THE PARK PRESS: Q3 2023

Mission Statement:

Park Construction is dedicated to improving the infrastructure of our communities by providing exceptional construction services. Guided by our core values of safety, quality, integrity, and teamwork, our goal is to exceed expectations and raise the bar of excellence.

In This Issue:

• Project Spotlight: CSAH 14 & 24 in Stillwater
• Employee Spotlight: Chris Rohling 
• Day of the Dozers
• September Suicide Awareness Stand Down
• Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Rib Fest & Career Fair 
• Safety Message: Near Misses
• Off-Season Training Opportunities 
• Employees moving from Apprentice to Journeymen 
• New Employee Announcement
• Accountability Initiative Spotlight
• POET Liberty Project in Emmetsburg, Iowa
• Strategic Initiatives Update
• Safety Spotlight: Park Avenue Trucking
• Recent Wins
• Park on Social Media
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• EEO/Minority Outreach

Project Spotlight: CSAH 14 & 24 in Stillwater

The CSAH 14 at CSAH 24 Reconstruction Project in Stillwater will not only improve traffic flow but also address critical infrastructure needs. This multi-stage project encompasses various components, including earthwork, grading, utilities, the installation of a signal system at the intersection, and a significant grade raise.

Key Project Statistics:

• Common Excavation: 9,756 cubic yards
• Subgrade Excavation: 14,454 cubic yards
• Common Embankment: 14,878 cubic yards
• Select Granular: 18,229 cubic yards
• Class 5: 7,813 cubic yards
• Storm Pipe: 2,000 linear feet
• Drain Tile: 4,000 linear feet

The 5th stage of the project will be completed in 2024 and has a railroad track reconstruction that includes a 4” grade raise.

Employee Spotlight: Chris Rohling 

What is your background in the construction industry?

I have worked for Park nearly forty years. I started by running parts, washing equipment and being a shop laborer. I then moved into the shop office being an office clerk doing paperwork, ordering parts and dispatching mechanics. I then moved into my current position as Equipment Superintendent.

Tell me about what your focus areas are at Park Construction?

My focus areas are helping to get equipment and trucks up and running as quickly and efficiently as possible. Without working equipment and trucks, our crews out in the field can’t complete their work.

What is the most important thing you want people to know about Park?

I want people to know that you can learn something new to help your career each and every day here at Park Construction.

What are your hobbies?

When I’m not working, I enjoy playing golf with my wife and I like hanging out with my friends boating and ice fishing.

What is a memorable story from your career here at Park?

I started at Park Construction when I was eighteen years old. All the mechanics that were currently working here told me to watch out for Dick Carlson (CEO). I was scared to death of him from what they told me. I remember it was only one month into the job and my boss handed me the keys to Dick’s car and told me I had to wash it because he was out on a job and got it muddy. I gave it a wash and my boots were full of grease and I got the carpet all full of grease. Later that day Dick found me and started chewing my a** out (I thought I was going to get fired). I ended up getting it all cleaned and I never made that mistake again. If you work hard and do your job, not only are the Carlsons your boss but they can become your friends too. Maybe someday Jeff Carlson and I can take another midnight tour of a working taconite mine 😂. 

The equipment has changed and advanced a lot from when I first started here (I remember you had to special order a piece of equipment if you wanted air conditioning!). I have been able to meet a ton of great people that I have learned a lot from in all my years here at Park. I have really enjoyed the 40 years that I have worked here and I think Park Construction is an outstanding company to work for.

Day of the Dozers

Day of the Dozers™ is a fun family event in Minnesota. The event provides an opportunity to educate families about the construction industry, while at the same time raising money for Children’s Minnesota.

At the event, children can ride inside a wide variety of construction vehicles alongside a friendly certified machine operator, play in sandpits, participate in other fun activities, and enjoy great food from some delicious local food trucks.

Park is proud to be a MUCA member and a Platinum Sponsor of this year’s Day of the Dozers™ event. Park had 3 pieces of equipment in the event, a Cat D4 Dozer, Cat 340 Excavator and our new Lowboy Tractor & Trailer. A big thank you to our employees: Tony Van, Adam Pickett, Ryan Mahoney, Josh Swankier, and Josh Bartels, who donated time to make the experience special for all who attended.

September Suicide Awareness Stand Down

Construction is a vital pillar of our economy, and it can demand long hours, strenuous physical labor, and high-pressure environments. Sometimes it's easy to overlook the fact that the workers who build our nation's infrastructure are, above all, human beings. They grapple with their own struggles and vulnerabilities, just like anyone else.

Regrettably, the construction industry bears a heavy burden: one of the highest rates of suicide among all professions. The statistics are staggering, but let us not forget that behind each number lies a human story. It's a life lost, a family left shattered, and a community plunged into mourning. Every life is precious, and every worker in the construction industry is part of a larger family. We firmly believe that suicide is preventable, and the first steps towards change start with awareness and understanding.

We must break the silence and stigma that often envelop mental health issues within our industry. To achieve this, we must foster an environment where our workers feel safe to discuss their struggles without fear of judgment or repercussions. In this pursuit, employers must play a significant role by implementing mental health programs and support systems in the workplace. Just as we provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) training and resources to safeguard your physical well-being, we are committed to providing resources to protect your mental well-being.

But it's not solely the responsibility of employers. It's a collective effort. We must all watch out for our colleagues, friends, and family members. Be that friend who listens, the shoulder to lean on, or the advocate for seeking professional help when needed. Suicide awareness in the construction industry is not just an industry problem - it's a human problem. By coming together, supporting one another, and nurturing a culture of openness and compassion, we have the power to save lives.

Let us be the change we want to see, not only in the workplace but also in our communities. Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future for everyone involved in construction.

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Rib Fest & Career Fair 

Park Construction was proud to be a part of the inaugural 2023 Rib Fest & Career Fair in Arden Hills, Minnesota. Our incredible team fired up the grill and served some mouthwatering ribs that left everyone craving more. But that's not all, we also had some awesome Park Construction swag for all our friends and supporters. We were also promoting job opportunities for veterans and military service members within Park Construction. 

What makes this event even more special is that it's not just about fun and food – it's about giving back to the community. All proceeds from the 2023 Rib Fest & Career Fair go to support the Minnesota Building Trades Yellow Ribbon 501c3 programs. These programs make a significant impact on the lives of Minnesota servicemembers, veterans, and military families. 

We're incredibly grateful to have been a part of this meaningful event, and we want to thank everyone who joined us, supported us, and helped us contribute to such a worthy cause.

Safety Message: Near Misses

Park Construction places a very high importance on your safety and the safety of others. The very nature of construction work involves a multitude of risks, from working under live traffic to operating heavy machinery. While safety regulations, training programs, and protective gear play crucial roles in mitigating these risks, there is another essential element often overlooked – reporting near misses. Near misses are incidents that do not result in immediate harm or injury but have the potential to escalate into serious accidents. In this article, we will explore the critical importance of reporting near misses in construction and how innovative approaches like the QR code hard hat sticker can significantly enhance safety on job sites.

1. Identifying Hidden Hazards

Near misses offer a unique opportunity to identify hidden hazards that might otherwise go unnoticed. When workers report these incidents, they shed light on potential risks that can be addressed before they lead to actual accidents. For example, a near miss involving a worker tripping over construction material can highlight the need for better housekeeping and clear paths of travel, preventing a future slip/trip/fall accident.

2. Enhancing Risk Assessment

Near miss reporting is a valuable tool for enhancing risk assessment. By analyzing the circumstances surrounding near misses, Park Construction can gain insights into where and how accidents are likely to occur. This information enables proactive risk mitigation strategies, such as modifying work procedures, improving equipment maintenance, or implementing additional safety training.

3. Preventing Fatalities

The consequences of failing to report near misses can be dire. What might seem like a minor incident today could lead to a fatality tomorrow. For instance, a near miss involving a rigging failure can serve as a warning sign that prompts immediate inspections and processes to mitigate the incident from occurring in the future. Neglecting to report such incidents may result in a tragic accident when the rigging eventually fails near workers.

4. Fostering a Safety Culture

Reporting near misses is not just about identifying hazards; it's also about fostering a safety culture within Park Construction. When workers feel encouraged and supported in reporting near misses, they become more engaged in safety practices. This culture shift promotes awareness and encourages proactive measures, ultimately reducing the number of accidents.

5. Continuous Improvement

The process of reporting near misses is not a one-time task; it is part of a continuous improvement cycle. We use data from near misses to refine safety protocols, update training programs, and invest in better safety equipment. This ongoing commitment to improvement ultimately benefits both field staff and the company's bottom line.

6. Reducing Costs

Accidents in the construction industry come with significant financial costs. These can include medical expenses, legal fees, workers' compensation claims, and project delays. By reporting and addressing near misses, we can avoid these costly repercussions and allocate resources more efficiently towards prevention rather than reaction.

Innovative Solutions: QR Code Hard Hat Stickers

To make the reporting of near misses even more accessible, Park Construction has introduced an innovative solution – QR code hard hat stickers. These stickers, affixed to workers' hard hats, provide a quick and convenient way to report near misses. When a near miss occurs, workers simply scan the QR code with their smartphones, and they are directed to an easy-to-use reporting system. This streamlined process encourages prompt reporting and ensures that valuable information about near misses is captured efficiently.

Conclusion

In the high-risk environment of construction, reporting near misses is not just a best practice; it is a critical necessity. These incidents provide valuable insights into potential hazards, improve risk assessment, and contribute to a culture of safety. By reporting near misses and utilizing innovative tools like QR code hard hat stickers, we can prevent significant injuries and fatalities, comply with regulations, reduce costs, and foster a safer working environment for all. Ultimately, the critical importance of reporting near misses, combined with user-friendly reporting solutions, cannot be overstated – it is a vital component of Park’s safety program that saves lives and protects livelihoods.

Off-Season Training Opportunities 

All employees of Park – apprentice or journeymen – are encouraged to continue their construction education with the latest technology and industry knowledge. If you have questions about what classes you should consider taking, please consult with your Superintendent. For questions about class offerings, registration, costs, lodging needs, or any other questions, please visit your Union Training Center website or contact them directly.

OPERATORS:

https://www.local49training.org

Questions: Call 320-384-7093

Located in Hinckley, MN

LABORERS:

https://www.ltcmn.org

Questions: Call 651-653-6710

Located in Lino Lakes, MN

CEMENT MASONS:

https://www.local633.org/

Questions: Call 612-379-1558

“The road to success is always under construction” – Lily Tomlin

Employees moving from Apprentice to Journeymen 

Park Construction Company would like to recognize the following employees on moving from Apprentice to Journeymen in their respective unions. Park congratulates you on completing this milestone and looks forward to seeing you continue to develop your craft.

• Laborers 563:
• Matt Roepke, Kyle Heaser



• Operators Local 49:
• Ian Coil

• Operators Local 139:
• Isaac Isaacson



New Employee Announcement

We have a new face in the Park Construction Office! 

• Mark Tiegen – Project Superintendent Paving Division 

You may see Mark in the office or the field - make sure to introduce yourself and welcome him to the Park Team.

Accountability Initiative Spotlight

At Park, accountability is one of our strategic initiatives that began in 2023. In the coming months, we'll be shining a spotlight on individuals who exemplify this value through positive actions. You'll also receive promotional materials outlining our initiative. We encourage all employees to take part by recognizing individuals who embody Park's value of accountability. Please share examples of how employees hold themselves and others accountable through positive reinforcement. You can send these examples to us via email at news@parkconstructionco.com. The employee being spotlighted will receive a $50 gift card as a token of our appreciation.

Our first example comes from one of our mechanics, Lance Meissner. Recently, after completing an oil change on one of our Park Avenue dump trucks, he finished up with a post-maintenance test drive. Afterwards he told Jennifer Clemens about a minor incident. He informed her that he had inadvertently rolled through a stop sign while driving the truck, and the dash cameras had recorded it as a violation. Notably, this violation would have been associated with the "assigned driver," who was not responsible for the mistake.

Lance's response to this situation is a testament to his integrity and accountability. Instead of ignoring the incident or downplaying it, he promptly reported it. Lance's willingness to accept responsibility and his commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and professionalism embody the core values of our team. 

POET Liberty Project in Emmetsburg, Iowa

Park is providing concrete services on Project LIBERTY, which is POET’s groundbreaking biorefinery in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Project LIBERTY represents a leap forward in sustainable technology, utilizing a cutting-edge biological process to transform post-harvest corn stover (cobs, leaves, husks, and stalks) into the revolutionary biofuel known as cellulosic ethanol.

Our work on this project encompasses everything from concrete form work design to installation, placement, and finishing. Our dedication to precision and quality is driving us to ensure that every step of the concrete work aligns seamlessly with the innovation taking place at Project LIBERTY. We're honored to be a part of this journey towards a greener, more sustainable future. 

Strategic Initiatives Update

In January of 2023, Park Construction’s Senior Leadership had identified 6 strategic initiatives that would be emphasized and focused on in 2023. Each initiative committee is guided by a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Below is a brief update to each of the 6 key strategic initiative committees since our last newsletter.

Development & Training: Mike Christianson

• Members: Brandon Larson, Jennifer Clemens, Josh Prange, Kelly Elness, Mike Christianson, Shawn Bloch, Taylor Terpstra, Trent Cottingham.
• Working to coordinate off-season training through respective unions & in-house resources.

Accountability: Jeff Carlson

• Members: Dewey Kimmes, Jeff Carlson, Jeff Slusser, Ryan Pace, Tom DePauw.
• Created slogan “Working as a Team to Promote Park’s Core Values”
• Send message out in 3rd Qtr Newsletter
• Spotlight an employee for positive accountability in 3rd Qtr Newsletter
• Have stickers made up and signs for office and shop

Employee Retention: Jeff Slusser

• Members: Bob Bruski, Jeff Slusser, Jon Enerson, Kelly Elness, Ryan Pace, Taylor Rolloff, Travis Poppe, Trent Bolin, Trent Cottingham.
• Organized a volunteer event at Day of the Dozer's to promote the industry and engage with the community.
• Working on an end of season employee retention survey.

Recruitment: Charlie Borene

• Members: Jennifer Clemens, Brandon Larson, Chris Grimes, Charlie Borene, Mike Christianson, Jake Droessler, Kelly Elness, Brent Thompson, Jeff Carlson
• Attended 4 career fairs (NDSU, MSU-Moorehead, UW Stout, MSU-Mankato).
• Created Spanish Translation Option on the Careers Page of the Park Website.
• Designed and purchased promotional items to distribute at career fairs/events.
• Participated in Rib Fest & Career Fair benefiting Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, in partnership with the Laborers Local 563 and MN National Guard’s 34th Red Bull Infantry Division.

Expansion: Tom DePauw

• Members: Charlie Borene, Dewey Kimmes, Jake Droessler, Jeff Carlson, Mike Christianson, Mike Nottestad, Tom DePauw.
• Currently engaged with a consultant evaluating potential types, size, location of businesses interested in acquisition.

Mental Wellness: Jake Droessler

• Members: Blake Pfankuch, Bob Bruski, Brent Thompson, Jake Droessler, Jeff Carlson, Jeff Slusser, Kelly Elness, Rachel Stein, Ryan Pace, Steve Coddington.
• Held the Park Mental Wellness Holiday on Friday, August 4^th, 2023.
• Distributed Hardhat stickers, magnets, and posters with QR code linking to Park’s Employee Resource Page.
• Working on end of season mental wellness survey.
• Created Suicide Prevention Awareness Video and Safety Stand Down in conjunction with National Suicide Prevention Month in September.

We thank all of you for your participation as committee members, volunteers, survey participants, and dedicated employees that continue to work toward to a Safe and Successful year in 2023.

Safety Spotlight: Park Avenue Trucking

During the 2022 construction season we introduced two new pieces of technology that the Park Avenue Truck drivers have embraced using to measure key safety performance indicators. Although the season has not yet ended, we couldn’t wait to share the progress they have made in reducing incidents!

The first piece of technology implemented to help assist Park Ave includes Zonar. Zonar is a forward and rear facing cameras system which is equipped with in-cab coaching. Park Ave is not currently using the rear facing camera option; however, this option could be utilized later if determined beneficial.

The second piece of technology that has been implemented is the Fleetwatcher program.  Fleetwatcher is a fleet/material management software and telematics system built for the construction industry- specifically paving. This system can Dispatch, track, measure and pay all in one system. Fleetwatacher also provides on the spot insights into the performance of jobs through Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) such as tracking equipment, tonnage, trucking cycle times and so much more.



Since the implementation of these two pieces of technology last season (2022), the Park Avenue Drivers have been incident free! That is some impressive results and worth sharing. Thank you, Park Avenue Team, these results couldn’t have been achieved without your efforts.

Recent Wins

Here are some of the projects we recently won bids on:

• ASN Diversion Outlet & Drain 29, Fargo, ND
• Anoka County TH 10 Gateway
• Radtke Energy Transfer Partners – Dunn County, ND
• POET PRE12 – Preston, MN
• MBcD – ADM Soybean Cogeneration – Lincoln, NE
• ADM – Boiler Foundation – Des Moines, IA
• Honeywell Facility Expansion – Plymouth, MN
• Fresh Picked Pizza Filtration Basin – Blaine, MN
• AMZ DMS2 – Eagan, MN
• ASN 2023–0072 Roadway Package – Cass County, ND
• ASN Rush River Drain Inlet – Cass County, ND
• ASN 170 & 171st Crossing – Cass County, ND
• ASN CR 32 Channel Excavation – Cass County, ND
• ANS RFP 0049 –2023 BNSF Shooflys & Settlements– Cass County, ND

Park on Social Media

One of our goals for 2023 is to have a bigger presence on social media. We are posting weekly content on multiple platforms, and we encourage you to follow us, like our posts, and leave a comment or share it if you feel inspired. You can find us on the following sites:

It Pays To Have Friends!

Remember our Referral Bonus Program! It’s Simple – if you refer someone and they get hired, you get a bonus!

We believe that our employees are our most valuable asset and that they are in the best position to recommend qualified candidates to join our team. If you know someone who would be a great fit for our company, please reach out to your supervisor or HR for more information on how you can participate in this program. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to growing our team with your help.

EEO/Minority Outreach

It is Park Construction’s commitment to support our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy & Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) to create a workplace with diversity, inclusiveness and fair treatment. In effort to achieve and maintain this commitment, our Company is continually striving to diversify its personnel to reflect the changing demographics of the construction industry. We highly encourage employees to refer candidates who are women, people of color, or any member from a protected class for employment opportunities at Park.