davis, Byron Nethery Church in Hickory so a prayer Planner Michael Duncan, Ezra Childress, Trimmer and Rich Reed, garden could be created, Foreperson James Jackson Pablo Gonzalez and PECO Duke Energy and Crew, Apprentice Greg Ward, Portland General Electric Nick Strine and Crew, Permissions Person David Duke Energy FirstEnergy/West Penn Power Whitely and Crew, for their Matt Criscione, for removing Permissions Person Art Tennessee great customer service while Ward, for his continuing two broken limbs from a tree, removing a tree at the Oak Hill courteous, professional putting a homeowner’s mind Zach Evans, Wesley Pellam Methodist Church in Morganton, demeanor while discussing line at ease, and Robert Steel, and Crews, Duke Energy clearance work with a home Portland General Electric Chattanooga EPB owner in Columbus, General Foreperson Jamie Texas Ohio AEP Ohio Culp, Foreperson John Doug Allmon and General Foreperson Mike General Foreperson Jake Flood and Crew, Journeyman Robert Rafferty, Delafuente, Foreperson Wilson, Work Planners Columbia River PUD AEP Ohio David Garcia, Trimmer Ron Haworth and Eric General Foreperson Nick Antonio Palomo and General Foreperson Jeff Vorys, Forepersons Hansen, Foreperson Groundperson Antony Ortiz, Anderson, Foreperson Logan Markert, Kevin Hannible Childress and Crew, CPS Energy Sam Mullins and Senters and Jaron Portland General Electric Journeymen J.J. Hatfield Smith, Trimmer Chase General Foreperson Henry and Brad Starling, Loughman, Journeyman Pennsylvania Galvan and Crews, AEP Ohio Dillon Ledbetter and General Foreperson Larry Oncor Electric Delivery Groundpersons Dale Baker, General Foreperson Jimmy Browning and Crew, for Vermont Jenkins, Forepersons Matt Shawn Berry and Jared their professionalism and for their polite and William Simonds and Gruber, William McGuire Vorys, patience while discussing a professional work while clearing Groundperson Josh Simonds, and Ronnie Van Horne, home owner’s concerns about lines in the Galena area, FairPoint Communication Trimmer Tommy Evans and the impact of Asplundh’s Journeyman Robert Rafferty, AEP Ohio integrated vegetation AEP Ohio management program on
From a letter to General Foreperson Shannon Moore of the Scott From a letter to the Home Office in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania Bailey Region in Oklahoma regarding work his crew performed for regarding Foreperson Nick Stine and crew from the Darhl Trail the Public Service Company of Oklahoma: Region in Pennsylvania: “We cannot possibly thank you enough for your help with our cleanup “I recently had the pleasure of dealing with one of your employees, of the Lake Station neighborhood. Because of your support, we were Nick Stine. ... West Penn Power wanted a tree on my property able to remove tons and tons of trash, debris and brush from this historic trimmed back and Nick Stine was the person who came to do the area. ... This cleanup effort has impacted hundreds of properties and work. ... He was very professional from beginning to end. The job residents of West Tulsa County. Again, we cannot thank you enough!” looked great when he finished and there wasn’t even a leaf left on the Karen Keith, Commissioner, and Don Comstock, Cleanup ground. ... This person, in my opinion, is an asset to your company.” Volunteer Organizer, Tulsa County Board of Commissioners Richard L. Hovis
The Asplundh TREE 16 Holiday 2012 Orchids – July 10 through November 9, 2012
Virginia Below, Marton Brown, Janice excellent storm restoration Colt Armstrong, for working Reitz and Mike Suprenand, work in the Baltimore area, hard despite terrible heat, General Foreperson Cletus and Trimmers Pat Koerner Hottle, Forepersons Baltimore Gas & Electric (MD) AEP Ohio (OH) and Larry Reitz, for their Nelson Castro and General Foreperson Dan Chris Hunt and Crew, support of the We Energies Kenneth Kibler, and Yarger, Forepersons Robert for the great work they did Menomonee Falls Service Center Trimmers Charles Good Byers, Pedro Espinoza, stabilizing a storm damaged open house in April, and Ruben Hernandez, Michael Haney and James high-risk tree with proper We Energies Town of Herndon Woodham, Trimmers rigging before piecing it down, General Foreperson Mark Matthew Claxton, Dewayne General Foreperson Jody AEP Ohio (OH) Fecteau, Foreperson Jeff Fuller, Kevin Hayes and Chris Messick, Forepersons Ryan General Foreperson Tony Thieme and Trimmers Jeff Wilson, and Groundpersons Eanes, Wilber Lopez, Greg Garst, Crew Chief Brandon Klemmer and Jim Stuettgen, Calvin Claxton, Victor Mayo and Larry Stanley, Campbell, Trimmers Sanchez and Adam Young and Crews, We Energies Benjamin Allen and Michael (GA), for going above and Dominion Virginia Power Patrick Stephens and Goodchild, and Journeyman beyond the call of duty to quickly Trimmer Jeremy Nandory, David McFall, for their polite, and safely complete their line Washington Wisconsin Public Service respectful and careful work on clearance work so power could Tony LoFranco and Crew, the storm restoration in the be restored, Snohomish PUD Storm work Roanoke area, Montgomery County (MD) Appalachian Power (VA) Chris Peppinger and Crew, June – Super Derecho General Foreperson Joe Snohomish PUD Assistant General General Foreperson Jeff Donlon and Crews (PA), Gormont, Crew Leader Poncho Rodriguez and Crew, Foreperson George for their outstanding efforts Mike Adams and Trimmer Snohomish PUD Wendell, Crew Leader to remove debris from power Torrey Emery (PA), for their Scott Sluhoski and lines so power could be West Virginia Trimmers Uperesa willingness to go above and restored quickly in the Atlantic beyond the call of duty to help Derrick Brooks, Hanipale and Mark City area, Michalek, for their tireless the power restoration efforts in Trimmer Derek PHI/Atlantic City Electric (NJ) the Webster Springs area, Saunders and Apprentice work in the oppressive heat in General Forepersons Mario FirstEnergy/Mon Power (WV) Rodney Pendergras, the West Chicago area, Garcia Gonzalez and Crews Appalachian Power Co. ComEd (IL) Permissions Person Brian (MD), for their strong work Asplundh Construction Woodruff and Crews, Allen Daniels and Brandon ethic and commitment to safety for working to smoothly Williams, Trimmer James Corp. Foreperson Jeremy while on storm duty in Ohio, Jones, for his friendly and coordinate their efforts during Williams, Groundpersons Buckeye REC (OH) the storm restoration, David Hansen and Gerald knowledgeable storm site visit General Foreperson Appalachian Power (WV) Peters, and Apprentice with the Mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana Michigan Power (IN) Thomas Gray and Crews, William Nutter, for working safely and doing July – Summer Storms Appalachian Power Co. Robert King and whatever it took to support the General Forepersons Journeyman Jeffrey Clark General Foreperson Sammy storm restoration efforts, Randy Brabham, Ray (SC), for their quick response Roy and Foreperson Jerry Guernsey-Muskingum Felt, Carolyn McNabb time and hard work during the Rexrode, for hanging banners for Electric Coop. (OH) and Johnny Marquard, the Mountain State Forest Festival, storm restoration, David Griffith, Mike Permissions Person Kathie FirstEnergy/Mon Power Montgomery County DOT (MD) Hempfield and Tyson Felt and Crews, for working Wisconsin Utility Lines Construction Sayers, Trimmer Malcolm quickly and safely to help the Supervisor Matthew Tatum McGaire, Journeyman Brad storm restoration efforts in the General Foreperson Mark and Crews (GA), for their Scoles and Groundperson Fecteau, Forepersons Dean
From an e-mail to the Home Office in the Willow Grove, Pennsylvania From an e-mail to Vice President Dave Puckett regarding General about General Foreperson Jody Messick and his crew from the Foreperson Mario Garcia Gonzalez and crews from Maryland on Larry Kirk Region working on Dominion Virginia Power property: storm work for Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative (BREC) in Ohio: “... The crew ... including Jody, just removed an 80’ dead oak on “I just wanted to pass on to you what a professional and safe job Mario the back of our property along the power lines. ... The crew was and his crews did last week on storm work. All of the linemen and professional and kept safety first. They were polite and aware of my supervisors here at BREC want you and the crews to know how much concern of the leyland cypress trees planted so closely to the dead they are appreciated. ... They have been one of the best crews I have tree. The clean up was professional ... and the communication was had ... at BREC. Mario is as professional as they come, and his crews are great. An outstanding job by an outstanding crew and leader.” very talented in their profession. Their work ethic is unsurpassed.” John Maloy Cindy Jenkins, ROW Mgr./Forester, BREC
The Asplundh TREE Holiday 2012 17 Orchids – July 10 through November 9, 2012
Lake Charles area, Duran, Bartolome Garcia, Superstorm Sandy restoration, for their professional and hard Entergy (LA) Efrain Hernandez, Alberto Connecticut Power & Light (CT) work to restore power to the Holtsville community after General Foreperson Nate Ocampo, Kurt Pilz, Castulo General Foreperson James Superstorm Sandy knocked out Baker and Crews, for their Urquizo and Carl Winton, Boswell and Crews (AL), for power for over a week, exceptional work which helped and Crews (IL), for working removing a tree from power to reduce the overall time of hard during the Hurricane Isaac lines, allowing power to be National Grid (NY) the storm restoration in the storm restoration, all while restored after six days without, Asplundh Construction keeping safety front of mind, Lyme area, PSEG (NJ) Corp. General Foreperson Cleco (LA) Tom O’Connell and Crew, Northeast Utilities (NH) General Foreperson Jim for their compassion for the Joe Miller, James Pecoraro, Foreperson August – Summer Storms victims of Superstorm Sandy Stinebaugh and Lewis James Stufflebean, even though they too were Nick Miller and Trimmer Williams, and Crews (KS), Journeyman Billy Colbert for their hard work clearing victims of the storm, Rick Bates, for quickly and and Groundperson debris from utility lines so LIPA/National Grid (NY) cleanly removing a tree that had Justin Pherigo (MO), for fallen on to power lines after a power could be restored in the appropriately and safely removing Supervisor Dan Stubbs, summer storm ripped through Ponchatoula area, an owl from a tree that had fallen General Foreperson John Polk County, Entergy (LA) onto power lines in Bloomfield, Rader, Forepersons Hecter MidAmerican Energy (IA) General Forepersons Jason PSEG (NJ) Diaz, Chris Horstmann, Ed Howard, Blake McKee, Gordon Duffield and Bauguess and Donnie General Foreperson Darrin Nathan Scaduto and Dick Robert Neal, and Crews, Shockley, Permissions Person Wilson, Foreperson John Yartz, and Crews (OH), for for working quickly and safely David Brown and Crews Cerna, Jr., and Crew (IN), leaving their families to work to remove a storm-downed (NC), for performing well during for traveling to help with the in difficult conditions to assist tree, all while being careful not the Hurricane Isaac restoration storm restoration in Passaic, despite the tough conditions, with the storm restoration damage a home owner’s yard, PSEG (NJ) FirstEnergy/Mon Power (WV) Cleco (LA) work in the Centerport area, General Foreperson Tim LIPA/National Grid (NY) August – Hurricane Isaac September – Sub Tropical Storm Woltering, Forepersons General Foreperson Dave Bill Moffit, Kevin Shultz, Permissions Person Shaun Supervisor David Wheeler, Jr., Crew Leaders Kip Spier and Brycen Rapp and Crews (IN), for Craddock, General Michael Jones and Wayne Woltering and Crews (IA their superior performance Foreperson Noah Barker VanAken, and Crews, for and NE), for the great job despite long hours during the and Crews, for working being the first trucks into the they did in the Huntington area, storm restoration in the North quickly so power could be Mohegan Lakes area to lead the LIPA/National Grid (NY) Miami-Dade County area, restored in the Melbourne power restoration efforts after Florida Power & Light (FL) area in time for the Sunday General Forepersons Ed the residents had been without afternoon football games, General Forepersons Jaime Daniels and Ernie DiBacco, power for eight days, Florida Power & Light (FL) Garcia, Rick Hilliard, James and Crews (OH), for their Con Edison (NY) professional planning and work Mager and Eli Rivera, Chris Argilan, Mike Hilliard, October – Superstorm Sandy execution of storm restoration, and Crews (FL), for their Steve Hosaflook, Brandon American Electric Testing Con Edison (NY) organized, productive and safe Moomaw, William Sandy Co. Test Technician Phil work during the Hurricane Asplundh Construction and Chris Taylor, and Lucas, for eagerly providing Isaac storm restoration Corp. General Foreperson Crews (VA), for their hard reliable, expert assistance in Entergy (LA) Shawn Keane, Foreperson work in the Huntington area, troubleshooting and repairing Craig Scott and General Forepersons electrical infrastructure LIPA/National Grid (NY) Journeyman Linemen Gabriel Alderdice, equipment during the Wilfredo Bracero, Edwin James McMorrow, Jason Marchese and Jesse Wentz,
From an e-mail to the Home Office in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania From an e-mail to American Electrical Testing Co. President regarding a Mel Riley Region crew from Kansas working on the Charlie Blizard, Jr., concerning Test Technician Phil Lucas’ work for Hurricane Isaac restoration for Entergy in Louisiana: Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P) during Superstorm Sandy: “... We just wanted to recognize the hard work that the crew has “... I am writing to express my sincere appreciation and praise for Phil done here at our home, along the road and in our area. ... These Lucas. He has provided extensive support, as well as his highly skilled men were nice, polite, energetic and just down right helpful and insight to the issues we are facing in our restoration efforts throughout good. ... We greatly appreciate their time and effort. We could only this difficult time. ... He remains calm and focused in stressful hope to get another crew or the same one for the next hurricane. situations and eagerly assists in various ways to get the job done. He ... Thank you and your men from the bottoms of our hearts!” always provides a high level of professionalism in all he encounters.” The Venable and Brooks Families John Guaglione, Supervisor Substation Maintenance, CL&P
The Asplundh TREE 18 Holiday 2012 July – December Service 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987 and 1992 Anniversaries 50years 45years
Lester Wood Foreperson North Carolina
Roy Morris Walter Wyckoff Ruth Gable Mechanic Foreperson Administrative Assistant Georgia New Jersey Fleet Services Willow Grove 35years 40years
Johnny Arbaugh Jerry Campbell Reggie Charlesworth Steve Deacon Foreperson Foreperson Supervisor Supervisor Ohio Georgia Washington Georgia
John Mack Jones General Foreperson North Carolina
Dom Derosa Mark DeVoe Richard Gilbert Dave Krause Supervisor Foreperson Legal Support Investigator Vegetation Mgmt. Spec. Maryland Pennsylvania Legal Arborchem Products Lynchburg Pennsylvania
Freddie Narramore Foreperson Alabama James Lee Gary Martz Bob Neal Brian Nelson Foreperson General Foreperson Foreperson Supervisor North Carolina Pennsylvania West Virginia Minnesota Tim Gardner Supervisor Steven Hovland Utility Lines Construction Services Foreperson Alabama Minnesota
Christopher Jordan Crew Leader Pennsylvania Curtis Suthard, Jr. David Ouzts Steven Warner General Foreperson General Foreperson Foreperson Florida Michigan Minnesota
The Asplundh TREE Holiday 2012 19 30years Karen Bush Thomas Chouinard Steve Costelow Donald Elwood Jeff Findley A/P Specialist General Foreperson Trimmer Foreperson Superintendent Accounts Payable Maine Indiana New York Alabama Willow Grove
Daniel Gutierrez Larry Higgins JoAnne Howell Alan Johnson Robert LeBlanc Foreperson General Foreperson Manager Foreperson General Foreperson California West Virginia Payroll Maine Tennessee Willow Grove
Carol Marren Mel Riley Lee Sheppleman Timothy Shirer Victor Sirvydas Operations Supervisor Vice President Administrative Assistant Permissions Person Operational Support Mgr. Customer & Field Liaison Kansas Risk Management ArborMetrics Solutions Technical Services Willow Grove Willow Grove Ohio Willow Grove
James Thomas Salomon Vera Utah Villines Brian Walters Foreperson Foreperson Branch Manager Supervisor West Virginia California Arkansas North Carolina 25years Mark Adams Scott Alger Abelino Benavides Buriel Cannon Jo Casserly Foreperson General Foreperson Foreperson Foreperson Freight Coordinator Asplundh Brush Control New York Virginia Virginia Procurement Services Missouri Lynchburg
John Cleckler Sharon Cordisco-Licci Rodriguez Delhomme Siancius Eugene Phil Felix General Foreperson Business Analyst Journeyman Foreperson Purchasing Agent Alabama Information Technology Florida Florida Procurement Services Willow Grove Willow Grove
Robert Fly Jacky Foley Barb Ganderton Gonzalo Garcia Don Hogan General Foreperson Remarketing Supervisor Operations Supervisor Foreperson Supervisor Washington Fleet Services Customer & Field Liaison Virginia Alabama Willow Grove Willow Grove
Carlton Kilgore Bobby King James Kuhn Daniel Lafferty David Long Foreperson Manager Foreperson Foreperson RSS Alabama Kentucky Colorado Missouri Alabama
Jose Lopez Fran McGowan John McLamb, Jr. Thomas Marx Larry Mauk Foreperson Sr. Group Leader RSS Foreperson Foreperson California Accounts Payable North Carolina Pennsylvania Kentucky Willow Grove
Linda Miller Thomas O’Connell Dave Powers Brian Richter Ricardo Saucedo Input Operator General Foreperson Handyperson RSS Foreperson Payroll Asplundh Construction Maintenance Wisconsin California Willow Grove New York Willow Grove
Rocky Stone John Stonelake Kristin Wild Philip Williams Roger Winans General Foreperson Foreperson Writer/Editor Trimmer Foreperson Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Corporate Communications North Carolina Washington Willow Grove
20years Roberto Avila Joel Belcher Narciso Benavidez Gary Brittingham, Jr. LB Brown Foreperson Foreperson Trimmer General Foreperson Journeyman California Ohio Virginia Delaware Kentucky
The Asplundh TREE 20 Spring 2012 20years Danny Burd Genaro Bustillo Jeffrey Chipps Gary Cooper Billy Crews Sprayer Journeyman Journeyman Supervisor Foreperson Railroad Division Texas West Virginia California Georgia Texas Steven Cypher Campbell Ferrell Rodney Fesko Raymond Fitzgerald, Jr. Jeffrey Fizer RSS General Foreperson Foreperson General Foreperson General Foreperson Pennsylvania Virginia Wisconsin Asplundh Construction Ohio New York Charles Freeman Jose Garza Ronald Guin Amado Guterrez Rodney Heikkila Foreperson Foreperson Permissions Person Permissions Person Foreperson Mississippi Texas North Carolina California Michigan
Jose Hernandez Brian Hynson Steve Jonas Patty Kelly-Williams Pat Kinney Foreperson Crew Leader General Foreperson Contract Administrator Manager California New Jersey Florida Asplundh Construction Human Resources/Benefits New York Willow Grove Scott Knoeck Franklin Lesher Gregory Livermore Raymond Luster Lawrence McCathron, Jr. Foreperson Work Screener Foreperson Foreperson Foreperson Wisconsin Pennsylvania New York Asplundh Construction Ohio New York Baltazar Maduena Jimmy Martin Jose Martinez Christopher Newport Donald Paul Foreperson General Foreperson General Foreperson General Foreperson Journeyman California Ohio Texas Kansas Florida
Gregory Pierce Luis Ramirez Jose Salvador Daniel Schiavo Frank Shaw Foreperson Foreperson Groundperson Foreperson Groundperson Pennsylvania California Virginia Wisconsin North Carolina
Allen Tranthan Douglas Tyre David Urias Cristobal Villatore Gregory Whitley Foreperson Foreperson Foreperson Foreperson Supervisor North Carolina Georgia California Virginia Utility Lines Construction Services Alabama
Marty Whitley John Ziarniak Forester Foreperson North Carolina Wisconsin
APPRECIATION FOR STORM RESPONSE continued from page 5
From President and CEO Haley Fisackerly of Entergy were instrumental in our ability to restore service to our entire Mississippi to Executive Vice President Brent Asplundh: membership by late Wednesday evening.” “A safe, efficient restoration after a major storm is always From Karen White of Basking Ridge, New Jersey to the a challenge. The efforts of your company helped make that Asplundh Construction Corp. Team from Connecticut: challenge a little more manageable and I wanted to write and “... I knew that eventually some help would come and I can’t tell thank you for your help during the restoration after Hurricane you how wonderful it was to see all of your white trucks on my Isaac. Your support allowed us to restore all of our customers street yesterday afternoon, after 14 days without power thanks in a few short days. to Hurricane Sandy. ... Thank you for helping us here in NJ!” As I’ve watched the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, I’m reminded From Joe Williams, Manager of Forestry Equipment yet again of the spirit of cooperation our business requires. Maintenance & Repair LLC, who worked for the former Without all of us working together to restore power after Asplundh dealership and lost everything in the storm: major events, customers would still be in the dark months after storms have come and gone.” “The ‘tree’ people are, without exception, the front line in disaster response and never acknowledged by the media, but From President and CEO Vernon Brinkley of A&N Electric please pass along to all of them that there are so many people Cooperative in Virginia to Vice President Steve Miller: in New Jersey who have seen their sacrifice and dedication in “I would like to thank you and the excellent crew you sent to helping us to get through the tragedy. Many thanks to all of our aid following Hurricane Sandy. They went right to work and them from the folks in Jersey!”
The Asplundh TREE Spring 2012 21 Crews & News LiftSchools
p Marion, Indiana—The “Dirt Buzzard” concluded his aerial lift and equipment inspection sessions in the Wesley Washington Region on September 20 in Marion, Indiana. These hard-working crews honed their p Chesapeake, Virginia—Equipment Training and Inspection Supervisor equipment and lift inspection knowledge at the training session. They work Greg “Dirt Buzzard” Homiller began the first of two aerial lift and equipment under Supervisor Carl Marcum and General Forepersons Floyd Marcum, Joe inspection training programs for employees of the Steve Lowe Region of Sutton, Luis Trejo and Darrin Wilson on Indiana Michigan Power property. American Lighting and Signalization (ALS). On June 13, Greg met with the employees in Chesapeake to teach proper lift and equipment inspection techniques. These folks work on Dominion Virginia Power property. AWARDS&REWARDS u Forty-eight Years And Counting!—Foreperson Vernon Robinson of the Doug Smith Region in North Carolina was recently presented with a model Asplundh lift truck and chipper as a thank you for his 48 years of dedicated service to the company. Vernon began his arboricultural career with Wilson Tree Company in 1964. p Beltsville, Maryland—On June 14, Greg brought the aerial lift and He advanced to foreperson and equipment inspection course to ALS employees in Beltsville, Maryland. These held this position for many years Steve Lowe Region crews work on the municipal systems of the City of Bowie before Wilson Tree was acquired and City of Gaithersburg, as well as on the investor-owned utility properties by Asplundh in 1993. Currently, of PEPCO and Baltimore Gas and Electric. Vernon works as a foreperson under General Foreperson Ty Ledford in Progress Energy’s Western Region and he shows no signs of slowing down any time soon!
ISA Certifications Congratulations to the following Asplundh employees who studied hard to earn their ISA certifications:
ISA CertifiedA rborist® Zach Bertalot Sean Graziano Rob Philipsen p South Bend, Indiana—Greg “Dirt Buzzard” Homiller also hosted a two-for-one deal of equipment and aerial lift inspection training in the Wesley Troy Phillips Nick Thompson Washington Region in Indiana. The first session was held on September 19 in South Bend, Indiana. Wes was in attendance, along with RSS David Gamble. ISA CertifiedA rborist Utility Specialist ™ These dedicated crews work for Indiana Michigan Power under General Jason Hasse Forepersons John Ortiz, David Ouzts and Mark Williams.
The Asplundh TREE 22 Holiday 2012 t Safely Completing Priority Work—This 90’ sycamore tree was OnTheJob endangering an Appalachian Power Co. three-phase line and a house in Milton, West Virginia. Asplundh crews from the Larry Kirk Region were called in to perform the removal. General Foreperson Chuck Blosser, Forepersons Richard Holland and Robert Clay, Trimmer Greg McComas and Journeymen Scotty Sias and Donald Snyder set up their work zone and spent two days carefully removing and lowering sections of the tree. The work was completed safely and without any damage to utility assets, the home or passing motorists. CommunityService p A Tale Of Two Removals In Portland—Crews from the Kevin Dove Region in Portland, Oregon recently handled two very different — but challenging — tree removals with professionalism and skill. The first removal (top left) involved an 80-foot elm tree that was marked as a high-risk tree by foresters from Portland General Electric and the City of Portland. The tree was leaning precariously over a home and power lines were in danger if the tree fell. Foreperson Chris Joyner and Trimmer Epi Bautista arrived on the scene to perform the removal. The tree was so tall that Chris had to climb out of the bucket to limb the upper portion of the elm. All the limbs and trunk pieces had to be carefully rigged and lowered to the ground to avoid striking the power lines. Despite the challenges, the work was completed safely and without incident. p Lynch Region On Display At Touch-A-Truck Day—General Foreperson Jason Collins from the Jeff Lynch Region in Ohio volunteered his time The second job (top right) required the removal of a hazardous tree limb on June 22 to display an Asplundh aerial lift at the 4th Annual West Chester that was overhanging the northbound lane of Route 43 in Birdshill, Oregon, Touch-A-Truck Day. A variety of vehicles and equipment were shown, ranging just south of Portland. Oregon DOT (ODOT) coordinated the work and from law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks, water craft and even a helicopter. assembled the removal team of General Foreperson Jon Geyer, Foreperson Adults and children alike lined up to ask questions and get a closer look at our Chris Brockway and Trimmer Evan Aaltonen, who work for Portland General platform aerial lift, which is used on Duke Energy property. Jason graciously Electric. ODOT used short-term closures to give the crew time to use their answered all the questions and is looking forward to next year’s event. aerial lift to reach the limb and safely remove it. The work was completed quickly and with minimal disruption to the motoring public. t Missouri Crew Rescues Owl In New Jersey—Despite the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy, residents in the town of Bloomfield, New Jersey had a reason to cheer. It involved a little screech owl rescued by a crew from the Jim Winemiller Region of Missouri. General Foreperson Jim Pecoraro and his crew, Foreperson James Stufflebean, Journeyman Billy Colbert and Groundperson Justin Pherigo, arrived on Sylvan Road in p Oldest Home In Hadley Avoids Disaster—When a 5.5’ DBH sugar Bloomfield on November 3 to remove a tree that had split in half and fell on maple tree threatened to fall on the oldest home in Hadley, Massachusetts, PSE&G lines. The crew got to work removing branches. Shortly thereafter, town officials turned to the Dan Duncan Region for expert help. General James noticed two eyes staring at him from down in a hollow where the tree Foreperson Kevin Parent, Foreperson Josh Colby (above) and Groundperson had split. Realizing that it was an owl and it could be endangered, the crew Kyle Fredette assessed the situation and carefully began removing the sugar stopped working and contacted the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Division, maple. Despite having serious decay and fractures, the tree was brought down which gave them permission and instructions on how to safely remove the without even a twig touching the house, which dates back to 1713. This job was owl from the tree. Several townsfolk took photos of the owl before it was completed by carefully following company safety policies and procedures. released and applauded as it took flight and perched in a nearby tree.
The Asplundh TREE Holiday 2012 23 30-YearWatches
p General Foreperson Tom Chouinard (second from L) was presented p Manager Mike Wolford (far L) and Mon Power Forester Danny Bostic with a specially-engraved watch to mark his 30 years with Asplundh by (far R) had the pleasure of presenting 30-year watches to not one, but Vice President Gary Shelto (center), Public Service Co. of New Hampshire THREE deserving Asplundh veterans who currently work in the Parkersburg (PSNH) Vice President Bob Allen (second from R), Supervisor Paul Arno (far service territory of FirstEnergy/Mon Power in West Virginia. General L) and RSS Romeo Bilodeau (far R). The group got together to recognize Foreperson Larry Higgins (second from L), Notification Person Darrel Tom and his contributions to the company in July at the region’s monthly Rowley (center) and Foreperson James Thomas (second from R) were Safety Management Training meeting. Tom had two years of prior tree work treated to lunch and presented with specially-engraved watches and ballcaps experience before he joined Asplundh in July 1982 as a bucket operator on as a token of appreciation for their years of dedicated service. Central Maine Power in the Brunswick area. He was promoted to foreperson Larry Higgins began his Asplundh career in July 1982 as an apprentice six months later and advanced to general foreperson in 1994. He remained climber in West Virginia. He advanced to foreperson in December 1989 and there until he accepted a transfer to the Gary Shelto Region in New was promoted to general foreperson in 1991. Over the years, Larry has also Hampshire in August 2003. He has worked on PSNH property ever since, worked on the properties of South Central Power in Ohio, Kentucky Power focusing on crews in the coastal and southern parts of the state. Tom helped and Appalachian Power Co. in West Virginia, all incident-free. to coordinate the airlift of Asplundh lift trucks to Maine during the massive Darrel Rowley joined the company in June 1982 as an apprentice in West ice storm that struck New York, New England and parts of Canada in 1998 Virginia. He advanced to climber shortly after joining the company and in and has worked incident-free his entire career. 1987 was promoted to foreperson. Darrel worked for about six months on the property of South Central Power in Ohio, but the rest of his time has been spent working incident-free on Mon Power property. James Thomas was originally hired by Asplundh in July 1979. He left the company briefly, but came back permanently in July 1982 as an apprentice. In 1992, he accepted a summertime position as a spray crew foreperson before becoming a foreperson full time in 1994. With the exception of a few months on South Central Power property in Ohio, James has spent his entire career working on the Mon Power system.
u Both Vice President Dave Stall (R) and Field Superintendent Isidro Castaneda (L) were on p Operational Support Manager Victor Sirvydas (second from L) was hand to present Foreperson presented with a specially-engraved watch for 30 years of loyal service by Danny Gutierrez (center) CEO Scott Asplundh (far L), President George Graham, Jr. (center), Vice with a specially-engraved President Jim Orr (second from L) and Director of Corporate Strategy John watch to commemorate McNamee (far R). The entire Technical Services Department was treated to his 30 years of service lunch and cake to celebrate his longevity with the company. Victor was first to Asplundh. Danny got hired by Asplundh in 1976 as a groundperson, but left shortly after to start his start as a climber his own business. He came back in August 1982 to work as a top climber on in September 1982 on Philadelphia Electric Co. (now PECO) property in southeastern Pennsylvania. Southern California Edison In 1988, Victor accepted a foreperson’s position on Orange and Rockland property, where he’s property in New York and soon advanced to general foreperson. The worked his entire career. following year, he returned to Philadelphia and was promoted to supervisor in It wasn’t too long before April 1993. He advanced to region manager in southeastern Pennsylvania in his safe, dependable work August 2004 before moving into the Safety Department as a safety engineer was noticed and he was in February 2005. In October 2011, Victor joined the Technical Services promoted to foreperson. Danny continues to excel at this position, and has Department in his current capacity, and has served as a member of the been recognized for safety performance, leadership and just being an Corporate Storm Team for almost eight years. all-around great employee who is a pleasure to work with.
The Asplundh TREE 24 Holiday 2012 30-YearWatches Sportsmen’sCorner t Branch Manager Utah u Moose Gets Up Villines (L) received a Close In Maine— specially-engraved watch and Crews from the Ralph a handshake of appreciation Guadagno Region had for 30 years of dedicated an unexpected visitor work from Executive Vice in their parking area President Matt Asplundh (R) in September. A young at a safety meeting in Kansas curious moose strolled City, Missouri. Born and right into the Bristol, raised in Arkansas, Asplundh Maine parking area, is a family affair for Utah much to the surprise — his grandfather, father, uncle, brothers and sons have all worked for the of the crews who were company. He was hired in August 1982 as a groundperson on the Arkansas getting ready for a day Power and Light (now Entergy) crew run by his great uncle, Lee Goodall. He of work on the property rose up the ladder and advanced to general foreperson in 1991. Utah was of Central Maine Power. The moose leisurely walked around the trucks and promoted to supervisor in 2005 after spending a year as a superintendent of graciously “posed” for a few photos before heading out for the day, too. Arkansas crews. By 2009, he advanced again to branch manager, where he currently oversees 50 crews working on the properties of Entergy and various cooperative and municipal accounts throughout Arkansas.
t George Licci (L), Corporate Administration Manager, had the pleasure of presenting Payroll Manager JoAnne Howell (R) with a specially-engraved watch in appreciation of her 30 years of dedicated service. JoAnne first joined p A “Bear” Of A Crew Visit—Asplundh crews face a variety of unique Asplundh in June 1966 and challenging situations every day while on the job. General Foreperson as a clerk in Customer & Field Liaison (CFL). She left in 1969 to get married, Jon-Paul Paulsen, Foreperson Jeff Knight and Trimmer Jared Johnson of the but returned in September 1982 as a lead typist in CFL. In 1983, she was Kevin Dove Region in Montana faced a particularly furry one in August. This promoted to a CFL production assistant and advanced again a year later to an photo of a black bear was safely snapped from inside the cab of a lift truck account coordinator. By 1994, JoAnne was named the CFL training and support while the crew was working on a NorthWestern Energy right-of-way near coordinator, and three years later, she moved into Input Operations (now Payroll), Alberton, Montana. It was one of several curious black bears that visited their as its manager. JoAnne currently oversees the Payroll, Direct Deposit and Mailing work sites this past summer. Departments, where her experience and leadership helps her departments to successfully adapt to the company’s ever-changing and growing needs. u Hershel Cullen (L), HomeOfficeHonors a permissions person for the Bobby King Region u Home Office in Kentucky, received a Employees of the congratulatory handshake Month—Three Home and a specially-engraved Office employees from watch from Supervisor the Customer & Field Jeff Holder to mark Liaison Department were his 30th anniversary recently presented with the with Asplundh. Hershel Employee of the Month originally joined the Award for outstanding company in October 1980, but left a few months later. He quickly realized that performance and service he liked line clearance work and returned in August 1982 as a groundperson to the field. The winners on Kentucky Utilities (KU) property in central Kentucky. Hershel advanced were Frencine Strother to foreperson on the Henderson Municipal Light & Power account, but soon (L) who received the returned to KU, where he remained for 15 years. In 1996, Hershel was award in August; Mark promoted to general foreperson, overseeing crews for KU and West Kentucky Bologna (center), who Rural Electric Cooperative Corp. (WKRECC). Hershel currently works on won in September; and WKRECC property and has been recognized numerous times for safe crew Rena Parente (R), who was honored in October. Congratulations to all the operations and controlling costs. He hopes to be at it for another 30 years! winners and keep up the good work!
The Asplundh TREE Holiday 2012 25 TrainingTimes
p May MLA—On March 13-16, the Management Leadership Academy p August GFTP—On August 6-10, the General Foreperson Training (MLA) was held in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania for supervisors and Program (GFTP) was conducted by Field Personnel Manager Joe Lee. Held at managers from across the United States. Led by Field Personnel Manager the Home Office in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, the participants were (back Joe Lee, with assistance from Chuck Hitzemann and Denny Leach of Positive row, L to R): Gary Shearer, Sr., Kentucky; Thomas Horner, North Carolina; Growth International, the attendees were (L to R): Mike Wolford, West Virginia; Chris Culbertson, South Carolina; Matt Hopper, Oklahoma; Charles Gill, Scott Bailey, Oklahoma; Pat Pinelli, Pennsylvania; Bobby King, Kentucky; Wesley Minnesota; and Rich Ishmael, Texas. Seated in the front row were (L to R): Washington, Ohio; Robbie Adkins, Virginia; Don Redden, Mississippi; John Tony Servin, Louisiana; Doug Rakes, Jr., Pennsylvania; Leo Carmen Baltasar, Terault, Massachusetts; Jerry Kensinger, Texas; and Tim Jessup, Florida. Illinois; Luis Bonilla, Maryland; John Cottrell, Jr., West Virginia; and Arturo Soto, Oklahoma.
p June UGFTP—Field Personnel Manager Joe Lee hosted a special General Foreperson Training Program (GFTP) for the employees of UtiliCon Solutions, p September GFTP—Field Personnel Manager Joe Lee hosted another Ltd. (an Asplundh company) on June 4-8 at the Home Office in Willow Grove, General Foreperson Training Program (GFTP) group on September 10-14 at Pennsylvania. The attendees were (back row, L to R): Rusty Jeffrey, Highlines, the Home Office in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. The attendees were (front Arkansas; Jonathan Mize, ULCS, Georgia; Jeremy Jones, ACC, Indiana; row, L to R): Jose Hernandez, Illinois; Hugo Garcia, Washington D.C., Mark Dennis Premo, UPT, Florida; Josh Patterson, ALS, South Carolina; and Chris Stasiowski, Massachusetts; Dwayne Pope, Oregon; and Scott Savage, Ohio. Lichty, ULCS, Iowa. Seated in the front row were (L to R): John Morris, ULCS, Standing in the back row were (L to R): Joe Schultz, West Virginia; Chad Maryland; Alan Hoffman, ALS of NC, South Carolina; Joe Ross, ULCS, South Lewis, Kentucky; Eric Orender, Ohio; Caryl Schwaller, ArborMetrics Solutions, Carolina; Mike Forrest, ACC, New York; Ethan Rasmussen, UPT, California; Inc., Indiana; and Juan Sampedro, Pennsylvania. Lynda Nemeth, ULCS, Michigan; and Shawn Parish, ACC, Michigan.
p October GFTP—On October 1-5, the General Foreperson Training p July GFTP—Another installment of the General Foreperson Training Program was once again led by Field Personnel Manager Joe Lee. Held at Program (GFTP) was held at the Home Office on July 9-13. Led by Field Personnel the Home Office in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, the graduates were (back Manager Joe Lee, the graduates were (front row, L to R): Eli Rivera, Florida; row, L to R): Jake Taylor, Ontario, Canada; Donovan Sias, Florida; Rob Vorous, Abraham Martinez, Illinois; Josh Emory, North Carolina; Jenn Cristea, Pennsylvania; Virginia; Dave Townsend, II, Kentucky; Sal Cortes, Illinois; Larry Hougland, Matt Smith, Indiana; Jason McMahan, Ohio; and Shawn Clapperton, Maine. Mississippi; and Enrique Torres, California. Seated in the front row were (L Standing in the back row were (L to R): Shane Vosberg, Colorado; Zach Bertalot, to R): Sean Clancy, Ontario, Canada; Michael Roscioli, Pennsylvania; Craig Oregon; Jody Messick, Virginia; Chris Hollister, Tennessee; Bob Saunders, Ohio; Tuttle, Ohio; Edgar Coreas, Maryland; Michael Simmons, North Carolina; Doug Capute, New Hampshire; and Shannon Moore, Oklahoma. Gary Landry, Louisiana; and Nick Hansen, Oregon.
The Asplundh TREE 26 Holiday 2012 FamilyAlbum t Luke Lovings, 7, took t ULCS Vice President a break from working hard Danny Stanley’s daughter, “on the power lines” to Ashley (R) and her husband, enjoy a slice of watermelon. Sgt. Nathan Harris (L), Mom Samantha sent in attended the 2012 Academy this photo of Luke, who Awards. Both Nathan was pretending to be a and Ashley were featured lineman just like his father, in the movie, Hell and Jeff. Dad Jeff is a Class Back Again, a powerful C lineman in the Danny documentary that moves Stanley Region of Utility between Nathan’s time in Lines Construction Services, Afghanistan with the U.S. working on Duke Energy Marines’ Echo Company and property in North Carolina. his return home to Ashley to recover from a serious injury. t Autumn Nutter, t Happy birthday wishes 11, won two gold medals to , in the Olympic Freestyle Brandon Hidalgo who celebrated his first archery events at the birthday on September 20. 2012 Cornhusker He only weighed 7 lbs., State Games. Held on 6 oz. at birth, but look at July 21-22 in Lincoln, him now! Brandon is the Nebraska, Autumn’s dad, first child ofVictor and Supervisor Lon Nutter, . Paula is couldn’t be prouder of her Paula Hidalgo the Accounts Receivable accomplishments. When Administrator for the not cheering on Autumn, Frank Giordano Region of Lon oversees Adam Larson Asplundh Construction Corp. Region crews in Nebraska. in Yaphank, New York.
t Brothers t Just a few months later Jordan (L), 1, and the Frank Giordano and Mason (R), Region greeted another 2, welcomed baby baby. On February 28, sister, Khloe Jennifer and Robert Gabriella Kelly welcomed their first (center), into the child, Grace Elizabeth. Collins family on Weighing 6 lbs., 13 oz. at September 17. birth, it looks like Grace She weighed got into the swim of 7 lbs., 8 oz. and things this summer at the measured 19-1/2" at birth. Dad Bradley is a foreperson and Grandpa pool. Mom Jennifer is the Kenneth is a general foreperson in the Larry Kirk Region in Kentucky. Both Office Receptionist in the work on Kentucky Power property in the Pikeville area. Yaphank, New York office. t Kailyn Taylor, 4, must have had such a hectic day t Congratulations to that she fell asleep at the newlyweds Samantha computer while playing a and William Merithew game. Dad Edward, who (center) who were married is a SafeProduction® on October 26. Both supervisor in the Larry Kirk Samantha and William Region, was kind enough to work in the Ray Seaman share this adorable photo. Region of Asplundh He oversees safe work Brush Control, along with practices for Kentucky Samantha’s step-mom, Power and in Tennessee, Joann Cramer (second Virginia and West Virginia from L), who is the region’s for Appalachian Power Co. office manager. As you can see, Asplundh orange was part of the wedding’s theme, which also included a specially-made chain saw and tree cake.
The Asplundh TREE Holiday 2012 27 28 W o r K r e l AT E D Holiday 2012 Holiday The A The MidAmerican Energy three-phase tap in Port Byron, Illinois. Byron, in tap Port three-phase Energy MidAmerican rig and prune to safely from away a overgrown branches efforts their Region coordinate Four Adam from the employees Larson splundh T splundh 1 s 3 t
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P Coventry, Connecticut rize East Moline, Illinois Moline, East – hoot – Jeremy McGonigal Jeremy Dan Roberson Dan Connecticut. in Portland, yard truck Asplundh the oversky morning the gold across oranges and purples, of tableau glowing a paints The sunrise
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– Blake Moran Blake Corp. lines. Corp. TransmissionGeorgia to in proximity close are that dead limbs to a remove tree from carefully works Cowan Chris as he framing Foreperson vegetation leafy the silhouettes sky The overcast bright t’s time once again to unveil photo until they were able to finally select Mark Foster, inspected each work-related the winners of the Corporate the top four entries in two categories. entry for safety prior to judging. ICommunications Department’s Please join us to thank the following Keep shooting all those Work-Related annual photo contest, Shoot Out 2012. judges for taking on this challenging, and Nature subjects you see and be sure Over 160 entries were sent in from but rewarding task: Photographer to mark your calendar for next year’s around the world by 45 camera-toting David Kerper from Kerper Studios Shoot Out and Wall Calendar deadlines. Asplundh employees, family members in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, CEO and customers. Entries should be e-mailed to: Scott Asplundh and Director, Safety [email protected]. Remember, With even more prize money on the line Operations Tim Walsh, who along no cell phone photos or negatives, please! this year — $1,050 total — our judges with Vegetation Training Manager Tracy Wall Calendar Deadline: July 10, 2013 had to carefully evaluate each and every and Vegetation Safety Manager Hawks Shoot Out Deadline: September 27, 2013
1st Prize – Jess Sibley 2nd Prize – Liz Pellicone Duback, Louisiana Warrington, Pennsylvania U T A N
With its brilliant jewel tones and exquisite detail, this The landscape surrounding the West Penobscot Bay slowly takes hummingbird appears so lifelike that it seems as though it shape as the first signs of daylight break through the wispy could fly right off the page. clouds of a cold March morning in Rockland, Maine.
3RD Prize – Jim Cincotti HONORABLE MENTION – Preston Harbison East Bend, North Carolina Nelson, Missouri e r
Fishing boats set off across the sunrise-saturated waters of the Cradled in the high elevations of the Rocky Mountains near Apalachicola Bay in Florida to harvest the day’s catch of oysters. Buena Vista, Colorado, Small Lake seems to be filled with clouds rather than water.
The Asplundh TREE Holiday 2012 29 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID International Headquarters PERMIT 286 708 Blair Mill Road SEPA 19399 Willow Grove, PA 19090 www.asplundh.com
Amazing Trees We See every day
As a child growing up in Santa Barbara, California, Regional Safety Supervisor Joe Ramirez of the Dave Stall Region regularly saw this massive Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla) tree as he and his friends rode their bikes to the beach about half a mile away. Somewhat of a tourist attraction, legend has it that a sailor gave the seedling tree to a local girl who planted it in 1876. Another girl, Adeline Crabb, replanted it in its current location, which is now a small city park next to an Amtrak parking lot and the California 101 freeway. The plaque states that it is the largest Moreton Bay Fig tree in the world and it certainly looks huge, as its branches reach across to Joe’s truck in the photo. Today, the city prunes and cables the smooth, gray limbs of this famous Ficus which spread out to a diameter of over 175 feet.
For several years, Supervisor Jeff Vining of the Gene Blount Region has spent summer vacations with family and friends in the Texas Hill Country near Rio Frio. Floating down the spring-fed Frio River is a little slice of heaven, especially when temperatures in South Texas exceed 100 degrees for days on end. Although he knew he was just minutes away from the Texas State Champion Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) shown here at left, it wasn’t until this summer that he made a special trip to see the giant deciduous conifer. Located in an RV park on Buffalo Creek, the tree is the largest of many bald cypresses that line the banks of creeks and rivers in the area. This champion soars to 96 feet high with a 112-foot spread and a nearly 12-foot in diameter trunk. The little bench at the base of the trunk gives you an idea of its size. Bald cypress trees thrive in the wetlands of the South, displaying buttressed trunks and in swamps, upward protrusions from the roots called “knees.” Its leaves turn reddish brown and drop off in Bald cypress leaves and cones Bald cypress “knees” the late autumn.