ISSUE 5, 2019
SAVE THE DATE Ozinga Townhall Dec. 5 Pg. 3 Welcome Energy New Hire Scott Winterroth!
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Here Comes the Merry Mixer!
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MESSAGE
JEFF
Autumn is my favorite time of the year. It is getting colder outside, and the trees will soon be changing colors. There is something about the fresh smell of fall that sparks motivation within me. It reminds me that another year will soon be coming to an end, and it also reminds me of all those summer projects I still haven’t finished. I’ve noticed a similar trend with our customers. As the end of the season quickly approaches, workloads increase, and there is almost an “all hands on deck” mentality. This is when teamwork is critical. Like many of Ozinga’s business units, my fleet group has worked really hard this year to make teamwork the focus of everything we do. Our motto has been, “No one is better than all of us together.” We have been working on building a foundation that understands that every coworker, company and region is an important part of the process. From the driver operating the truck, to the mechanic fixing the trucks, to the parts department ordering the parts for the mechanics, we all play a role in making Ozinga successful. We are all here for a reason and a purpose, and we all need each other to do our jobs.
NO ONE IS BETTER THAN ALL OF US TOGETHER
As we work to meet the needs of our customers, we need to exemplify teamwork. Not only because we have a job to do, but because when we work as a team, we can do that job better. When we come together in our thinking, planning, decision making and actions, our impact as a company is stronger. We can be more productive, more creative and probably have a lot more fun in the process. Ozinga is made up of many departments and teams, but we are still one company working toward a common goal—to make a positive impact on individuals, their families and the community for generations. I look forward to working toward that goal alongside each and every one of you these next few months so that we can finish the year that much stronger!
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Jeff Bonnema, Vice President Fleet Management
COWORKERS
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TOWNHALL
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THURSDAY, DEC. 5 @ 12:00 PM CST The fourth quarter Ozinga Townhall is taking place in Milwaukee, WI on Thursday, December 5 and will be livestreamed to specific locations. We encourage you to join your coworkers, if applicable, to view the Townhall. SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS: The Townhall is meant to be a two-way conversation. If you have questions for Marty to answer during the Townhall, please email them beforehand to internalcomms@ozinga.com.
If you are unable to watch it live, view it post-event at ozinga.com/townhall.
Ozinga Wins Illinois Family Business of the Year Award We were recently honored by the Family Business Center at Loyola University Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business, which recognizes companies with a strong commitment to both business and family – the kind of commitment we see in action every day at Ozinga. Ozinga was not only named as a Finalist in the Large Family Business of the Year Award category (companies with more than 250 employees) but also won the Dean’s Award, which “recognizes a business that excels in social enterprise, supply chain management or emerging markets.” To be selected among so many family-owned businesses is truly an honor. Our coworkers, customers and members of our community contributed to this recognition and we are excited to share this honor with all those involved—especially you, our coworkers.
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COWORKERS
PREVENTING FALLS As the cold weather approaches, be on the lookout for ice. Help protect our coworkers by shoveling and spreading salt. When walking on snow or ice, take small steps and take your time! Let’s get each other through this winter with zero slips, trips and falls. Questions? Email jeffemrick@ozinga.com
I LIKE GIVING:
PURPOSE AND BOOKS Recently, we welcomed Brad Formsma, best-selling author and founder of the nonprofit organization I Like Giving, to our Mokena office where coworkers joined in person or via a livestream to hear Brad discuss seven ways to live generously. We have free copies of Brad’s book, I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life, as well as his son Drew’s book, Everyday Generosity: Becoming a Generous Family in a Selfie World, available to interested coworkers.
If you would like a copy, please email internalcomms@ozinga.com.
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COWORKERS The Coworker Experience:
Everyone’s Responsibility Ozinga’s purpose to make a positive impact on individuals, their families and the community for generations is only accomplished through people. Human beings - those complex, messy, time-consuming creatures we work with each day. But while our coworkers may be complicated, our needs at work are relatively simple.
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We want to be connected to our team and to a purpose larger than ourselves. We want to know that our effort is meaningful, has an impact on others, and makes a difference.
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We want to feel appreciated and valued. We want our efforts to be noticed.
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We have an innate desire to be known and cared for. We are hard-wired for relationships with others. Life is hard, and we want to know someone else cares about our struggle.
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We want to know clearly what is expected of us. We want to do well and to be winners, so we want to know what we are supposed to do.
Take a look at the list again. At first glance, it may seem that it’s a list for managers to work on. The truth is, we all have a role to play in meeting these needs. Mechanics, plant operators, truck drivers, equipment operators, office workers, salespersons, dispatchers, laborers and more. We can all ask ourselves some questions:
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We want the opportunity to do things that give us energy and play to our strengths. Some things at work make us weary, but other things make us feel stronger. When we get the chance to do what we are best at, it puts wind in our sails.
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We want to grow. We are capable of learning throughout our lives, and learning gives us a sense of excitement and anticipation.
Do I make an effort to know and care for my teammates? Am I intentional about how my work impacts other people? Am I affirming and helpful in my interactions with others? Do I set a good example and encourage and appreciate those I work with? Do I make sure I know what is expected of me? Do I take advantage of opportunities to learn? If we each can answer yes, Ozinga will be well on our way to having the positive impact we want to have.
Hopefully, last month you had the opportunity to participate in Ozinga’s 2019 Coworker Experience Survey. It consisted of 13 questions designed to measure how well Ozinga lives out our purpose to have a positive impact. The survey results will give us insight into where we can do better. If you didn’t take the survey, you’ll have another opportunity in 2020 as we measure our progress. 5
COWORKERS Tips & Tricks: Out of Office Alert Image of the Month
If you use the Outlook app on your phone, you can create an Out of Office alert remotely. Here’s how: Click the Home icon in the top left. Select the Gear icon on the bottom. Select your ozinga.com email account. Select Automatic Replies Click the button to turn ON Automatic Replies
Montgomery Plant Construction
Cyber Safety - The Dangers of Phishing and Malware Knowing when you’re expecting an email makes it easier to defend yourself against phishing emails. Confirming with an executive, supervisor, manager, or fellow coworker about a suspicious email is always the safest bet as opposed to doing what the attacker asks and compromising your computer or Ozinga’s network. You can also call the HelpDesk with any suspicious looking emails and we can take a look!
A Peek at the Geeks: Meet Jim Teml | Security Analyst Since May 2018 What are three words to describe Ozinga? Traditional, family-oriented and friendly What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13? Remain ambitious and optimistic! What is one random fact that no one else knows about you? I have a piece of pencil lead stuck inside my chest.
What others are saying about Jim: What’s your favorite part of working with Jim? Jim’s eagerness to make our network secure, and his pursuit of new security exploits that we could fall victim to. Tell a short story about this team member. I once got a random text from my realtor; it was a picture of Jim. Apparently we use the same real estate agent. When you think of Jim, what is your first thought? The Gatekeeper 6
COWORKERS Congratulations to Ed Piontek on His Retirement Congratulations to Ed Piontek, Illinois South Driver, who retired from Ozinga after 17 years. Before joining Ozinga, Ed spent 22 years with ABC RAIL in Chicago as a rail crossings assembler, welder and CNC operator. In retirement, he is enjoying his renewed health, new relationships and riding his new motorcycle.
Congratulations to Rick Kehe on His Retirement Congratulations to Rick Kehe, Chicago Driver, who retired from Ozinga after 35 years. Before joining Ozinga, Rick worked as a driver for Meyer Materials. Wishing you all the best in your retirement, Rick!
Calling all Ozinga retirees! We want to hear your stories! If you have something you’d like to share in the upcoming newsletter, email internalcomms@ozinga.com or contact Kristi Munno at 708.326.4582.
IRS LAUNCHES TAX WITHHOLDING ESTIMATOR The IRS launched the new Tax Withholding Estimator, an expanded, mobile-friendly online tool designed to make it easier for everyone to have the right amount of tax withheld during the year. If interested, check out the Tax Withholding Estimator at irs.gov. 7
COWORKERS BUILDING OUR FUTURE: TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTS In the last newsletter, we introduced the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software projects. We’re happy to announce both have officially kicked off with their respective teams. For the CRM, we partnered with Salesforce and are working with GearsCRM to assist with the implementation. This platform will manage all company relationships/interactions with customers and marketing efforts, and it will make a positive impact on our coworkers by having one source of truth for sales and marketing efforts. For the ERP, we partnered with Microsoft D365 and are working with Stoneridge Software to assist with the implementation. This platform will have a back-office focus and will provide a foundation for all of our systems to seamlessly work together, streamline financial operations and support multiple functions.
BRUCE MITCHELL TAKES SECOND AT NRMCA COMPETITION Congratulations to Bruce Mitchell, Indiana West Driver, for taking second place at the National Ready Mix Concrete Association Driver Championship (NRMCA) held in Florida. Bruce earned his spot at the NRMCA competition after taking first place at the Indiana Ready Mix Concrete Association 11th Annual Mixer Truck Competition in June. The NRMCA competition consisted of two components: a written test and a driving skills test. The written test contained more than 90 questions while the skills test included courses such as the Tightest Turn Challenge, Backing Stop Challenge, Break an Egg Challenge, etc. Joe Garcia and Mike Conquest from the Indiana region attended the competition to cheer Bruce on against 96 other drivers. Great job, Bruce! 8
CUSTOMERS WELCOME ENERGY NEW HIRE, SCOTT WINTERROTH Ozinga Energy is in California! Over the last few years, we have been working to establish a location in Los Angeles, and we’re excited about the new relationships and opportunities this West Coast Office will offer Ozinga. To ensure this venture is a success, we hired field technician Scott Winterroth. Scott brings more than four years of experience in the CNG fueling field. He is currently settled in Mountain Center, California and services all over the West Coast—from San Diego, California to Walla Walla, Washington. Scott has been married for 20 years and has five children and three grandchildren.
F.C.C. Colored Stamped Driveway A job we recently supplied concrete for in Palos Park turned out so sharp we just had to share! John Dignin of ready mix sales snapped this picture of his client’s freshly finished stamped driveway. F.C.C. worked on the 26-yard multi-colored driveway with border and then topped it off with Ozinga High Gloss.
GARY CNG STATION NOW OPEN With the movement of fleets in Northwest Indiana towards alternative fuels, Ozinga Energy saw an opportunity for another public access compressed natural gas (CNG) station in Gary, Indiana. This station, located at Ozinga’s ready-mix yard, is easily accessible off of I-65 and close to I-80 as well. In addition to the public-facing fast-fill station for all CNG vehicles, there is a slow-fill station to support overnight fueling for our ready mix fleet. Jeff Bonnema, VP of Fleet Management, explained, “We believe providing fleets with more locations to fill will ease the transition into the alternative fuel market. So far, the response has been overwhelming and we have commitments from fleets outside of Indiana that will use our stations.” 9
COMMUNITY Upcoming
Touch-a-Truck Events & Parades Ozinga is participating in the following touch-a-truck events and parades. If you would like to see an Ozinga truck at a local event, reach out to Andy Escallier at andyescallier@ozinga.com or 708.326.4574. Beloit Area Community Health Center Trunk or Treat | October 24 | Beloit, WI Boo Bash | October 25 | Lincolnshire, IL Touch a Truck & Trunk or Treat | October 26 | Crestwood, IL Thanksgiving Day Parade | November 28 | Chicago, IL
Shipshewana, IN | November 9 Burr Ridge, IL | November 15 Mokena, IL | November 23 Naperville, IL | November 29 Merry Mixer Merrymaking Event | December 3 Whiting, IN | December 6 10th Ward Tree Lighting | December 7 Tinley Park, IL | December 8 Victorian Village | December 9 Peotone, IL | December 14
The Merry Mixer is coming back! To stay up to date with the Merry Mixer’s events, visit ozinga.com/merrymixer
Ronald McDonald House | December 15 Hickory Creek | December 17 Brookfield Zoo | December 21
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra Tickets Ozinga coworkers can enjoy 15% off single concert tickets online at ipomusic.org by using code OZINGAEMP15 at checkout. In addition, if you have a group of 7 or more, you can receive a group rate on gold seating (a 44% savings). If you are interested in group tickets, please contact the IPO directly at 708.481.7774. 10
COMMUNITY Driver Bill Wilkerson Makes Positive Impact As the frontline of Ozinga, our drivers are the biggest representation of our brand and our purpose. Illinois South Driver Bill Wilkerson recently made a positive impact on our community while out at a job in Tinley Park, IL. When he noticed young kids watching him work, he handed them some Ozinga coloring books. The mother of one of the kids was so impressed with his generosity that she shared pictures of her child coloring on our Facebook page. Thank you, Bill, for making a positive impact on this family.
OZINGA PARTNERS WITH TICKETSATWORK.COM Ozinga coworkers can take advantage of the discounts and perks available through TicketsAtWork.com. This cost-free benefit provides you access to thousands of exclusive travel and entertainment discounts, so you can make the most of your time away from work. To become a member: • Visit ticketsatwork.com and click Become a Member • Use company code Benefits4You or your work email to create an account
Discounts and Perks for Ozinga Coworkers Did you know that as an Ozinga coworker you get certain discounts for places like Smoothie King (Mokena) and Verizon? Here are a few places offering discounts to our coworkers.
Accelerate Indoor Speedway - Mokena - 10% Alonti Catering Kitchen - Chicago - 10% Culver’s - Mokena - 10% Nothing Bundt Cakes - Mokena - 10% Smoothie King - Mokena 10% Sprint - $5 off each line Verizon Wireless - Discount varies depending on data plan Which Wich - Mokena - 10% White Castle - Mokena - 10%
If you know of others, email internalcomms@ozinga.com so we can share them!
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