345 Rebuild & Prescription Coverage Update

INDUSTRY LEADING IN ALL WE DO

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Employee Spotlight

George Staples

Loader Operator, Clarendon Quarry

George Staples, the biggest, baddest rooster this side of the Mississippi

Hometown:

Danby, VT.

Family:

Mother, Jane. Father, George "Cub." He got that nickname because of his huge hands, like a bear cub. Sisters, Robin and Kim. Stepbrothers too.

Pets:

Right now, a cat named Smokey. I don't have any at this point, but I love chickens. My aunt had a shirt made for me once that said "chickengeorge.com" on it. People would ask me, "Who is Chicken George?" I'd say, "You're lookin' at him. I'm the biggest, baddest rooster this side of the Mississippi."

Pet Peeves:

People who don't use their heads.

Favorite Food:

I love my Twinkies!

Nickname:

Beaver

Hobbies:

I collect old guns.

First Job:

I started working on the farm when I was 8 or 9 and kept doing it into my 20s.

Something everyone should know about you:

I'm easy to get along with.

Who do you most look up to?

I've looked up to lots of people over the years. But "Big Kelley," John, and Uncle Ed stick out. There was something about Uncle Ed I just took to right away.

Best advice ever received:

I've received a lot of good advice. It's hard to point out something specific.

Best part about your job:

Everything. This is the best bunch of guys I've ever worked with.

Our 345D Gets a Makeover

Our Caterpillar 345D is getting a certified rebuild! The Cat Certified Rebuild Program returns end-of-life machines, systems and components to like-new condition.

Both restoration and upgrades of components were performed on the unit, including:

Updated pilot control valves and Work-tool joysticks in the operator console
Resealing of all the hydraulic cylinders
Reconditioning of both drives
Resealing of the main hydraulic control valve
Replace all hydraulic hoses
Upgraded hydraulic system, including work-tool hydraulic lines, bracketing and valving
Replace engine with new Cat Reman
Mounting new pump assemblies on rear pump drive of the reman engine
Rebuilt engine pumps and cooling package
Split and replace swing gear and bearing
Replace all wiring and harnesses
Fully rebuilt swing drives

View more rebuild photos here.

Your Good Catch could land you a great catch!

Win a guided tour with the Fishing Pro!

Submit a Good Catch / Near Miss for the month of August, and you'll automatically be entered for a chance to win a fishing trip with Chris Adams for you and a guest!

The more you submit, the better your chances to win! Your name will be entered to win for each submission you make.

Chris will take the winner and their guest (guest must be age 8 or older) on his boat, share some tips and tricks that he's learned along the way, and provide a unique fishing experience to be remembered! The winner will be announced in September.

Every submission through August 31st will be entered! Good luck everyone!

Another Fishing Tip from the Pro:

Safety Topic: When Your Environment Changes

Take the time to adapt to your surroundings

As you change tasks or begin work at a new job site, many things change and new hazards need to be identified. Always be aware of what you are doing and look for anything that could cause harm to people around you (or to equipment). Slow down your work pace until you become familiar with your settings and avoid overlooking potential hazards.

Anytime conditions change on the job site, communication is key to ensure everyone stays on the same page. Discuss potential safety issues frequently; it is better to have multiple brief safety conversations versus having lengthy ones every once in a while.

It is also important to pay attention to the messages being conveyed. We have had accidents take place directly after a safety meeting where specific information that would have prevented the accident was reviewed just prior to the accident occurring. Last year, we had 5 incidents in September that would not have occurred if the operator had become more familiar with the machine, and had taken the time to get out and look before backing.

If you are uncomfortable backing a piece of equipment, please ask for a spotter, ask for additional training, or express that you need assistance. Requests for any type of assistance are always welcomed and appreciated. These types of accidents are avoidable and could end up costing more than damage in the future.

Thank you for keeping an eye on your surroundings, and out for each other.

Human Resources Update

Prescription Changes with BCBS of VT

As some of you found out when getting your prescriptions refilled, the amount you paid for preventative prescriptions rose sharply after July 1st. We investigated the issue with our broker and BCBS of VT to find out why this happened.

We recently learned that BCBS of VT had extended a VT state mandate to lower the cost for those enrolled in BCBS of VT for their preventive Rx coverage. Although the VT mandate ended in October of 2020, BCBS of VT had extended this “bonus” coverage to its members for preventive Rx coverage through June 30, 2021.

The good news is we were able to work with BCBS of VT to address this unexpected prescription change, and effective 9/1/2021 our prescription plan will be going back to what it was in June - at no cost to you.

Please click on here for the list of preventative medications that are covered.

If you have any questions regarding the prescription coverage please contact Kim Lewis in HR, 802-774-1362 or [email protected].