The Spotlight - August 2021

AUGUST 2021

THE SPOTLIGHT Employee Newsletter

IN THIS NEWSLETTER: Message from Mike

SAFETY ZONE Driving Progress on Journey to Zero Innovating to Reduce Injuries

Welcome to The Spotlight, where we stay connected with news on your contributions to our company, communities, and each other and the progress we are making in advancing our strategic business initiatives.

We proved that ZERO is an obtainable safety goal with ZERO lost-time injuries companywide in the month of June.

This success was the perfect lead into "Safe Technician Appreciation and Recognition" (STAR) week August 9-13. The entire leadership team spent the week in the field celebrating our techs with events, contests, and gifts. It was great to get the opportunity to thank you in person for your commitment to living the Safe-Life and for the important work you do every day to protect our customers' infrastructure and our communities.

Green Beans & Ice Cream

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION Career Paths Digging Our Techs 25 Years of Dedicated Service

CUSTOMER PARTNERSHIPS Investing in Our People New Storm Response Service Winning New DOT Business

Let's stay focused on our Journey to ZERO and the advancement of our business initiatives to finish the year strong and all share in the success we achieve together!

TEAMMATE TIME

Stay safe, Mike Ryan

STAR Week

Employees Impacting Communities Looking up to Locators

SAFETY ZONE WEST TEXAS – NEW MEXICO DISTRICT DRIVING PROGRESS ON OUR JOURNEY TO ZERO Our 811 West Texas – New Mexico District’s Las Cruces and El Paso crews are making tremendous progress on our Journey to Zero.

El Paso Team

Las Cruces Team

District Manager Jeramy Comyford attributes this success to the commitment of Las Cruces Supervisor James Fratzola and El Paso Supervisor Pedro Lopez to coaching, riding along with technicians, leading by example, promoting accountability, and making safety personal.

He also commends the teams for their consistent engagement in Safe-Life culture through innovative Tailgate Talks, identification of A3 hazards, and use of Time Out Authority as needed. Great job by all - keep moving ahead on our Journey to Zero!

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REDUCING INJURIES THROUGH INNOVATION IN WEST FLORIDA The West Florida Safety Committee designed a cantilever hook for removing handhole/manhole lids with the goal of reducing muscle strains and injuries by 50%.

The innovation was motivated by injuries suffered within the district.

The majority of technicians throughout the company are required to open handholes/ manholes in the course of their work. The cantilever hook is designed to make this task easier and safer.

"The redesign of the chain cantilever hook was a collaborative effort led by the West Florida Safety Committee.

They assessed a hazard, analyzed the safest alternatives, and acted, utilizing resources throughout the company to create an effective design that will help protect our technicians from injury by lessening back strain."

Tom Karnowski, VP, Environment, Health & Safety

A prototype of the new design has been deployed in Florida, and early feedback indicates that the hook works great on handhold lids, while a few of the attachments are being redesigned to work better with manhole lids.

The cantilever hook at work.

The Cantilever Hook: Includes a built-in pry bar for breaking the vacuum seal of handhole/manhole lids

Reduces the amount of force required to open a handhole/manhole by 67%

Incorporates an adjustable chain length, making it easier to achieve a better lifting angle

Is your safety committee working on something impactful? Tell us about it at marketingteam@usicllc.com or safelife@usicllc.com.

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USIC INTRODUCES STORM RESPONSE SERVICE USIC 811 Operations is now offering storm response service for our customers. When a tropical storm or hurricane strikes, customers can request additional storm response resources to be expedited to the area as soon as safely possible.

WE DIG OUR TECHS!

Upon this request, our Storm Response Team will develop a comprehensive plan of action for supporting recovery efforts, which includes coordination of supplies, logistics, and communications by our centralized support team. We are in the process of finalizing our Storm Response Team roster of qualified technicians and supervisors committed to being called upon to deploy to affected areas as needed for one year, based upon availability.

“Our new Storm Response Team will be prepared to mobilize quickly and effectively to meet our customers’ critical needs for the restoration of services,” Chris Shepherd, Vice President, Quality Operations, stated. “We had a tremendous response to the call to join the Storm Response Team roster. I want to thank everyone who expressed interest in being part of this initiative to provide an additional level of service to our customers and our communities.”

If you have questions on our new storm response service, please contact chrisshepherd@usicllc.com.

The New Jersey District sup group came together for lunch to celebrate Senior Technician Timothy Lowich’s transfer to Georgia (front right), Senior Technician Stephen Wien’s recognition as the district’s April MVP (front left), and the entire team’s hard work and dedication.

On behalf of the entire USIC team, our field leadership is spreading the message of how much we "Dig Our Techs" with gestures of recognition and appreciation.

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GREEN BEANS & ICE CREAM Immediate feedback has been positive. “I especially liked the way Mr. Sims broke down how to relate to millennials. His advice showed almost immediate, positive results,” Phoenix Supervisor Troy Parsley commented. "Green Beans & Ice Cream is a recipe for behavior change that can be used in your personal life, as well as professionally."

More than 700 field supervisors and managers had the opportunity to attend 13 workshops by renowned safety leadership author and motivational speaker Bill Sims. Mr. Sims’ book Green Beans & Ice Cream teaches leaders how to achieve changes in behavior through positive reinforcement.

Once field leaders have had time to fully implement what they have learned, they will share feedback on how the use of positive reinforcement is driving improvement of safety and quality.

Rich Adams, Regional Director, East Central Operations, explained that what was learned in the workshops has been used to uplift, develop, support, and grow team members, “pumping up the volume on recognizing, rewarding, and appreciating our folks, which has included tailgates, one-on-one meetings in the field, and opportunities for recognition within the region and companywide.” As a result, Rich has witnessed improved morale.

“We are in this together, heads down, engaged with our people and in the fight, while saying thanks along the way.”

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EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

CAREER PATHS Central Georgia Supervisor Neal Mala began his career with USIC as a technician in 2015 and was promoted to supervisor in 2020. His crew covers a part of downtown Atlanta, one the district’s most difficult areas.

Neal’s leadership has been a driving force of the transformation of the group into one of Central Georgia’s highest performers in quality, safety, and retention.

In 2020, Neal’s first year as a supervisor, his crew lowered their damages per thousand locates (DPT) 23% and have further reduced them by 44% in 2021, with zero damages in May 2021.

They also excel at safe driving, achieving one of the district’s lowest dangerous events per hour (DEPH) rates every month. In addition, Neal has had only one voluntary resignation in 2021. “His team loves working for him,” according to Central Georgia District Manager Kevin Gossett.

“There will be obstacles.

There will be doubters, and there will be mistakes,” Neal encourages, “but with hard work, there are no limits.”

Neal grew up alternating between St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, where he was born, and Queens, NY, until he moved to Georgia when he was 16, where he now lives with his wife Jessica. He enjoys troubleshooting difficult-to-locate gas lines while at work and working on cars and playing video games in his free time.

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Rochester, NY Supervisor Christie Battles began her career with USIC as a technician in 2019.

Within a year, she left to locate for another company but returned after not feeling challenged and missing her USIC family. Two months later, she applied for an open supervisor position and was promoted.

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF SERVICE Master Technician Ron Dilullo of Akron, OH recently celebrated his 25th anniversary as a USIC employee. District Manager Melvin Henson describes Ron as a great locator who is passionate about what he does.

"Christie took over a very large crew, the busiest in the Upstate New York District, and has shown great leadership and received positive feedback from excavators," District Manager Gabriel Lawlis stated. "Her eagerness to learn, take-charge attitude, and great rapport with her team led me to select her for the supervisor role."

"I have managed to gain the trust of contractors and am in the field daily working side by side with my locators, supporting them," Christie described. "Every day is a new challenge and an opportunity for me to advance locating techniques and ensure safety and quality. I enjoy locating and the importance of our role in the community and plan to continue my career with USIC for a very long time!"

Originally from Texas, Christie has been in upstate New York for eight years. She enjoys shopping and working in her yard.

“I appreciate every way that his passion shows itself,” Melvin said. “It reminds me of his dedication to his coworkers, our customers, and our community, and, most importantly, to his family, whom he adores. He is a great husband and father.”

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CUSTOMER PARTNERSHIP

INVESTING IN OUR PEOPLE AND THE FUTURE OF USIC $15 MILLION in state-of-the-art technologies, equipment, and data analytics: Routing technology Digitizing and streamlining of customer transactions Digital locating

$20 MILLION in hiring technicians to: Respond to high volume Ensure adequate staffing levels and full competency for Dig Season Introduce new benefits, recognition programs, and career development initiatives

$80 MILLION in our fleet to increase capacity, improve reliability and safety performance, and enhance the work environment for our frontline field operations

USIC is committed to ongoing investment in our people, training, equipment, and technologies. Since the beginning of 2020, we have invested:

$10 MILLION in additions and enhancements to training for field operations frontline and leadership: Enhanced new-hire training more hands-on learning in the field Enhanced refresher training for tenured technicians and new remedial training Introduction of leadership training for field supervisors Increased field training staff to focus on training gaps

Investments of more than $125 million have been made to keep us competitive in the evolving marketplace, provide our employees with resources to do their jobs safely and effectively, and offer long-term career opportunities.

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OUR TECHS ARE KEY TO IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE DOTS State, city, and municipal departments of transportation (DOTs) often face challenges when utilizing internal staff for locating: Staffing limitations and inability to dedicate personnel to this critical function Inadequate or lack of facility mapping Insufficient training and locating experience

These challenges often result in inefficiencies, high costs, damages, and safety hazards for their staffs and communities. DOTs allocating internal resources for locating can benefit significantly from partnering with USIC. Our dedicated, professional locate technicians are typically already marking a DOT’s tickets for other customers, which enables us to perform the DOT’s locates more efficiently, cost effectively, accurately, and safely while limiting its liability. In addition, our Utility Solutions Division can provide the DOT with utility mapping services to improve the accuracy and efficiency of locates and assist with asset management.

If you are aware of an opportunity for USIC to serve a DOT struggling to protect its infrastructure and community with locating performed by internal staff, reach out to your District Manager or directly to our Sales Team at sales@usicllc.com.

Our technicians are a valuable resource for identifying DOTs facing the challenges of locating with internal staffing. Your unique perspective from the field, witnessing a DOT’s locate performance day in and day out, can be key to identifying opportunities for partnership and developing tailored solutions that help us win the business.

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TEAMMATE TIME OFFICE INVASION When District Manager Ed Opio showed up to work one Monday morning, he found that a family of racoons had wreaked havoc over the weekend at USIC's South Plainfield, NJ office. Animal Control was contacted to safely remove the unwelcome guests.

I WANT TO BE A USIC TEAM MEMBER, JUST LIKE DAD! Central Indiana Supervisor Aaron Sample and his girlfriend Emily Edwards gave the perfect first birthday gift to Central Indiana Field Auditor Zach Sims’ son Beau. Emily customized this cool ride for Beau to be like his dad’s, hand painting the logos and bumper. Thanks to Emily’s talent and role models Zach and Aaron, Beau is a USIC team member in the making.

LOOKING UP TO LOCATORS South Wisconsin Technician 4 Jason Hibbs was locating and training new teammates when little Max came out of his house dressed in a safety vest, equipped with his tools, and ready to help. Jason gave Max some flags to place in his yard, and Max's mom got some pictures of Max on the job. Thank you, Jason, for taking the time to make a little locator's day!

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USIC TEAMMATES COACH YOUTH ON FOOTBALL AND LIFE SKILLS

James and Ken are proud to have coached top high school prospects, many of whom have gone on to play in college and the NFL, including Marshon Lattimore of Ohio State and the New Orleans Saints, Chris Worely of Ohio State and the Cincinnati Bengals, and Cordale Jones of Ohio State and the Buffalo Bills.

Akron, OH Expert Technicians James Moore and Ken Albert met 15 years ago while coaching youth football. They became friends with a shared vison of helping inner city kids succeed in life. In 2015, they began their own non-profit youth football organization, Glenville Elite, in the inner city of Cleveland, OH. Glenville Elite teaches young men ages five to 15 the fundamentals of football, sportsmanship, self-discipline, and how to care for their physical and mental health.

James Moore with his players

James Moore (R) and Ken Albert (L)

The organization helps its players succeed academically with study tables and tutoring, empowers them to recognize their talents, provides a strong sense of community, and finds resources for opportunities.

In 2018, the Cleveland City Council recognized Glenville Elite for outstanding performance and community involvement, and several of their teams have won youth football national championships.

Thank you, James and Ken, for donating your time and talent to being role models who make a positive impact on the lives of young men! USIC is proud to donate $500 to Glenville Elite in support of the difference you are making in our community.

Ken Albert (L) and James Moore (R)

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TEAMMATE TIME

THE ROLE OF A LIFETIME USIC 811 Operations’ Oregon District Manager Sean Crosby transformed into Bob the Builder for Dozer Day, May 15-16 in Ridgefield, WA. The annual event is an immersion into a construction experience which raises funds for the nonprofit Nutter Family Foundation that supports children’s charities and opportunities for children to develop their talents.

The Oregon Utility Notification Center partnered with natural gas distributor NW Natural to stage a dig site, complete with an excavator ready to dig. Bob the Builder was there to make sure that 811 was called before digging began.

Sean volunteered to participate in the skit put on for families driving through the site.

“Because it was about 90 degrees, maybe 100 or more in full costume, I took turns with another gentleman – one hour on and one hour off for eight hours both days,” Sean described. “It was an incredible event!”

Thank you, Sean, for sweating it out to teach the community about the importance of calling 811 before you dig to stay safe!

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STAR (Safe Technician Appreciation and Recognition) Week is all about showing you, our techs, how much we value and appreciate your hard work and dedication to protecting infrastructure and our communities. It was a great week filled with opportunities to come together and celebrate you.

Remember that appreciation and recognition are not limited to STAR Week. Let’s all strive to support our techs and let them know every day how grateful we are for them and the work they do.

Keep the STAR Week vibe alive!

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THANK YOU FOR READING THIS EDITION OF

THE SP TLIGHT Do you have any comments, questions, or ideas? We would love to hear from you!

E-mail Marketing at marketingteam@usicllc.com