Xylem Q2 2024 Arbor Times

Spring 2024

Learning on the Horizon

Randolph Hoover, CEO

We are much more than a tree and vegetation management company. We are a company that takes pride in the work we do. We are a company that embraces technology to improve how we work in the field. We are a company that embraces safety and the expansion of our knowledge base.

This quarter, we launched Tree Academy, an online learning management tool that gives you the power to refresh your skills and expand your understanding of our business. This marks a significant milestone in our journey towards excellence and innovation.

Gone are the days of paper assessments and antiquated systems. We have fully shifted to this state-ofthe-art Learning Management System

within the UKG app. This isn’t just an upgrade - it’s a transformation of how we learn, comply and excel in our operations.

Tree Academy is designed to empower you with knowledge and skills, right at your fingertips. We are relying on our Field Operations to drive this resource with much of the ownership in the hands of our General Forepersons.

Our Human Resources team is actively tracking compliance and completion, ensuring that everyone meets our high standards of performance and safety. Our Safety Team is conducting observations to confirm compliance in the field. This ensures we leave no stone unturned in our commitment to a safe working environment for everyone.

This is more than just a policy update - it’s a commitment to safety, learning and excellence. Together, as a unified team, we are stepping into a future

where every day is an opportunity to learn, grow and ensure the safety of ourselves and our colleagues.

Welcome to the future of learning and safety at Xylem Tree Experts!

How Do I Access Tree Academy?

• Download UKG Pro Learning Tool from the app store.

• Open the UKG Pro Classic App and click the Learning tab.

This will open Tree Academy on your phone. More information is available on page two.

Table of Contents

Executive Leadership Page 2

Unleash Your Learning Page 2

Welcome, Texar! Page 2

Welcome to the Team Page 2

Our Leadership Team Page 3

Cashing in on Wellness Page 4

“Insuring” Your Benefits Page 5

Social Media Tips Page 6

Bee Aware Campaign Page 7

Notchworthy News Pages 8-9

Community Outlook Page 10

CDL Program Page 11

Service Anniversaries Page 12

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Randolph Hoover

Chief Executive Officer

Benjamin Hoover President

Kurt Goodman

Chief Financial Officer President (Kendall)

Scott Konikoff Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel

Jack Guffey Chief Operating Officer

UNLEASH YOUR LEARNING POTENTIAL

Tree Academy is what we call our Learning Management System (LMS) through UKG. It’s our go-to source for job-related training

What can I do within the UKG Pro Learning App?

A lot! There are customized on the job training available from onboarding to job specific training and a whole lot in between.

New employees can complete onboarding plus ground and safety training all within the app.

Leaders can assign videos and learning modules to their teams.

Be on the lookout for emails from Tree Academy with assigned courses related to your position and development too.

Welcome, Texar Line Clearance!

We are excited to announce that we have acquired Texar Line Clearance!

Based in Texarkana, Ark., Texar Line Clearance is a family-owned and operated company led by John and Fallon Scoggins.

Their origins started in residential tree service until 2012 when they were awarded their first utility contract.

Over the past 15 years, they have established a foothold in vegetation management and line clearance in their region.

Now with over 200 employees and 350 pieces of equipment they have expanded the business in Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.

We are delighted to partner with them and welcome them to the team!

Welcome To The Team

Barry Suddreth joins us as the Vice President of Operations.

His career began as a groundsperson at Asplundh Tree Experts and progressed to a senior leadership role in his 37 years with the company. He has brought this industry expertise to us as he manages field operations.

Barry’s hobbies include raising show cattle and fishing.

As our Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis, Kent Peters is responsible for the company’s day-today execution of the FP&A operations that includes long range planning, annual operating plan and monthly forecasting. Kent has held financial roles for over 15 years.

He most recently was the AVP, Finance at North Highland Consulting.

In his free time, he enjoys hiking with his wife and playing golf with friends. He also spends time volunteering as a chef at Lasagna Love.

To see the full company org chart, log in to UKG and click organizational chart in the left hand menu.

Randolph Hoover Chief Executive Officer

Kurt Goodman Chief Financial Officer / President (Kendall)

Benjamin Hoover President

Jack Guffey Chief Operating Officer

Jamie Johnson Regional Manager Region 1

Carl Bane Regional Manager Region 2

Marshall Crouse Regional Manager Region 3

Keith Confere Regional Manager Region 4

Doug Newton Regional Manager Region 5

William Tomlinson Regional Manager Region 6

Joe Rubin Regional Manager Region 7

Billy Rombilus Regional Business Partner Region 8

Dana Moberg Regional Business Partner Region 8

Barry Suddreth Vice President of Operations

Scott Konikoff Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel

Cashing In On Wellness

Focus on your well-being and earn rewards up to $200 with Anthem! The more activities you complete, the greater your reward.

We understand that every employee has their own approach to achieving their wellness goals. The Anthem Wellbeing Solutions package rewards employees up to $200 in retailer gift cards when they take part in a wide variety of condition management, preventive care, and wellness activities that offer options to meet those goals.

The Wellbeing Solutions program connects you with easy-to-use digital health and wellness tools that can help you stay your best. When you complete any of the activities listed below sponsored by your employer, you’ll earn rewards to put toward electronic gift cards for select retailers. You choose the activities you’d like to complete to receive the maximum of $200.

Earn Rewards

Here’s how and when you’ll earn rewards for completing the activities in the chart.

Preventive care:

Check your progress and rewards earned through anthem.com or the Sydney Health app. You can earn up to $200 in gift cards!

Simply visit your doctor for any of the screenings or appointments listed in the chart. Your rewards are added to your account after your claim is processed, which may take up to 60 days.

Condition management:

Rewards are added to your account as you meet certain benchmarks or complete a program.

Programs include:

• ConditionCare for asthma, diabetes and heart or lung conditions

• Future Moms

• Well-being Coach for weight management and tobacco cessation

Digital and wellness activities:

Log in to the Sydney Health app or anthem.com to complete available activities, such as taking a health assessment, participating in the Well-being Coach Digital program, and tracking your steps.

management

ConditionCare: Work oneon-one with your health coach and earn rewards for participating in and completing the program

Up to $50 ($20/$30)

UKG Communications

Important company and safety messages are regularly communicated through UKG in email and text messages.

Save the number 557-54 to your smartphone as Xylem Company News today so you don’t miss out!

Not near a computer, download the app! Download the mobile UKG app from the Apple or Google Play app stores. Enter XK001 for the company access code.

“Insuring” Your Benefits

Inflation has made us all more cost-conscious and healthcare is no exception. If you need help understanding your healthcare bill or are unsure where to compare services and prices, we’re here to help. By shopping around for healthcare services, you can reduce your costs and make the most of your insurance.

Understanding healthcare insurance is crucial. It’s not just a bill we pay but a tool that can help us manage our healthcare costs. So, why not use it to our advantage instead of letting someone else foot the bill?

Contrary to popular belief, our insurer doesn’t just foot the bill for our healthcare expenses. They carefully assess our medical consumption each year, including doctor visits, prescriptions and ER trips. They compare these expenses to our premiums and factor in their operational costs and shareholder obligations. Ideally, they expect our claims to be around 70% of the premiums. But our claims exceeded the premiums last year, causing the insurer to lose money. This is why the cost of our insurance goes up.

We can fight back and reduce our premiums. Here are some tips on how to help:

1. Generic Drugs - If you are taking one of those brand-name drugs

that appear in TV commercials, ask your doctor to prescribe a generic substitute. They have the exact same ingredients and can save you as much as 90% over the advertised brand.

2. Utilize Tele-Docs - which can diagnose you over a video call. Did you know they can diagnose illnesses such as strep throat by asking you to hold the phone up to your mouth and saying, “Ahhh”? Even better, you can do it from the comfort of your easy chair!

3. Scheduling Tests

- Does your doctor need you to get an MRI? Please don’t do it at the hospital unless you are admitted. Search for MRI clinics near you and call for pricing. Take your doctor’s orders and read it out to them. They can quote you a price. The price can be hundreds of dollars less.

4. Alternatives to the ER - Never go to the emergency room unless it is an actual emergency. Try to see doctors in this order: Teledoc - Doctor’s office - Urgent CareEmergency Room.

5. Annual Check-Ups - And the best tip of all? Get your annual checkup! Catching health problems early can lead to a healthier you and save you money. Exercise and eat healthier. Every little bit helps!

Need more help with your healthcare?

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - We offer a program to help you with life’s challenges, including family conflict, financial issues, budgeting, college planning, childcare and more, call 1-800-999-7222 or go to anthemEAP.com and enter the company code TREE

Download the Guidance Now App or call 888-628-4824

Username: LFGSupport

Password: LFGSupport1

Our Company Medical Insurance

Anthem Member Services: 1-833-592-9956 or go to anthem.com to find a healthcare provider. You can also download the Sydney App.

Future Moms: 1-800-828-5891

24/7 Nurse Line: 1-800-337-4770

LiveHealth Online (Teledoc): Sign Up at www.livehealthonline. com or download the app at https://www.livehealthonline.com

Need questions answered by our Benefits Manager?

Liza Gibson, Manager of Benefit Programs at 757-805-1425 (cell) or 757-383-7704 (office) or email benefits@xylemtree.com.

Feeling Social?

10 ways to stay safe on social networks

1. Only friend people you know in real life.

2. Read and understand privacy guidelines.

3. Never post Personal Identifying Information (PII) like your phone number, address or allow geotracking on photos.

4. Get creative with the answers to your security questions. When selecting and answering them, answer them as your favorite fictional character.

5. Limit your work history details. Avoid sharing too much

information about your work history to avoid identity theft.

6. Search for yourself online. See what information is readily available to the public.

7. Less is more. Everyone doesn’t need to know everything about your life.

8. Stay vigilant. If you suspect your account has been compromised, contact the social platform and change your password.

9. Think before you post. If you wouldn’t say or do it in public, don’t post online.

Phishing on Social Media

Phishing is not just for emails.

Have you ever noticed how often Facebook and other social media platforms ask for the same information?

Facebook quizzes and questionnaires might seem like harmless fun, but the comments sections under these posts are a goldmine of potential passwords served up buffetstyle for shady cyberthieves.

Not on social media? Unfortunately, you’re still at risk via text messages, phone calls and email. This manipulative tactic

10. Follow policy. Follow the company’s social media policy.

Social media is a powerful tool. With these tips, you can make better choices and be safer on every social network.

is a more recent twist on a classic cyberattack known as phishing.

Social media phishers post simple innocent-looking questions on social media asking about your first job or your first car. These posts may seem lighthearted, but these are often common security questions to many

of your professional and personal accounts.

These question-game prompts might read like:

• Who remembers their first-grade teacher? Let’s celebrate our educators!

• Nobody’s first car was a Toyota. Prove me wrong!

• Name a movie you can watch over and over again.

• If you could go anywhere right now, where would you go?

Phishing can fool even the most savviest of people.

Remain diligent in your online interactions and what information you share publicly.

Bee Aware Campaign

As we move through the Spring season we all need to be mindful of the hazards associated with biting insects. To draw awareness to these insects we are implementing a BEE Aware campaign to help us identify those who are more susceptible to having an adverse reaction if bit/ stung. Any employee who knows they are allergic to insects will be provided a “Bee Aware” sticker like the image shown here.

We are hopeful that this will allow us to react quickly and appropriately if one of these people was to have an allergic reaction while on the job.

• Be alert for insects coming in and out of an opening such as a crack in a wall, or the hole in a utility box.

• Listen for the hum of an active bee colony.

• Look for bees in holes in the ground, holes in trees, and sheds.

• If encountering a bee’s nest, try to work in the early morning or skip the area until the next day.

• Ensure you have a can of Bee/Wasp deterrent spray on your truck before the workday.

Bees, Spiders and Other Insect Bites

The best way to deal with bees is to avoid them or use specific repellents. Always perform a thorough assessment of the worksite – look for insect activity!

These spray repellents will knock out bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets cold. The blast from the can will spray 10 feet or more. It is a fast, safe way to eliminate wasps and bees.

If you know you are allergic to insect bites, then you are aware that an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) begins within 1 to 15 minutes of a sting. Anaphylaxis can lead to collapse, stopped breathing, seizures and loss of consciousness in 1 to 2 minutes. This reaction can be fatal. If you are allergic, you must carry a special kit with an epinephrine injector (EpiPen).

EpiPens are prescribed by a doctor to an individual to counteract the allergic reaction. If you have an EpiPen, periodically inspect it to make sure that it is within its expiration date.

Before starting work, tell all your co-workers that you are allergic and where you keep your auto-injector (EpiPen®/Anapen®).

Crew members with known sting allergies shall have the “Bee Aware” decal on his/her hard-hat.

Keep your auto-injector nearby – on your person or in your truck.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage, use and disposal of your autoinjector.

If you are stung, do not delay, immediately inject the epinephrine. Follow package instructions on how and where to inject this device. The injection should be effective for 10 to 15 minutes.

If you are unsure if you are allergic to bee stings or insect bites, report the incident immediately to your Foreperson.

Finn There, Done That -

In January, our crews headed to Massachusetts for storm response work from Winter Storm Finn. Photo credit to Ryan Skipper, Supervisor, from Region 3.

Bragging Rights -

“I wanted to brag on the crew that worked in Sylva, NC last week. They worked for a few days around my office and were careful to keep the area clean and did an excellent job cleaing up at the end of the day. I especially thank the crew for leaving the area last Thursday during the funeral of a beloved pastor in our county. This crew represented your company well.

~Gerald Morris

Timber! - A few team members took down this dangerous tree in our Arkansas region. Pictured left to right - Darwin Padilla, Javier Graciano, Jose Quinones, Awilda Rivera

Pictured left to right - Blaze Fox, Operator, Randy Price, Operator, and Timothy Massey, Crew Leader

2024 Super Bowl Chili Cookoff Winners

1st

2nd 3rd

Charlie Watts CHuck Minter

John Coffren

Bucket List - In April, team members attended a “Mini Expo” in Palmyra, Va. as part of the Virginia, Maryland and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives.

Pictured Left to Right - Wayne Phillips, Supervisor, Keith Confere, Regional Manager, Randolph Hoover, Xylem Kendall CEO and Marshall Crouse, Regional Manager

Go Climb a Tree! - Xylem Tree Experts was well represented at this year’s ISA Southern Tree Climb Championship in March. Christian Capps, Training Coordinator (pictured above on far right and to the left) led our team of participants and volunteers at the event in Little Rock, Ark.

Several Xylem corporate employees participated in a Super Bowl themed chili cookoff contest in February in Norfolk, Va.

Out of the Woods

in Florida to discuss strategies and goals

William Tomlinson, David

Doug

Our teams have been making the rounds at various conference and trade shows this quarter.

We had representation at (VMAK) Vegetation Management Association of Kentucky Annual Conference (left), ISA Southern Chapter 82nd Annual Conference & Trade Show in Little Rock, Ark. (bottom left) and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Tech Advantage 2024 in San Antonio, TX (bottom right).

RM Summit - In January, our Xylem and Kendall Regional Managers gathered

for 2024. Pictured left to right front row - Doug Newton, Jack Guffey, Tucker Miller, Benjamin Hoover, Randolph Hoover, Carl Bane, Marshall Crouse Back row left to right -

Allen,

Bour, Keith Confere, Joe Rubin, Jamie Johnson, Barry Suddreth, Larry Gauger, Ragan Rippee, Craig Faulk

CDL Program Logs 50th Driver and More!

Congratulations to our latest group of CDL drivers! They successfully completed the steps to drive their career forward!

Future

Drive It to The Bank - We have in-house trainers who teach CDL classes throughout the year. The training and all associated program costs are covered by the company. If you’re interested in obtaining your CDL license, talk to your Supervisor or Regional Manager.

For those who complete the coursework and pass the required tests, they will receive a $250 bonus check and a $1.00/hour raise! And, field instructors will receive a $200 bonus for each employee they assist who gets their CDL license once their drive file is complete.

CDL Drivers from Xylem and Kendall gathered for training in Memphis, TN in March.

Pictured top row left to right, Joe Davis, Log Davis, William Ellis

Pictured second row left to right, Ricky Dennis, Justin King, Nelson Velasquez

Service Anniversaries - April to June 2024

Congratulations to all of those celebrating a milestone anniversary this quarter!

Sean Williams

Aaron Wellborn

Agustin Colon Munoz

Albert Munyon

Alberto Campbell

Alexis Diaz Linares

Allen Johnson

Angel Quinones Medina

Anthony Toomes

Anthony Watson

Argenys Torres Aguilar

Ariel Baez

Austin Croft

Awilda Rivera

Billy Shelton Jr.

Brad Clark

Brandon Little

Brandon Shults

Brandon Suggs

Brett Eddings

Brian Davis

Bryan Newton

Bryan Stanford

Caleb Bolda

Charles Ellis

Christian Ramirez Acosta

Christopher Campbell

Christopher Hunt

Cody Modlin

Constantino Esparza

Courtney Lewis

David Kirks

David Simmons

Dayan Alvarez

Denim Vance

Derek Whetzel

Derick Miller

Desmond Gorrell

Devin Carter

Devin Kline

Devin Sherron

Donevin Johnson

Dora Jennings

Dustin Brooks

Dustin Davis

Dustin Love

Dusty Jacobs

Dylan Freeman

Dylon Stitely

Eden Rhodes Payne

Edward Johnson

Ernest Williams

Ethan Campbell

Ethan R Smith

Everette Capers

Francisco Diaz

Gumercindo La O Abreu

Harley Griffith

Henry Buie III

Jacob Plasky

James Godsey

Jamie Locklear

Jarod Jackson

Jason Carter

Jeison Peraza Delgado

Jeremiah Johnson

Jerry Hilliards

Jesse Cook

Jessie Mohnen

Joesph Loyd

John Mccray

John Norwood

John Villarreal

Johnny Shaw

Jonathan Cordova-Sanchez

Jordan Waller

Jose Lucatero Gomez

Jose Medina Contreras

Jose Quinones Medina

Joseph Dudich

Joshua Anderson

Joshua Compton

Joshua Martin

Julio Suris

Kaywon Branch

Kelly Lester

Kelvin Gunter

Kristian Rogers

Logan Campbell

Logan Hale

Marcos Hernandez Cardenaz

Mark Smith

Martin Richardson

Martin Rivera Acevedo

Matthew Deerman

Matthew Menser

Michael Hixson

Michael Kitterman

Indira Ensuar Linares

Joshua Fore

Mario Zamorano

Omar Guevara

Richard Mesimer

Sheri Marshall

Thomas Medley

Michael Tremblay

Moises Garcia Venegas

Nelson Velasquez Monterroso

Nickalos Lee

Paul Monaghan Jr

Paula Hunt

Payton Walker

Peter Glassburner

Raul Esquijarosa Plasencia

Raymond Hodge

Richard Roberson

Ricky Dennis

Robert White

Roberto Alvarez Espinosa

Ronald Trujillo

Shana Watts

Skylar Hobbs

Stephan Tuttle

Steven Franks

Terell Parker

Terrill Street

Timmy Reed

Timothy Watts

Tristan Carson

Tristan Meeks

Tyler Campbell

Tyler Garrett

Tyler Little

Wesley Sparks

Yunior Luciano Arias

Zachary Presnell

Zuleima Santamaria