Boardtalk 2nd Quarter 2015 - Sierra Pacific Industries

BOARDTALK
second QTR. 2015
SUSTAINABLY
MANAGED
FORESTS
Growing Forests for our Future.
Made in the U.S.A!
Advancing
George Emmerson
Sierra Pacific is a growing company. We recently announced
that we will build a new sawmill in Shelton, Washington, and
we just finished rebuilding the Quincy large log mill. Last year
we purchased Hurd Windows and Doors in Wisconsin, and we
recently expanded our timberlands in WA. With that growth
comes opportunities for our crew members. For example, the
Hurd acquisition resulted in Bill Carroll being promoted to Millwork
Division Manager to oversee the additional sash requirements
for both of the wood window plants. Bill started at Sierra Pacific
as a floor manager in the Millwork Division. He now has a key
responsibility for helping to grow the Millwork and Window
Divisions and make sure our customers get the attention they need.
Most of our managers started in positions that didn’t require a high
level of operational or other management skills. Yet all moved
ahead within the company through their own desire to advance
their careers.
Curt Adcock was recently named Area Manager for all three,
and soon to be four, mills in Washington. He didn’t start at
the top; Curt’s first mill job was green chain. He progressed to
Superintendent and then Mill Manager at Chinese Camp and
then moved to Washington to help build the new Burlington mill.
Kendall Pierson became President of our Windows Division from
his first job doing cleanup. These are examples of what people can
accomplish when they put their mind to it.
Starting at a basic job level like cleanup doesn’t mean you can’t look
for other opportunities. It is common to see crew members going
beyond their basic job requirements to contribute to the success of
Sierra Pacific, a work ethic that goes back to my father. Whether it is
a forklift operator looking for ways to improve product storage, or a
millwright who finds a way to improve the flow of lumber through
a mill, these crew members are showing that they want to improve
Sierra Pacific. At the same time, they want to learn new skills and
watch for opportunities when they arise.
Each year we bring in students from forestry schools as part of our
timber inventory crew. We get a chance to see their work, and
they get a good understanding of what it is like to be part of the
Sierra Pacific team. Often, we hire these interns when they finish
college. For example, Dave Marshall (Timber Manager, Aberdeen
and Centralia), and Robert Hoover (Timber Manager, Lincoln and
Oroville), started their forestry careers as summer interns at Sierra
Pacific. Similarly, we have an electrician intern program in our
Fabrication Shop in Anderson drawing from our current crew
members who are interested in advancing into electronics.
I hope you view all of these examples positively, and think about
what you might want to do at Sierra Pacific beyond your current
position. We have many crew members who have the skills and
ability to take on greater responsibility. It is up to you to decide
what your career goals are, to work toward them, and to let your
supervisor know when you see an opportunity that interests you.
George
SIERRA PACIFIC
FOUNDATION
Growing Healthy Communities...
OVER $630,000
IN SCHOLARSHIPS
granted
SIERRA PACIF
FOUNDATIO IC
N
thy Com
Growing Heal
2015-2016
munities...
Scholarship
Awardees
Six Hundred
Thirty Thousa
nd**********
*********
630,000.00
Scholarships
Anderson, CA – The Sierra Pacific Foundation, the philanthropic organization founded by the
Emmerson Family, recently marked its thirty-sixth year in granting scholarships to dependent children of Sierra
Pacific Industries’ employees.
This year, an amount in excess of $630,000 has been awarded to 247 students as they attend colleges, universities and trade schools during the
2015-2016 school year. Qualified recipients are eligible for the scholarship for four years and are sometimes granted a fifth year based on their
school and their degree program.
“We believe that by helping these outstanding young people pursue their dreams and become tomorrow’s leaders, we are investing in the
future. Our family is very proud of this program,” said Carolyn Emmerson Dietz, Foundation President.
The Sierra Pacific Foundation was founded in 1979 and to date has donated over $5 million dollars in scholarships. In addition to scholarships,
the Foundation contributes to youth activities and other organizations in the communities where Sierra Pacific Industries operates. Sierra Pacific
Foundation is the main contributor for the Ida Emmerson Hospice House that is being built in Eureka, California with a total contribution of
$500,000 and has also made a $1 million contribution over five years to the One Safe Place shelter for victims of abuse in Redding, CA.
An Interview with a three time,
SP Foundation Scholarship awardee
Margarito Ibarra has worked at Sierra Pacific industries for over 10 years at our Windows Division in Red
Bluff. He and his wife established their family in Northern California 20 years ago where they raised their
two children Manny and Patty. Margarito is very proud to work at Sierra Pacific and thankful for how
the SP Foundation has helped his children. Both of his kids were awarded scholarships this year. Patty,
graduating this year from high school has been awarded her first scholarship to attend Butte College
and this is Manny’s third year as a Foundation scholarship awardee. Manny is the first person in his
family to attend college. We sat down with Manny to find out a little more about how the scholarship
process worked for him.
Margarito Ibarra
SPW Crew Member
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
Tell me about your parents?
I am very proud of my parents. They once had almost nothing, and they have managed to give my
sister and I almost everything. They both work very hard! My dad has always emphasized a strong
work ethic and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. I want to make them both proud.
Besides being a scholarship winner, did you also have summer jobs at SPI?
Yes, my first two summers while I was at junior college I worked at the Windows plant in Red Bluff
doing packaging in the standards department. This year I am an accounting intern at Red Bluff
Millwork. It’s very different to be working in an office instead of out on the line.
So tell me about the scholarship process.
At first it seemed like it would be hard work to fill out
but when I went online and read the application I found
it’s actually not difficult.
Q Did you come in for an interview for the scholarship?
A Yes, I was interviewed by committee members who were very nice and only asked me a few
questions.
Q How long did it take for you to fill out the application?
A About two weeks. I had to write a reflection letter about my family and get photos taken.
Q What about reapplying for your 2nd and 3rd scholarships?
A After the first year it is a shorter application.
Q Did you use the scholarship your first two years at junior college?
A Yes, it was a great way to take some general education classes while I decided my primary area of
study.
Q So where do you go to school now?
A I am a first-year accounting major at Chico State.
Q Any final thoughts?
My family and I are very thankful to Sierra Pacific and the opportunities that they’ve given us.
Manny Ibarra
SPI Summer Crew Member
BENE-Facts FAQ
3 Superintendent /
Managers promoted
to new Plant Managers
Frequently asked
Health Benefits Questions
Brad Gould,
Burlington, WA
Brad began his career with
Sierra Pacific in 2006 as a
supervisor at our Burlington
sawmill, moving to a
superintendent position in
2008. In 2012, he became
superintendent for the small
log mill in Lincoln, CA. Most recently, in 2013,
Brad became Manager of the company-wide
purchasing program. Brad has brought great
value to this area. Brad now has a desire to
return to the sawmill life and to his home state of
Washington.
Q If my spouse and I are no longer living
together, how long do I have to notify the
Health Benefits Department? A The Plan requires you to notify the Health
Benefits Department within 60 days of the
date that you and your spouse were no longer
living together full-time, became separated or
were legally separated. If you do not notify the
Health Benefits department within 60 days, your
spouse will lose his/her right to purchase COBRA
continuation coverage. You also will be required
to repay any claims paid after the date
your spouse was no longer eligible to participate in the Plan.
Q Is it really more expensive to get my lab work, x-rays, or physical
therapy at a hospital?
A YES! Services provided at a hospital are generally more than 5 times
the cost as services provided at a doctor’s office, urgent-care clinic,
laboratory or physical therapist’s office. It’s a good idea to talk with
your doctor about your options when he/she orders additional medical
treatment for you. Many times doctors do not know the additional cost
to you.
Q Can I use a different discount card or manufacturer’s coupon when
purchasing my prescription if it has a better discount than my
Caremark/CVS discount card?
A Absolutely – you can still submit your detailed prescription receipt (not
cash register receipt) for 80% or 60% reimbursement. We all have an
important role in keeping costs down for our Plan.
Q Who do I call if I have questions about my health benefits?
A The Health Benefits Department is happy to answer your questions,
please call (530) 378-8200.
Steve Carey,
Keystone, CA
Steve began his career as
a laborer with Mich-Cal in
Camino in 1993 and became
part of the SPI family when we
purchased the Camino mill in
1994. Steve has worked his
way up through the business,
seeking a variety of learning opportunities along
the way. He joined the Sonora crew in 2011
during the construction of the new mill where
he became the Superintendent. Steve will be
missed at Sonora but we are looking forward to
his managing the bark and chip production for SPI
in CA.
Darrin Moorcroft,
Centralia, WA
Darrin joined the Centralia
Sawmill Company in 2006
during their construction
and was an important part of
that operation when it was
purchased by Sierra Pacific
in 2007. Darrin moved from
supervisor to Superintendent in 2008. Darrin’s
move to Aberdeen as the Superintendent in 2012
helped round out that management team and
Darrin’s contribution at Aberdeen will be missed.
We are proud of these three individuals, who
through their hard work and dedication have
risen up through our Company into these
leadership roles. We place great value on this
type of internal advancement. We appreciate
the efforts they have taken in advance to prepare
themselves for the opportunity.
Not all details of these benefits are shown above. This summary is meant to highlight certain
benefits and Plan provisions. This summary does not replace the Plan Document or Summary
Plan Description. Please refer to these documents for details.
We know you will help us in congratulating Brad,
Steve and Darrin on their new responsibilities as
mill managers.
Congratulations Burlington Division!
Pictured is a portion of the day shift at the Burlington division celebrating four years without a lost time incident. Curt Adcock, now Washington
Operations Manager, credits the entire crew for truly adopting a safety culture; working together to ensure safety and efficiency.
Congratulations Oroville Division!
1 MILLION HOURS OF NO LOST TIME! What an impressive record, let’s keep it going!
Little Libraries
Sierra Pacific Windows division is proud to support
the Little Free Libraries created by the Shasta County
Woodworkers Assoc. SPW donates all the wood for
this group to not only create these libraries, but also
to teach woodworks through building birdhouses
with students at local schools.
The “Little Free Library” is part
of a nationwide movement to
promote reading by making
books more accessible to children.
The community libraries are filled
with books at various locations
around Shasta County.
Thank you to SPW for getting
involved!
Proceeded with
Caution
Robert Baker has been driving for SPI in
Washington since 2012. One morning, while
driving in the rain and fog, Robert saw something
ahead and proceeded with caution. It was a small
child sitting on the yellow center line! Robert set
the air brake, and the child jumped up and ran, but
Robert caught him. Robert’s cautious driving saved
this child!
A HUGE thank you to Robert and all our SPI drivers
for making SAFETY a first priority!
5 YEAR
CONGRATULATIONS!
ACHIEVEMENTS
Thank you for your continued support.
Glad to have you as part of our SPI family!
40 Years!
Bernardo Garibay
David Hendrich
Terry Navone
Donna Nowak
Sonora
Shasta Lake
Anderson Sawmill
Windows Medford
35 Years!
Mack Crawford
Mike McGrath
Rik Veblen
Tom Walz
Lincoln
Shasta Lake
Lincoln
Forestry
30 Years!
Richard Armstrong
Napoleon Avila
Rick Barrera
Lori Collins
Russell Foey
Ian Haney
Mark Jensen
Michael Larkee
Rick Northup
Jon Ward
Dawn Wudi
Todd Zimmerman
Richfield Millwork
Richfield Millwork
Richfield Millwork
Sales & Service
Red Bluff Millwork
Trucking
Windows Medford
Trucking
Richfield Millwork
Richfield Millwork
Windows Medford
Windows Medford
25 Years!
Edward Bartholomew
Bruce Bauman
Enrique Beltran
Paula Braudway
Jose Ceja
Gary Clark
Charles Dagen
Steven Dake
Ramona Eisner
Douglas Emmerich
Salvador Espinosa
Rorrie Estrada
Ezequiel Fuentes
Mary Hierlmeier
Nick Kroencke
Rico Manzo
Enrique Mendoza
Felipe Morfin
Joe Nelson
Scott North
DiAnn Rindt
Donald Schmidt
Robert Schreiner
Clay Seaman
Luann Steger
Dale Stokes
Jim Taddei
Julian VargasGuzman
Liz Wellington
Robert West
Forestry
Windows Medford
Red Bluff Millwork
Anderson Sawmill
Richfield Millwork
Red Bluff Millwork
Richfield Millwork
Windows Medford
Windows Medford
Windows Medford
Arcata
Anderson Sawmill
Red Bluff Millwork
Windows Medford
Forestry
Arcata
Richfield Millwork
Richfield Millwork
Trucking
Centralia Sawmill
Windows Medford
Windows Medford
Windows Medford
Red Bluff Millwork
Windows Medford
Quincy
Quincy
Richfield Millwork
Sales & Service
Red Bluff Millwork
20 Years!
Del Barnett
Ron Burch
Dave Dearman
Red Bluff Millwork
Lincoln
Quincy
Sarah Diehl
John Garagozzo
Kane Jones
Martin Lopez
Ernest Pires
Moises Ramirez
Kurt Rucker
Rick Smith
Kim Tiesen
Bob Tuck
Rich Wade
Chris Yancy
Sales & Service
Window Sales Fremont, CA
Arcata
Richfield Millwork
Trucking
Windows Red Bluff
Richfield Millwork
Anderson Sawmill
Forestry
Quincy
Forestry
Richfield Reman
15 Years!
Chad Arseneau
Bill Barnes
Willie Bivin
Bob Brown
Agustin Castro
Marty Condon
James Copeland
Michael Czerniak
Sandi Denlay
Gerald Helkey Jr
Mike Helt
Kirk Hewitt
Gary Hinz
Cajun James
Martin Jones
Nancy Jones
Michelle Kelley
Willie Kitchen
Jose Lopez
Joe Mansanalez
Ismael Medina
Salomon Meza
Alex Montero
John Phillips
Jorge Sanchez
Casey Smith
Cindy Snell
Clayton Swift
Darold Turner
Patricia Virden
Tammy Weir
Tim Wright
Forestry
Trucking
Shasta Lake
Richfield Millwork
Richfield Millwork
Windows Red Bluff
Lincoln
Windows Medford
Windows Red Bluff
Richfield Millwork
Quincy
Richfield Reman
Trucking
Forestry
Anderson Sawmill
Windows Red Bluff
Burney
Red Bluff Millwork
Chinese Camp
Lincoln
Richfield Reman
Red Bluff Millwork
Lincoln
Windows Red Bluff
Keystone
Chinese Camp
Forestry
Trucking
Windows Red Bluff
Windows Red Bluff
Windows Medford
Anderson Sawmill
10 Years!
Renee Anthoney
Windows Medford
Stephen Baer
Windows Red Bluff
Andrew Barre
Aberdeen Sawmill
Danny Boban
Quincy
Joshua Buchholz
Window Sales Montana
Rosendo Calderon
Chinese Camp
Martin Chervellera
Trucking
Tim Collins
Forestry
Daniel Countz
Lincoln
Maiko Diaz
Lincoln
Ryan Dooley
Anderson Sawmill
Mike Eggel
Arcata
Tyler Grames
Windows Red Bluff
Lorelei Gunn
Sales & Service
Josh Harris
Aberdeen Sawmill
Chuck Hicks
Burney
Zac Houser
Anderson Sawmill
Donnie Lassiter
Lincoln
“Welcome to the club! Looking
forward to having you around
for many more years!”
Juan Arteaga
Richard Bloom
Mark Bolesky
Alex Caldera
Michael Clark
Joe Dubner
Robert Feamster
Russell Garrison
Noel Graciano
Timothy Gross
Darrin Hare
Clayton Harris
Daniel Hernandez
Carl Jackson
Darrell Jacobson
Matthew Leise
Garrett Lomeli
Travis McDowell
Kathy Mewhinney
Keith Mikaelsen
Richard O’Dell
Blake Pine
Tanyelle Ratkie
Joshua Renoud
Gustavo Rodriguez
Dave Sears
Paul Tabory
Butch Tittle
Thomas Ward
Angela Wilcox
Dave Wolf
David Young
Justin Laws
Ken Matoon
Tracy McKee
Jeremy Meier
Dianna Nichols
Lee Pelascini
Stephanie Puentes
Jesse Rath
Thomas Rich
Joel Rodriguez
Rigo Rodriguez
Angel Rosales
Khris Rulon
Nick Sinclair
Stacy Smith
Mark Spackman
Savann Suy
Brett Waldhart
Windows Red Bluff
Window Sales - Central
Window Sales - Central
Aberdeen Sawmill
Windows Merrill
Trucking
Forestry
Forestry
Richfield Reman
Trucking
Shasta Lake
Trucking
Trucking
Centralia Sawmill
Trucking
Burlington Sawmill
Shasta Lake
Window Sales Olympia, WA
Trucking
Loyalton
Shasta Lake
Aberdeen Sawmill
Centralia Sawmill
Shasta Lake
Burlington Sawmill
Window Sales - Montana
Trucking
Lincoln
Red Bluff Millwork
Quincy
Windows Medford
Windows Medford
Shasta Lake
Window Sales Olympia, WA
Anderson Sawmill
Shasta Lake
Windows Medford
Anderson Sawmill
Forestry
Quincy
Windows Red Bluff
Red Bluff Millwork
Anderson Sawmill
Richfield Reman
Forestry
Lincoln
Windows Medford
Lincoln
Aberdeen Sawmill
Windows Medford
Retirees
Don Brown,
retired from his Crane Operator position after
39 years at Shasta Lake. Hunting and fishing are
definitely his priorities for now. Working on his 40
acres will keep him plenty busy. He plans to get a
new metal detector and do some gold prospecting.
Good luck, Don, we hope you strike it rich!
Gilberto Cabral,
is looking forward to retirement after 8 years from
his Cutstock Grader position at Red Bluff Millwork.
He plans to do yard work and work in his garden.
He will also play some golf, attend his grandson’s
baseball games, visit family in Mexico and then
play some more golf. Have fun, Gilberto, and hit a
hole-in-one!
Gerald Carlson,
has retired from his Head Saw filer position after
12 years in Aberdeen. He plans to restore a couple
of old Farmall tractors and spend more time at
his cabin in Okanagan. Sounds like a good time,
Gerald!
Terry Chariton,
after 32 years, has retired from his Dip Tank
Operator position at Windows Medford. He will
work on projects around the house and may even
do a few part-time jobs for other people. For fun
there are craft projects, fishing and a few travel
plans. Enjoy, Terry!
Mike Emerald,
has retired from his Keystone Mill Manager position
after 20 years with SPI. Mike plans on spending
his time hunting and fishing. He will also spend
more time with his family. Mike, we wish you lots of
happy years ahead!
Johnny Goings,
retired from his Edger Operator position in Quincy.
He had worked for SPI for 35 years. His plans for the
future include a trip with his grandson to Louisiana
to hunt alligators with Troy Landry. That is, if he
can talk his daughter into it. Beyond that, hunting,
fishing and spending time with grandkids complete
his list. Watch out, Johnny, those gators bite hard!
Monica McLendon,
has worked at our Anderson sawmill as a Log Clerk
for 15 years. Her retirement plans start with a trip
to the Grand Canyon with her husband. After
that she will enjoy staying at home working in her
garden and spending time with her family. We
wish you well, Monica!
Charlie Moss,
has left his Specialty Lumber Sales position after 7
years with SPI. Charlie says he will do what most
other retirees do, hunt, fish, boat and travel. He
says if that doesn’t work out he may buy a couple
of one way tickets to the upcoming Mars Shuttle
mission. Really…good luck Charlie, we wish you well
with that!
Rex Porter,
retired after 11 years as a millwright for the Oroville
mill. He has worked in the industry for 46 years.
He plans to hunt, fish and travel. He says he has
learned a lot and met tons of great people. He
sends his thanks to SPI. Don’t work too hard in
retirement, Rex!
Jerry Prepeluh,
has worked at the Windows, Medford retail store
and is retiring after 20 years. He plans to spend
more time on the lake and is looking forward to
fishing 7 days a week. Some traveling and working
in the garden are also on the list. Save a few for us,
Jerry!
Jeff Pymm,
won’t be driving his forklift anytime soon after
retiring from Red Bluff Millwork after 32 years with
SPI. He says for the next couple of years it will be life
as it comes to him. Then he will do some traveling
around the U.S. And as a last resort, maybe explore
some part time work. Have a relaxing retirement,
Jeff!
Darrell Sandlin,
is relieved he won’t have to do any more relieving
for his Relief position at the Quincy large log mill
after 38 years. He will do more hunting and fishing
and maybe even traveling. In between working on
the 6 houses he owns, he will spend more time with
family. Don’t work too hard, Darrell!
Randy Seaman,
has retired from his Grinding Room Supervisor
position at Red Bluff Millwork after 38 years with
SPI. He has hunting and fishing trips planned and
looks forward to spending more time with family.
He plans to build a shop for wood working, metal
working, computers and electronics. Sounds like
plenty of hobbies, Randy!
Skip Sorich,
retired from his Windows Territory Manager position
in Oregon after 12 years at Windows. Surfing,
fishing, mountain biking, golf and traveling are on
his list. He is also writing a book and looks forward
to finishing it. He and his wife will be able to spend
time with family and friends. You are going to be a
busy guy, Skip!
Mardick Stevens,
after 9 years with SPI in Burlington, retired from his
Millwright/Fire Protection position. He and his wife
are planning a cruise to New Zealand. Traveling is
at the top of his list. Watch out for the Kangaroos,
Mardick!
Jeff Wahlund,
won’t have to get up so early since retiring from his
Log Truck Driver position after 23 years in Arcata.
He plans to visit family in Massachusetts, Oregon
and Washington. He says he will stay off the couch
and stay healthy. He has 3 acres of property to
maintain which will keep him busy. Don’t work too
hard, Jeff!
Paul Welty,
retired from his Forklift position after 36 years in
Burney. He plans to work on his house and do lots
of fishing. Save a few for the rest of us, Paul!
BOARDTALK
IN THIS ISSUE:
• SP Foundation Awards
• New Safety Records
Sierra Pacific Industries
P.O. Box 496028
Redding, CA 96049-6028
SPI-IND.com
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STANDARD
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REDDING CA
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RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
We are honored to have so many mothers and fathers who have children that also work at SPI.
It’s a pleasure to have you all as part of the SPI family!