Viega Views and News - July 2015

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VIEGA VIEWS &NEWS EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER

Celebrations and Happenings pg. 2 Viega National Sales Meeting pg. 4 Community Outreach pg. 6

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V I E G A’ S RUN4AREASON 7/20/2015 11:19:43 AM

V I E G A A N D

I N N O V AT I O N S

F I R S T S

Metals With Viega ProPress® Viega was the first to bring copper press technology to the U.S. Viega was the first manufacturer to have the Smart Connect® feature which identifies unpressed fittings Viega was the first to have large size press fittings in copper and stainless sizes from 2" to 4" Viega MegaPress® was the first press fitting systems for both hydronic and gas in black iron with different sealing elements for applications beyond potable water Viega was the first manufacturer to have CuNi press fittings in inventory and available in the U.S. market for marine systems

Plastics Viega invented the Viega ManaBloc®, a homerun water distribution system Viega was the first to manufacture Viega FostaPEX®, a PEX-Aluminum-PE piping product for potable water and radiant heating or cooling applications in the U.S. Viega was the first manufacturer to offer a versatile fire protection polymer mounting bracket Viega was the first manufacturer to provide a single fitting press solution between copper and PEX Viega was the first manufacturer to offer a polymer PEX Press fitting with a Smart Connect feature

Heating and Cooling Viega was the first to create Viega Climate Mat, a radiant mat that is customized and pre-engineered to your specific project

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C E L E B R A T I O N S

A N D

H A P P E N I N G S

RICK BURRIS RETIREMENT Congratulations to Rick Burris, who retired from Viega after a 27-year career! He worked for Vanguard Piping Systems as a regional manager for sales, and when Viega acquired the business in 2005, Burris began working with national accounts. He retired in May as National Accounts Manager.

“It’s time,” he said. “I’m 66. Viega’s an awesome company.

I really enjoyed my time, not only here but with Vanguard.”

Based in Phoenix, Burris holds an Arizona commercial and residential plumbing and fire sprinkler license. Viega held a dinner for Burris on April 17 in Wichita.

Burris and his fiancée, Cathe, plan to travel during his retirement. He enjoys motorcycles, camping and RVs. Burris also plans to spend time with his son, daughter and three grandsons.

2 0 1 5 G R A D U AT E S Graduate Name Ben Ale-Ebrahim Jennifer Ale-Ebrahim Paige Anderson Zachary Anderson Arielle Marie Atkinson Michael Baker Sara Drouhard Kaitlynn Dunkel Paige Dunkel Peyton Folse Jessica Hatmaker Kayla Keener Tanner Klingensmith Dustin McCowan Ryan Melroy Jordan Norris DeShawn Pfeiff Alexandra Santoro Johnathan St. Aubin Damian St. Aubin Taylor Strange Jonathan Tadema Nicole Tarcha Allysia Torres Mariah Wedel Cassidy Wedel Kaitlyn Woodward

Employee’s Name Bob Ale-Ebrahim Bob Ale-Ebrahim Joel Anderson Joel Anderson Ted Atkinson Liz Williams Laurie Drouhard Shirley Dunkel Shirley Dunkel Ken Folse Matt Hatmaker Michael Hanney Jill Klingensmith Katrin McCowan Gary Melroy Paul Switzer Dennis Pfeiff Lino Santoro Lisa St. Aubin Lisa St. Aubin Corry Bena Dan Tadema Joel Tarcha Melissa Torres Kim Smith Kim Smith David Erickson

Relationship Son Wife Daughter Son Daughter Son Niece Granddaughter Granddaughter Daughter Daughter Daughter Son Husband Grandson Daughter Son Daughter Son Son Daughter Son Daughter Daughter Daughter Daughter Daughter

School University of Kansas University of So. California Assumption College, Worcester, MA Emerson College, Boston, MA Arbor View High School, Las Vegas, NV Kansas State University Benedictine College, Atchison, KS North High School, Wichita, KS Enid High School, OK Lakeshore High School, LA Century High School, OR WireGrass College, GA Canton-Galva High School, KS Wichita State University, KS McPherson High School, KS Heritage High School, Brentwood, CA Moundridge High School, KS Carroll University, WI Owens Community College, OH Derby High School, KS McPherson High School, KS University of Washington at Bothell, WA Steamboat Springs High School, CO McPherson High School, KS McPherson College, KS McPherson High School, KS University of Illinois at Chicago, IL W W W . V I E G A . U S 7/20/2015 11:19:48 AM

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Q U A R T E R

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SUPERIORITY WINNERS Corey Buck Kansas Distribution Center

Trevor Gill Kansas Distribution Center

Greg Hedrick Traffic Department

Kris Houston Georgia Distribution Center

Kyle Nelson Kansas Distribution Center

Michael Reimer Canadian Sales

Kim Smith F, V & M

Bryce Thiessen Kansas Distribution Center

NEW EMPLOYEES NAME Jacob Demars Tina Dunn David Erickson Mark Fasel Kassie Kantukule Karl Kruse Kristin Marlett Andrea McDonald Dan Meredith Aaron Minellono Sheri Naegele Nathan Nutter Zachary Packard John Puffer Cody Starkel Xzavier Torres Michael Torto Selina Touhey Megan West Cody Wood Teresa Wrench

BUSINESS UNIT Tech Support HPA DC Midwest Region Codes and Standards Customer Relations Business Process Sales & Marketing Administration Great Lakes Region Network & Systems Finance F, V & M 3rd Shift PureFlow 3rd Shift Central Region F, V & M 1st Shift F, V & M 3rd Shift Radiant Sales Business Process Administration Product Mgt - H&C F, V & M 1st Shift

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DEPARTMENT Technical Services Logistics Field Sales Technical Marketing Customer Services Information Technology Marketing SCO Operations Field Sales Information Technology Accounting Administration Manufacturing Manufacturing Field Sales Manufacturing Manufacturing Radiant Sales Information Technology MI Administration Product Management Manufacturing

S E R V I C E M I L E S T O N E S

25

YEARS OF SERVICE

06/18/1990 - Joyce Marlett

20

YEARS OF SERVICE

04/10/1995 - David Secord 05/06/1995 - Deborah Rogers

15

YEARS OF SERVICE

04/17/2000 - Nathan Spearman 07/24/2000 - Dave Garlow 07/31/2000 - Tyra Collins

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YEARS OF SERVICE

04/04/2005 - Tom Keefe 04/06/2005 - Bonnie Mason 05/02/2005 - Denise Butler 06/06/2005 - Ted Atkinson 07/17/2005 - Mark Morris 07/20/2005 - Michael Crosby 07/24/2005 - Krista Robins

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YEARS OF SERVICE

05/17/2010 - Fred Fleming 05/17/2010 - Laurie Lesmeries 07/12/2010 - David Boswell 07/12/2010 - Justin Turner J U L Y

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7/20/2015 11:19:56 AM

C O M P A N Y

N E W S

V I E G A N AT I O N A L S A L E S M E E T I N G Viega’s annual National Sales Meeting took place April 19-21 in Wichita, KS, where more than 200 Viega sales professionals and VIPs learned about the company’s vision for the future while celebrating the success of the past year.

Product updates and sales tactics played a role in the sales meeting, with industry experts leading the charge during detailed break-out groups. A highly organized and well-attended event, many employees spend a great deal of time making this a worthwhile trip for attendees.

As part of the event, Viega also honored the 2014 Top Gun winners. They included Andrew Richards, New England region; Casey Blew, inside sales; Dave Logsdon, West region; Garry Miller, Southeast region; Jaime Gomez, Central region; Ryan Olsen, West region; Scott Rea, Northwest region; and Vaughan Latham, Midwest region. Congratulations to this year’s winners.

This year Viega was privileged to have Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honoré as the keynote speaker. Honoré led Task Force Katrina after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and is a senior scientist with The Gallup

Top Gun Winners pictured with Dave and Dalyn: Back Row: Dave Garlow, Dave Logsdon, Scott Rea,

Andrew Richards, Garry Miller,

Ryan Olsen, Dalyn Cantrell Front Row: Vaughan Latham, Casey Blew

and Jaime Gomez National Sales Meeting General Session: Dave Garlow and Heinz-Bernd Viegener are getting pumped up

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C O M P A N Y

N E W S

Organization and a CNN preparedness contributor.

According to his website, his goal is to create a “culture of preparedness” in the U.S. At the National Sales Meeting, Honoré signed copies of his new book, “Leadership in the New Normal: A Short Course.” Those interested in obtaining signed copies may contact Amy Meadows at Amy.Meadows@Viega.us or ext. 521.

A group of Viega employees at the National Sales Meeting took time to participate in Run4aReason, a 5K benefit run on Sunday, April 19. Matthew Allbritten, son of employee Tim Allbritten, earned

first place in the event with a time of 24:04.

Jim De Broeck, Jeff Gallagher and Keith Sayers tied for second with a time of 24:07. In the two-mile walk, Elizabeth Allbritten finished in 25:21, and Kenna Lobmeyer and Andi Lobmeyer completed in 26:53. Proceeds from the run benefited the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Run4aReason – runners, walkers, volunteers and spectators!

We look forward to another great National Sales Meeting in 2016.

National Sales Meeting General Session: Jorge Megias at the podium Winner of Viega’s 5K Run4aReason Race: Matthew Allbritten, son of Tim Allbritten, earned first place in the event

Working the Viega Run4aReason Event: Samantha Bloss and Sarah Pierce

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C O M M U N I T Y

O U T R E A C H

W O R L D P L U M B I N G DAY

An interest in plumbing is a family tradition for the Evans men. Mark Evans, Viega’s Director of Sales in Canada, believes in the importance of the industry.

His father was a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, and now his 10-year-old son, Beckett, has made a name for himself. Beckett won the grand prize this year in the World Plumbing Council’s World Plumbing Day International Poster Contest.

Beckett was named one of five finalists and then his father received word that he won the grand prize.

“He was completely surprised,” Evans said.

Beckett’s prize was $1,000 for his school, Eric Langton Elementary School, which will be awarded during an assembly.

He also received $100 for himself. Beckett is saving for a GoPro and will put his winnings toward that goal.

A L L SC H O O LS DAY PAR A DE This year’s All Schools Day parade in McPherson, KS included some Viega flair: a float featuring the company’s chopper from the Discovery Channel’s “American Chopper.”

The All Schools Day parade is an annual event that occurs each May to celebrate education. Jeramy Janzen, who works for Viega LLC in McPherson as a Quality Assurance Technician, drove the trailer with the float while other employees distributed candy to children and one sat on the chopper.

“We had an opportunity to put it in the parade, and we did – promoting Viega and community involvement,” Janzen said. “We’re trying to push to be more involved in McPherson and in Wichita.

Beckett Evans, son of Mark Evans, won the grand prize this year in the World Plumbing Council’s World Plumbing Day International Poster Contest.

The poster contest was promoted by the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada.

It’s a way to let people know we’re interested in being more than just the big building out by the interstate.”

After the parade, which lasted about two hours, the chopper was on display in the city’s fire station across from a kids’ obstacle course. Corey Unruh a MegaPress Supervisor, for Viega LLC in McPherson organized Viega’s display at the fire station.

“The town pretty much triples in size with the event,” Janzen said. “It’s a pretty big deal. It’s kind of like the homecoming for everybody. A lot of people make the trip back.”

Janeva D’Amico can be seen riding the Viega chopper as employees hand out candy to children.

S U P P LY C H A I N An exciting new program for families of Viega’s Supply Chain workers is planned for this fall.

A coloring contest will be held for grade school children, and an essay contest will be available to middle school and high school students. The topic of the essay, which will change each year, could range from leadership to bullying.

“The winners will be voted on by people in Supply Chain,” said Jeramy Janzen, Quality Assurance Technician.

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Winners will be awarded gift cards for school supplies.

The contest is another way to promote communication and family values, which are important aspects to Viega.

“We’ve done a few things to promote the company outside of Viega,” Janzen said, “and this is one of the things we’ve decided to do internally.

Hopefully there will be many things to come after these activities.”

Watch for details before the next school year!

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C O M M U N I T Y

O U T R E A C H

STEP UP FOR KIDS Our previous newsletter included information about Viega’s participation in a Wichita fundraiser, Step Up for KIDS. “KIDS” stands for Kansas Infant Death and SIDS Network.

Viega was a bronze sponsor for a 5K and memorial walk in April. Jeramy Janzen – Quality Assurance Technician – and his family take part each year. Janzen’s son, Connor Scott, died of SIDS on Aug. 31, 2006. He was almost 6-weeks-old.

Janzen expressed appreciation to Viega for supporting the fundraiser.

“I’m very grateful for what Viega donated this year,” he said. “It was great.”

The event raised approximately $19,000 and 300 to 400 people participated. Janzen said that every

few feet along the route, photos were posted of those who had died from SIDS. “You’ve got several hundred pictures to look through to find your kid,” he continued. “That was neat. I tend to get a little choked up when I’m out there just because you’re remembering your son and all that.”

The Janzens have been nominated as the ambassador family for the event next year.

They are honored to be among those considered for the recognition.

H A B I TAT F O R H U M A N I T Y H O U S E Viega LLC employees in Kansas and New Hampshire have been busy supporting Habitat for Humanity this spring.

The company donated about $7,500 in materials for a two-family project in Nashua, NH. That included items for the water piping, sprinkler system and gas piping.

In Wichita, KS, Viega donated $5,000 toward a Habitat for Humanity Build Day sponsorship. In addition, about 20 Viega employees helped build a house on May 29.

In addition to providing labor for a worthy cause, the day gives Viega employees from various departments a chance to become acquainted and work together.

They build a house and build relationships at the same time.

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Viega employees from Wichita and McPherson work on the Habitat for Humanity House for the Ross family in Wichita, KS. Albert and Rosie Ross are pictured at the far left.

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V I E G A

W I C H I T A

S O C I A L

C O M M I T T E E

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Viega employees bike to Old Town Square for fun and snacks over the lunch hour. (Pictured above from front to back) Seth Larsen, Laurie Drouhard, Alicia Alfaro, Andrea McDonald, Rachel Brown, Chris Frank, Chad Molen, John Costello, Jason Green, Sarah Green and Mary Fawcett.

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Viega sales team members received an education and some earned awards during Boot Camp in April.

Boot Camp, which provides training for sales team members, takes place at the Viega training facility in Nashua, NH. Those who attend learn about Viega products and sales skills. They give presentations and take quizzes and exams, and they are evaluated on various aspects of the curriculum.

The three-week course is available to Viega sales team members who serve regions in the United States, Canada or Mexico. Jason McKinnon, Director of Technical Services for Viega LLC, organizes and facilitates each Boot Camp.

“It gives them practical information as far as how to put all the technical information that we’re teaching them into effect when they go out into the field,” he said. “We’re trying to prepare them as best we can to do their jobs.”

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Viega employees seized the chance to spend time together, promote health and fitness, and help the environment on Bike to Work Day in May. The Wichita City Council proclaimed May as Bike Month, and Bike to Work Day included about 15 Viega employees who rode their bicycles to work.

They could enjoy free breakfast at one of six stations around town.

Chad Molen, Director of Operations at Viega LLC, was among the cyclists who took to the streets May 15th on Bike to Work Day. He said the number of Viega staff members who took part doubled from last year.

The Viega group biked to Old Town Square for lunch and enjoyed sandwiches, drinks and free items that were provided.

“None of the other companies, downtown especially, had any kind of a contingent like what we had,” Molen said.

Dave Garlow, Viega LLC CEO, has helped the company’s cycling enthusiasts work with the building lease holder in Wichita to open a room where bike racks will be placed. Employees who ride their bikes to work regularly may bring their bikes inside and secure them.

“It’s just to continue to encourage a friendly biking environment,” Molen said, “and hopefully more people will feel comfortable biking to work every day.”

McKinnon said 12 to 15 people usually attended Boot Camp. Back in 2007, he added, two Boot Camps drew almost 20 people apiece because of the number of sales team members Viega hired.

Five sales team members receive awards at each Boot Camp. This year’s winners, who are voted on by their peers at the Boot Camp, were Kevin Fox, leadership; Curt Bermel, team player; Andreas Adrian, most improved; Tom Keefe, most knowledgeable; and Jason Hansen, best presenter.

Viega team members attended Boot Camp in April 2015 in Nashua, NH

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