As the new year approaches, we remind you to review your federal tax withholding and submit a new W-4 if you have experienced any changes in your filing situation (e.g. a change in marital status, a new secondary source of income, or new dependents). 

If you have questions related to payroll, please reach out to payroll@collinsmn.com. Note, however, that Collins is not authorized to provide advice on how to complete the W-4 form; these questions should be directed to your personal tax advisor. 

Lastly, this is also a good time to update your emergency contact information. You can do so by emailing changes to hr@collinsmn.com. 

Please join us for a Christmas Happy Hour.

Crooked Pint

1734 Adolphus St.

Maplewood, MN 55117

Thursday, December 8, 2022

3:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Food and beverages will be provided.

Step into a winter wonderland at Mall of America's Festival of Trees presented by KARE 11 now through January 4th!

Collins is thrilled to support this annual event that helps fund Special Olympics Minnesota. Thank you to the team who helped create the Collins tree for this very special event. Learn more.

DraftSeal™ Box Accessories can be used to reduce drafts, vapors, and sound transmissions through exterior walls.

The Five Gang Ring:

• Works with all standard nonmetallic boxes
• Is easily identifiable after drywall installation
• Eliminates the need for caulking or sealants
• Meets NEMA OS 4 standards and is compliant with IECC and LEED for envelope sealing

Collins' own Steve Dee recommends these vapor rings as a quick and inexpensive solution! 

• 339 3rd Street Development – Excelsior, new apartments and rowhouses with Ironmark Building Company

"Mark North was very quick to respond and handled things in a professional manner. Mike Johnson, the lead technician for my project, was very efficient and helpful--one of the best guys I’ve dealt with. I would definitely work with them again if another project happens in the area."

— MTCREST

Winter came quickly this year. Hopefully, everyone was prepared for the recent snow and winter temperatures. Being prepared is the best way to mitigate any negative circumstances.

Over the past few months, we have put a big emphasis on Toolbox Talks. The most important part of this process is the look back/look ahead section. This is our opportunity each week to reflect on the circumstances we have already experienced, to learn from them, and plan for those we might see in the future. Collins needs you to take this time each week so that the field and the shop time have time to secure the resources necessary for creating the safest possible work environment. 

—Jeremy Gaiser, Safety Director

Birthdays

December 1

Brady Colvard

December 4

Charles Peterson

December 6

Joe Hanley

December 7

Jeremy Gaiser

December 9

Joe Koegel

December 10

Mike Kelley

Pat Ernste

Brian Colvard

Charles Lamee

December 11

Jeff Harty

Emilie Coe

December 12

Brandon Boger

Susan Hanson

Scott Ryan

December 14

Jakob Sommer

December 15

James Schindler

December 17

Dave Ewing

Richard Norris

December 18

Tony Carver

December 20

Hunter Mattison

December 21

Mark Keys

December 22

Chris Whaley

Scott Hinshaw

Dylan Libra

December 26

Jim Molacek

December 27

Matt Gryskiewicz

Keith Dahle

Peter Rusnak

Michael Yechout

December 28

Mike Wicker

December 29

Miles Larson

Anniversaries

December 2

Lynn Lutz (3)

December 6

Rob Olson (1)

December 7

Stephen McDowell (1)

December 10

Ryan Haller (2)

December 14

Alec Baker (1)

Noah Johnson (1)

Denny Jairett (2)

December 26

Brad Bistram (4)

December 28

Kelli Richter (1)

December 31

Jacob Schultz (4)

Jim Verdick (24)

Meet fifth-year apprentice Nancy Gonzalez! Nancy's a member of the St. Paul Electrical JATC and became an apprentice after completing Dakota County Technical College's electrical program. Nancy (like everyone at Collins) is a huge supporter of women in the trades and was recently featured as Apprentice of the Day by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry!

For women considering a career in the trades, Nancy says, “Just go for it! There’s a lot to learn and it’s changing every day…you can be part of the change." Read Nancy's feature here. 

Congratulations to Mark Waletzko on his recent retirement! Mark worked as a general foreman for Collins since 2016, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.