WAI Recognized For Revenue Growth: in This Issue

You might also like

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 12

January 2015

Volume IV Issue I
Wastren Advantage, Inc.

1571 Shyville Rd. Piketon, Ohio 45661

In this Issue
Page 1

WAI Wins Gold Award

(740) 443-7924

www.wastrenadvantage.com

WAI Recognized for Revenue Growth

Page 2-3 WAI Construction



Page 4-5 HR News
Page 6

Tire Safety

Page 7

Blood Drive

Page 8

Wellness Corner

Page 9

Finding Hope

Page 10 News from TWPC


Page 11-2 HR Resources

Did You Know?


Forty-five percent of
Americans make New Years
resolutions. The top
resolutions are: to lose
weight, get organized, to
spend less and save more,
to stay fit and healthy, and
to quit smoking.
While nearly half of all
Americans make
resolutions, 25 percent of
them give up on their
resolutions by the second
week of January. Be strong
friends - you can do it!

WAI has been selected by Environmental Business Journal (EBJ) to receive the
EBJ Gold Medal award for Business Achievements among large firms. WAI is being
recognized for growing revenue from $8.4 million in 2009 to $125 million in 2014.
Steven A. Moore, WAI president and CEO, credited the hard work and dedication
of the WAI team for the companys significant revenue growth over the past five
years. Our employees are hard-working, talented and motivated. We approach
every project with the same integrity and attention to detail, Moore said. Our
team is committed to performing work safely, and we will continue to set the bar
high, providing our customers with the highest quality service.
EBJ, a business research publication which provides high value strategic business
intelligence to the environmental industry, honored 50 companies for revenue
growth, acquisitions, innovative project designs, technology applications, new
practice areas, social contributions and industry leadership in 2014.
In what is widely regarded as a stable market, a number of companies exceeded
the norms of low single-digit growth with double-digit growth or ambitious
ventures into new practice areas or technology development, said Grant Ferrier,
president of Environmental Business International Inc. (EBI, San Diego, Ca.),
publisher of Environmental Business Journal.
The 2014 EBJ awards will be presented at a special ceremony at the Environmental
Industry Summit XIII in San Diego March 11-13. The Environmental Industry
Summit is an annual executive retreat hosted by EBI Inc.

Connection

January 2015
Volume IV Issue I Page 2

WAI Construction Group Builds for Success in 2015

The WAI Construction Group ended 2014 with more than $20
million in construction-related projects, and is geared up for an
even busier 2015.
The groups biggest upcoming project is a new building on
the South Campus of Southern Ohio Medical Center in
Portsmouth, Ohio. The 18-month, $11 million job will be
mobilizing in February, said Scott Moore, vice president of
business development and design for WAI-CG.
February is also expected to mark the completion of a couple of
WAI-CG projects, including the construction of
the Manchester (Ohio) Athletic and Community Center.
That project includes a new 26,400-square foot building with a
new parking lot. The center combines a pre-engineered metal
building system with conventional construction methods.
The other project scheduled for completion next month is the
17,000-square foot Berne Township Fire Station in Sugar Grove,
Ohio (Fairfield County).

The Manchester
Athletic and
Community Center in
Manchester, Ohio.

Continued on page 3

WAI Construction Group Innovation


Susan Holbrook, president of WAI-CG,
recognizes the importance of innovation and
fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
A great example of that is the new project
management software the group is rolling out
in 2015.
PROCORE Cloud-Based Construction Software
assists with project tracking, design and
construction. Clients and subcontractors are
able to access information on a real-time basis,
which is expected to make every step of the
construction process run more smoothly for
everyone involved.
With PROCORE, we will be able to manage
everything from the initial tracking and bidding
to the closeout of a project, explained Scott
Moore, vice president of business development
and design for WAI-CG. This is an innovative
service we now offer our clients, providing them
with current technology that allows them to feel
more comfortable about risk.

Connection

January 2015
Volume IV Issue I Page 3

Wrapping up this month will be the renovation of the Pioneer Center for the Ross County Board MRDD. That
project included new office space, conference and training areas, and ADA-compliant restrooms on the inside,
as well as exterior repairs and renovations. The owner has moved in and they are very excited about their new
space, Moore said in mid-January.
WAI-CG also completed a Phase I Environmental Assessment report for the Scioto County Career and Technical
Center in Lucasville, which is looking at
building options to handle large recent
growth in enrollment.
The group has also begun site preparation
for the Carpenters Local 437 Hall in
Portsmouth. The original building was
demolished toward the end of 2014, and
construction should begin in early spring,
Moore said.
WAI-CG will be mobilizing soon on an
accelerated, tight schedule for the $2.3
million renovation of the Athens
(Ohio) Behavioral Hospital. It is scheduled
to begin in March and be completed in
the summer. Because the hospital
is occupied, renovations have to be
coordinated with patient care and
security issues.

The Pionerr Center in Ross County after WAI-CG renovations.

Essman Brings Focus to Commercial Operations


John Essman has been named WAIs General Manager of Commercial Operations, working out of the Piketon
headquarters.
In this new position, effective Jan. 1, Essman is responsible for more than $20 million annually from WAIs
current commercial business units. He will report directly to Glenn Henderson, WAI Chief Operating Officer.
He is responsible for the overall safety, environmental, quality and financial
performance of our commercial operations, including implementing any
changes required for future continued growth and success, Henderson said.
Essman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from
Ohio University, and has spent more than 22 years working in and managing
successful chemical engineering and production plants. His strong managerial
and people skills are essential to this new WAI position, Henderson said.
We are pleased John has accepted this appointment. We know he will
represent the company well and will contribute much to the community, he
added. Please join me in welcoming John to WAI as we look forward to
working with him in this key managerial role for WAIs future success.

Connection

January 2015
Volume IV Issue I Page 4

Important Information for All Employees


The Human Resources, IT, and Accounting and Finance departments at WAI have worked diligently over the
past several months to ensure that the transition to an online enrollment process would generate accurate
deduction data. We are still conducting our audits and will make timely corrections to any discrepancies.
To assist in this process and to ensure we have accurate information, please take a moment to review your
paycheck stub or direct deposit advice for the following:
1. 2014 W-2 Tax Documentation
The listed address is the address that Accounting and Finance will use to mail your 2014 W-2 that is required
for your annual tax filing. Under Federal Law, W-2s cannot be forwarded to a new address. If the address is
incorrect, the USPS will return them to WAI. If your address is not correct, please complete WAI Personal Data
Change Form you recently received by email, and contact HR ASAP to update.
2. Benefit Deductions
Please review your benefit deductions on your paystub to ensure that the amount deducted reflects your
elections made during open enrollment. Please contact HR immediately for any noted discrepancies.
3. Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Cards
With the new BenefitsConnect online enrollment system, WAI (in partnership with BCBS of TN) has decided
to mail all new cards to ensure all members have accurate data. Depending on your elections in the 2014
and 2015 plan years, these may appear to be the same cards. You can order additional cards via the website
at:

4. Health Savings Account (HSA)


If you enrolled in the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and elected the Health Savings Account (HSA) you
were required to complete two actions:
1. Open up an account with PNC Bank using the HSA form which can be found online at http://wadv.com/hrforms/ (You will need to login to access this page if you are not already logged in)
2. Provide Human Resources with the amount you elect to have deducted from your paycheck.
Continued on page 5

Connection

January 2015
Volume IV Issue I Page 5

Because PNC is a new vendor for WAI, we are still working through the details to ensure accurate uploads to
employee accounts. At this time your HSA funds should appear in your accounts approximately four days
after upload to the PNC system. We will communicate more specific timelines as we work with PNC on this
process.
Thank you for taking time to partner with HR, Finance and Payroll in ensuring we have accurate personal
demographic and benefit information by reviewing your payroll check stub and/or direct deposit advice.
Please see pages 11 and 12 for other helpful resources from the HR Department.

SMILE!

TWPC Employees enjoy a holiday lunch

Over the holidays, Doug Collins was visiting our team at TWPC. He snapped a quick photo as the team
was enjoying a holiday lunch on site. Its good to see the team had a moment to slow down and enjoy
some good food and conversation, especially since they are typically hard at work, achieving new safety
milestones.

Connection

January 2015
Volume IV Issue I Page 6

Tires influence the braking, steering, comfort, handling, fuel efficiency and overall safety of every vehicle, but
are often ignored or misunderstood by many consumers. Worn tires can send a car into dangerous skids and
spins on wet and icy winter roads. Checking tire pressure and tread depth monthly can help motorists keep
tires in optimal condition. The two most important tire safety checks - a pressure reading and tread depth
measaurment - are very simple to do, according to Greg Brannon, AAAs director of Automotive Engineering. If
motorists spend about two minutes on each tire, they will keep their tires at peak performance.
Monthly tire checks take two steps:
1. Measure tread depth with a quarter rather than a penny.
When the top of Washingtons head is exposed, the tread
depth is 4/32 or less and its time to start shopping for
new tires. Look for signs of uneven wear or damage such
as cuts, cracks, splits, punctures and bulges.
2. Use a quality guage to check tire pressure. For proper
results, make sure tires are cold, meaning they have
been driven less than a mile. Look for the recommended
air pressure in the vehicles owners manual, the tire
information decal located inside the drivers side door, or
in the glove compartment. The number molded into the tire sidewall is not recommended for normal operating
condition. This specification is for a tire that is carrying its maximum rated payload.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, one of every four (27 percent) passenger cars on U.S. roadways has one or more under-inflated
tires. Tires that are under-inflated by just 4 to 12 psi (pounds per square inch) can reduce gas mileage by 5
percent or more, and tire life by as much as 40 percent.
Worn tires should be replaced immediately because they significantly impact safety, says Brannon. Testing has
shown that tires with only half of their tread depth can take up to six feet longer to stop from 40 miles-per-hour
on a wet surface, even with an antilock braking system engaged.
Drivers in areas that receive snow more than three months should consider installing winter tires. Snow tires
are made of softer components and have a unique tread design that provides better traction and road-gripping
abilities. Winter tires should always be installed on all four wheels, whether your vehicle has front-wheel drive,
rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive.

Connection

January 2015
Volume IV Issue I Page 7

On Monday, February 9, WEMS will once again be hosting a blood drive for the American Red Cross. Please
consider becoming a blood donor. You could help save a life. Sign up for a time slot today by contacting
Carrie Reed at reedc@wems-llc.com, carrie.reed@wastrenadvantage.com, or 443-7118.
Carrie Reed, WAI Proposal Coordinator, shares a personal story about how a blood donation directly
impacted her life.
As many of you know, I had a baby boy in September. We found out during the pregnancy that he has a
complex congenital heart defect that would require at least three open heart surgeries. He spent the first 17
days of his life at Nationwide Childrens Hospital in Columbus. He had his first open heart surgery when he
was only five days old and approximately six pounds. Shortly after the surgery his oxygen saturation levels
were low and he required a blood transfusion. A week later, he had a heart catheterization and shortly after
required another blood transfusion. Both times he was given blood from a blood bank; blood that had been
given by an anonymous donor.
This recent experience has opened my eyes to how amazing it is when a person gives their own blood to
help someone they dont even know. I cannot express how thankful I was for those anonymous blood
donors who gave my child much needed blood to help him recover from surgery. He will have more
surgeries in the future and likely require more blood transfusions. It is thanks to donors that the blood will
be available.
I thank each and every one of you who has ever given blood in the past, and I encourage anyone who has
thought about donating for the first time to sign up for the blood drive. While it may take an hour out of
your day, it can mean a world of difference to someone down the road.
Carrie Reed

Connection

January 2015
Volume IV Issue I Page 8

BlueAccess can help with your wellness goals


WAI employees have a handy, free online tool to
help track all those 2015 wellness goals set just a
few weeks ago, and save some money along with
the way.
Whether its nutrition, weight loss, exercise or
kicking a bad habit, the BlueAccess site of
www.bcbst.com is filled with ways to help.
If you arent already registered, first create a user name and password for BlueAccess. Once youre in, go to the Member
Wellness Portal, where you will find all sorts of great tools. First, take a personal health assessment, which looks at diet,
exercise, stress and other factors. Your online coach will then make recommendations of habits you could change, or
activities you could add to your life to be healthier. Once you have your plan, you can use the various other links to stay
on target.
Thinking about join a gym? Or do you already belong to one? The BluePerks program offers savings up to 50 percent
on health and wellness products and services, including a $29 monthly gym membership through FitnessBlue. There
are 15 fitness center locations within 50 miles of the WAI headquarters in Piketon, Ohio, that honor FitnessBlue cards.
In the Oak Ridge, Tenn., region, there are nearly 30 FitnessBlue locations. The program covers all basic workout and
exercise equipment and classes, but may not apply to extras such as swimming pools and saunas. Just check with
your center.
Maybe you just want to start a walking program. The Walking Works tool helps you start a regular walking routine,
track your progress and stay motivated.
Are you trying to eat healthier? Through the Healthy Options tool, you can get coupons for savings on healthy food
items, vitamins and personal care items, and tons of easy, healthy and immunity-boosting recipes.
Information and tips for quitting smoking, lowering your cholesterol or blood pressure, and reducing your stress level
can also be found on BlueAccess.
As you travel down the road to wellness, there are bound to be bumps and detours. Once again, you can turn to
BlueAccess for help. The site includes links to email and chat with health professionals, a food and exercise diary, and
loads of expert advice. Through the InSpire social network, you can sync your wearable fitness devise or app, respond
to wellness challenges, and share encouragement.
The site also gives you immediate access to all your insurance information, including Explanation of Benefits forms.
Take some time and check out BlueAccess today. It will help you get healthier, and save money, too. Who doesnt want
that?

See page 12 for a quick reference guide on Blue Access

Tire Safety: Measure tire tread. Measure tread depth with a quarter rather than a penny. When the top of
Washingtons head is exposed, the tread depth is 4/32 or less and its time to start shopping for new tires.
Look for signs of uneven wear or damage such as cuts, cracks, splits, punctures and bulges.

Connection

January 2015
Volume IV Issue I Page 9

On Nov. 22, our home was totally destroyed by fire. We want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love, support
and prayer weve received during the rebuilding process. We are doing great and still have the most important things-each other and our faith.
When we built our home about five years ago, we did not know what the future held for us. We had no idea that God
would bless us with the most amazing little boy and so many unforgettable memories. Although it was hard to say
goodbye to our home, we soon learned that the walls had only been filled with things. We still had each other, our
family and our friends. We will have new walls, things and new memories. God will continue to bless us and we will
continue to praise him.
There were so many signs given to us on the day of the fire, and since then that God is in control, and always has
and always will care for us. We are currently in the process of getting the insurance claim finalized and have a preconstruction meeting set to begin the process again of building our home. The support we have had from friends,
family, co-workers, and the community has been unbelievable. It has been tough for us to accept so much help
because we are used to providing for ourselves and family, but we have appreciated it more than people could
imagine.
Currently, our insurance company is renting a house for us from a member of our church. We were able to put up lights
and a tree for Christmas, and have done as much as we can to provide a sense of normalcy for each other and our son.
Our two-year-old son Bryce now refers to the rental house as the
winter house and seems to be handling the change fine. Our biggest
concern was how he was going to react to the sudden change.
Although he does occasionally talk about what happened that
morning, he is doing fine. We did lose a lot of things in that house
that cannot be replaced, but we were able to embrace the fact that
they were nothing more than just material possessions and not
nearly as important as what we still have.
The fact that on that morning our son came and got in bed with us
about 30 minutes before the smoke detectors sounded and we all
made it out safely was an excellent reminder to us that we do have a
Lord and Savior. God watches over and protects us through all that
we go through and there is a plan for each and every one of us-through the good and the bad.
--Scott Lindsay and Bryce Patterson
(Scott is an Industrial Hygiene Technician with Fluor-B&W)

Connection

January 2015
Volume IV Issue I Page 10

Congratulations to our team at TWPC for raising a total of $7,328 this holiday season ($4,308 in monetary
dontations, $1,770 through a raffle and $1,250 in the Chili Cook Off ).
Seven blue collection barrels were also filled to the brim with new toys and clothing, hygiene items, and
non-perishable food in support of the 2014 Mission of Hope Christmas Campaign. All of the funds collected
were distributed to our Appalachian neighbors in economically distressed mountain communities of
Northeast Tennessee, Southeast Kentucky and Southwest Virginia.
THANK YOU to everyone for your participation and helping extend the HOPE to our neighbors in rural
Appalachia.

You might also like