The Recoiler - March 2018

March I Vol 68 I 2018

Mill Steel & DABSJ Named Finalist in the WOOD TV8 2018 Connecting with Community Awards!

Community segment with Eva Aguirre Cooper during 24 Hour News 8 in the near future. We will keep everyone posted on when the story will air so you can tune in! Furthermore, our efforts will be recognized at the Connecting with Community Awards Celebration on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at the Grand Rapids We are excited to announce that the Art Museum. collaboration of Mill Steel and D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s has been named one of eight finalists in the Tenth Annual Connecting with Community Awards for the Youth In Business program. Nominations are judged on how effective the organizations are at collaboratively working together to solve a problem or community based goal.

Nominees are also judged on how well their efforts reach the community. Two additional factors taken into consideration are the uniqueness and overall im- Amanda Massar (far left) and Marie Peterson (middle) pact of the collaboration. smile for the camera with their mentees.

Thank you to all the mentors past and The Youth In Business partnership will be featured in a Connecting with present that have selflessly given their time to help the youth in our community. This program would not be as successful without all of your help and we appreciate you!

Theresa Rigoni and her mentee, James, practicing job interviews.

Kaylie Newville and her mentee, Jasmyn.

Article by: Amanda Allspach

INDEX 2 Associate Highlight: Jerry Gray 2

Monthly Business Brief: Interest Rates

3 Hello My Name Is 3 HR 101

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Let's Celebrate

4 Chili Cook-Off

4 Contest Corner

NORMS

& VALUES

People We believe in ourselves and trust one another.

Customer Satisfaction We will do everything necessary to meet the needs of our customers.

Accountability We are accountable to our customers and to eachother.

Quality Work Environment We will provide a challenging work environment.

Community We support our community needs.

Profit We will earn a reasonable profit to assure stability and security for ourselves.

Employee Empowerment We are empowered to do our jobs.

Quality and Continuous Improvement We believe in continuous improvement through the use of corrective action process.

Facilities We will have a clean, safe place to work.

Integrity/Ethics We will be honest and fair.

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Associate Highlight Jerry Gray, Outside Sales Representative

Jerry on the phone in the Melvindale office.

What is your role here at Mill Steel?

I market Mill Steel to the wonderful automotive world, which includes many tier one or tier two manufacturers. Someone once told me that I have to be crazy to deal with the automotive side of this business. I didn’t realize it then, but he was correct. However, I would not trade it for anything else.

I love it as much as I hate it, and that does sound crazy. The highs are great, the lows are dramatic, but the business is in my blood. I intentionally went from college right into this business.

What do you like best about your job?

I love making deals - it’s all about the next one and the next one. I know steel and the manufacturers well. Many of our customers have become my good friends. Doing business with people that you like is rewarding and can make your job a little more enjoyable and fun.

Where are you from, and who makes up your family?

I was born in Michigan and grew up on Grosse Ile, an island 25 miles south of Detroit (and yes it has a bridge to the mainland). I moved away when I became a foreign exchange student in Paris, Madrid, and Rome.

How do you define success and how do you measure up to your own definition?

Success is happiness and happiness is being successful.

What is one of your favorite quotes and why?

“The CRU is the gift that just keeps on giving” – the honorable, Carl Quenneville What job would you be terrible at?

Being a doctor - I hate needles, the sight of blood, and whiners.

Jerry (far left) fishing with friends in Florida.

Jerry relaxing after a day of racing at the Indianapolis Race Park.

What are you interested in that most people wouldn't know?

Professional Offshore Powerboat Racing. Racing over a 150 mile rough water course at over 100 mph. It is another one of those love/hate deals, I love the adrenaline rush, but hate the pain the next day.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Radio. I once had a phone interview with the radio station WJR. They liked my voice and had me come in to record some commercials. I met a lot of great people, but steel was my vice and sitting in an enclosed studio for hours was not as fun as I thought it was going to be.

Article by: Amanda Massar

F e b r u a r y Mo nth ly Business Br ief: Rising Interest Rates

Marc Rabitoy presented on the impacts of rising interest rates for February’s Monthly Business Brief.

He explained that due to the global recession in 2008/2009, interbank transfer rates were at an unprecedented level. With an upturn in the economy, the “days of near zero interbank rates are over.”

With increasing interest rates, the cost to hold inventory will continue to rise. This will not only impact Mill Steel, but the industry as a whole. Marc cautioned everyone to keep a close eye on the terms set forth in our purchase orders, as to limit the impact of increased interest rates on our carrying costs.

Article by: Taylor Keefer

Name: CHase Canning Location & Department: Grand Rapids / Tech Services

our Mill These individuals are recent additions to them to ng omi welc in us join se Steel family. Plea the team!

Articles by: Tina Mattias

Name: Andrew Maclean Location & Department: Grand Rapids / Inside Sales Intern Andrew is currently a freshman at Grand Valley State University, studying Supply Chain Management. He grew up in Hartland, MI, but would love to visit Hawaii and the historic Fenway Park in Boston. He enjoys playing baseball, football, and basketball. Andrew has three pets, an 18-year-old Calico cat named Sandy, a 4-yearold white Lab named Toby, and an 8-year-old English Setter named Bandit. His favorite place in Michigan is downtown Detroit because he loves Ford Field, Comerica Park and Little Caesar’s Arena. He’s also fluent in German!

Name: David Wodek Location & Department: Grand Rapids / Purchasing David is from Cheboygan, MI, and graduated from Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie before moving to Grand Rapids. Some of David’s hobbies include snowboarding, watching sports, playing video games, and attending concerts. His favorite season is summer because of the warmer weather that allows for outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, camping, and basketball. His favorite place in Michigan is Lost Lake in the Pigeon River State Forest, where he and his friends camp every summer.

Chase is originally from Greenville, MI, but now resides in Lowell, MI. In his free time, Chase enjoys playing disc golf, tennis, and attending Griffins or Red Wings games. His favorite season is winter because he enjoys skiing and snowboarding. His favorite place in Michigan is the city of Grand Rapids, because the abundance of quality breweries and restaurants. Chase recently got engaged in January on a cruise in the Caribbean!

Name: Curtis Allen Location & Department: SSP Jeffersonville / Shipping Curtis has a large family consisting of his 83-year-old father, two older sisters, a younger brother, and three nieces. His favorite hobby is fishing and eating some good home cooked fried chicken. He has worked in the warehouse industry for many years, and joins his brother James Allen, who also works in the plant.

Name: Evan Bennett Location & Department: Jeffersonville / Operator Evan joins the team in the Jeffersonville Plant. He loves that he works with family!

He enjoys spending time with his family and friends and his two dogs, Alfie and Colt, who are both Weimaraners. His hobbies include playing games and building cars.

Name: AJ Gullet Location & Department: SSP Jeffersonville / Shipping AJ joins the SSP team at the Jeffersonville Plant. He frequently spends time with his parents and his 10-month old German Shepherd (who’s a little crazy!). When he has some free time, he takes advantage of a beautiful weekend afternoon by playing a round of golf. When it’s not as beautiful outside, he watches football and cheers on Notre Dame while eating some of his favorite chicken wings.

HR 101 With Sam Trierweiler: Mill Steel 2018 Wellness Program Have you scheduled your annual preventive physical yet? Do not delay as it can often take several months to get an appointment. If your doctor is not able to get you scheduled before the July 31st deadline, consider asking if a Nurse Practitioner or a Physician's Assistant would be available to complete your physical instead. Mill Steel cares about your health and strives to provide resources to help you live better, both inside and outside of work. Schedule your physical early to take advantage of incentivized insurance premiums in 2019!

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Perry!

Congratulations to Spencer Perry and his wife, Alyssa. They tied the knot February 17th at Mayfair Church in Grand Rapids, MI where both Alyssa’s parents and grandparents were married. The reception was held at The Bluff on 28th St. They honeymooned in Riviera Maya, Mexico for a week of relaxation and enjoyment after all their hard work planning and organizing the big day. Mill Steel wishes you both the best of luck and happiness in your future together!

Article by: Tammy Root

Chili Cook-off Results There were 10 entries this year with a wide variety of flavors. Thank you to everyone that submitted a chili and congratulations to our Chili Cook-Off winners!

The Three Winners: • 1st Place: Tammy Root - Boilermaker Tailgate Chili (#5) • 2nd Place: Kristin Cole - Zesty Chicken Chili (#9) • 3rd Place: Tie between Amanda Allspach Creamy Chicken Chili with Bacon (#4) and Shelby Kipp - Warm Your Soul Chili (#1)

Article by: Tammy Root

Weight Loss Results Thank you to everyone that participated in the New Year - New You Weight Loss Challenge. Mill Steel wishes you all well on your continued journey to good health. Our group lost a total of 127.6 lbs.!

Male & Female Top 3 for Weight Loss %: MALE DIVISION

1st place: Colby Gregg 2nd place: Ben Fales 3rd place: Larry Tiffany

FEMALE DIVISION

1st place: Tammy Root 2nd place: Theresa Rigoni 3rd place: Alissa Duba

Lost or maintained weight (honorable mentions): Aaron Dehn, Amanda Massar, Andy Knaus, Brian Holzgen, Ian Fraser, John Pace, Kelly Steele, Kristi Hagyard, Kristin Cole, Leslie Peterson, Marie Cole, Mark Etherton, Mark VandeKieft, Matt Bailey, Molly Steele, Nick Gagnon, Russell Werra, Ryan Deur, Sharon Warner, Shelby Kipp, Sherry Poll, Tim VanWingerden, Tina Mattias.

Julliana Sandra Mann Congratulations to Larry Czajkowski on the birth of his newest grandchild, Julliana Sandra Mann! She was born on February 8th, 2018 weighing in at 7 lbs. 15 oz. and was 22” long. Her mom and dad, Jeremy and Jennifer, are doing well adjusting to their new lifestyle, along with their dog Cocoa. This is Larry’s second grandchild. Welcome to the Mill Steel team, Julliana!

Article by: Tammy Root

Let’s Celebrate M a rc h

Anniversaries Luther Burton Nicholas Wurtsmith Marie Peterson Natalie Fowler David Romine Chris Bertram Jason Meads Jacob Wood Noel Jajou Alissa Duba La Von Cooper Kody Reynolds Jacob Foley

Birthdays

1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 4 6 6 7 7

10 Or More!

Warner Jr. Warfield Ekoue Aboussa Carl Smith John Parshall

10 10 10 13

Christopher Paige David Samrick Megan Gillespie Brian McFarland Dorothy Jones Michael Tomasaitis Austin Burns Darrell Henderson Aaron Martinez Evan Bennett Pam Heglund Julian Ruemenapp Demarcus Kelley Steven Henderson Gabriel Mendoza Richard Fetterly Emily Phillips Warner Jr. Warfield Andrew Knaus Cecil Dale Kelley Jarrod Zelinski Stephen Breaseale Jonathan Newsome Branden Braun Michael Zimmerman Brandon Jackson

Contest Corner

Featured in this month’s contest corner is a riveting edition of Name That Song. A keen ear, quick hand, and a wealth of music knowledge were the winning characteristics needed for the event.

Teams were tasked with listening to songs, identifying the artist and song name, and buzzing in with the correct answer first.

Team Roy Todd, comprised of Amanda Massar, Sara Zimmer, Matt Bailey and captained by music savant Casey VerStrate, took home the big win with an outstanding score of 18 correct answers! The podium rounded out with the second place team, Rock Of Ages (Mark Etherton, Josh Ketchum, Megan Donovan, Marie Peterson) and the 3rd place squad, Pitch Don’t Kill My Vibe (Kelly Steele, Tyler Uhazie, Theresa Rigoni, and Emily Phillips).

All proceeds from the contest will be donated to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. Be sure to keep an eye out for the next contest corner when we’ll be shooting hoops!

Article by: Zach Lee

Left to right: Matt Bailey, Sara Zimmer, Casey VerStrate, and Amanda Massar.