June 2018
BUILDINGTOGETHER PROCESS IMPROVEMENT AS THE NORM As you know, we kicked off our Smart365 initiative earlier this year at our annual Stakeholders Meeting. I have really enjoyed watching all of the videos that have been added to our YouTube channel (there are more than 150 on there currently, so if you haven’t checked it out lately, get over there!) This is a great avenue for us to communicate ways in which we have “found a better way” of doing an everyday process to our fellow team members. Not all of the ideas will apply to everyone, but even if one doesn’t, it may give you a new idea or make you think of a process in your life that you’d like to improve. Once you start thinking of changes you can make, it gets easier and easier to come up with new ones, because it becomes more ingrained in your everyday life. It’s fun to hear people say the phrase “There must be a better way” or “How can we Smart365 this?” because it means it’s becoming a part of our culture. The Accounting Department is excited about a couple of changes we have made this year and ways that we’ve “Smart365’d” some of our processes. First, we found a way to pull data from our accounting software directly into excel and then refresh that data as often as we want. We are now able to utilize this for several monthly reports. This saves us time from having to manually type that information and it also cuts down on errors.
Second, when the new consulting company, Become Unmistakable, was formed, we decided to go paperless and only keep electronic files on the network. This has given us the opportunity to test the process and bring ideas of how we can use less paper in the construction company. Finally, we are working on more accurate reporting for all of our selfperformed divisions which will allow for better forecasting, planning and decision making. These changes have given us a renewed sense of purpose and excitement about our work, and finding ways to change/ improve your own work environment can have the same effect for you! It’s truly a team effort. We all play a vital role in process improvement and there’s a lot of value to be gained when we share our ideas with others. It’s amazing how good it feels when you find a better or easier way of doing something and can also help someone else in the process. Keep your videos and ideas coming. I can’t wait to see and learn from them!
Grace Silva
Chief Financial Officer
Thanks for Attending Michigan’s Adventure!
BUILDINGTOGETHER | June 2018
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WELCOME TO THE E&V FAMILY! JUNE HALL PASSES
Siena Radakovitz Intern
Noah Espinoza Interiors
John Estabrook Carpentry
Bernard Giesler
Firestop Technician
Kyle Goudreau
Warehouse Assistant
Cody Skinner Concrete
Caleb Benedict General Trades
Ben Frederick Carpentry
Danielle Bouwhuis
Implementer. Trainer. Guide.
BUILDINGTOGETHER | June 2018
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WHAT WE’RE BUILDING RECENTLY AWARDED
CentraCare - Kalamazoo, MI Renovation Fast Stats
»» The first floor of an existing bank building will be renovated to become a PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly) Center for Portage and the surrounding areas. »» This center will include a small entry vestibule addition, minor sitework related to the covered drop off, several offices, day room, reception, warming kitchen (no cooking), laundry, toilet rooms, showers, clinic, rehabilitation and dementia areas. »» We'll be self-performing carpentry, demolition, sitework and concrete. »» Value of the project is $600,000 »» Field Manager: Mike Chrisman »» Project Manager: Charlie Bennet
GETTING STARTED
Coldwater Community Schools - Coldwater, MI New Construction Fast Stats »» »» »» »» »» »»
UNDERWAY
We’re constructing a new stadium entry at Coldwater High School. Value of the project is $335,000. We’ll be self-performing demolition and carpentry. The new entrance will be approximently 40-feet wide by 20-feet tall. Field Manager: John Inman Senior Project Manager: Brian Meyer
Mercy Health (General Trades) - Muskegon, MI Addition and Renovation Fast Stats »» E&V is providing the general trades work for the Muskegon location of the existing hospital and a new 11-story addition. »» The general trades portion of the project is valued at $15,600,000. »» Completion of the project is set to be at the end of summer 2019. »» Field Manager: Dan Jenema »» Field Manager: Brian Englishmen »» Project Manager: Dan Jenema
WRAPPING UP
Waterford Place | Memory Care - Jenison, MI Renovation Fast Stats »» This 8,000-SF project took three buildings and converted them into distinct separate neighborhoods. »» We self-performed demolition, general trades, firestopping and interiors. »» Waterford Place had their ribbon cutting ceremony last week in celebration of the successful project. »» Field Manager: EJ Calloway »» Project Manager: Curt Hielke
BUILDINGTOGETHER | June 2018
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THANKS FOR DONATING!
HAVING ISSUES LOGGING INTO EVINISTE? A couple of reminders when logging into EVinsite: • Your username is your email. Example: janed@elzinga-volkers.com or janed • Your password was given to you at the time of hire. Initially, it is/was the same as your email password. Upon logging in for the first time, EVinsite will ask you to change your password using a link sent to your E&V email. • When resetting your password, you can choose to keep the auto-generated password (shown below) OR you can delete and change it to something you’re more familiar with and likely to remember.
Open Positions
We're always looking for qualified individuals to join our team and the best team members come from your referrals! We’re looking to hire people for the following positions:
• Experienced Concrete Laborer • Interiors
As always, if you have any trouble logging in you can call or email Kelsey Juergens, Alaina Ekdom or Jill Monte for assistance.
SMILE!
• General Trades • Carpentry • Preconstruction - Holland • Traveling Field Manager
BEST AND BRIGHTEST COMMITTEE UPDATE We recognize that we’re trying to drink through a firehose one time a year at the Stakeholder’s Meeting, and we realize that it’s not the best way to ensure that everybody is on the same page. We also recognize that not all people can make it to the annual meeting because of family, personal or other obligations. As the Strategic Company Performance committee, we’re trying to find the most effective way to share information on a more regular basis. Moving forward, you can expect to hear updates about different departments throughout the year in various settings. Our hope is that it will be more beneficial to employees and can help everyone to understand our company’s goals and status. If you have any questions or ideas, please reach out to Rachel Austin, Dan Behler, Kelly Bosma, Mike Novakoski or Morgan Weaver. BUILDINGTOGETHER | June 2018
Our next safety meeting is Wednesday, July 11, and we'll be taking a company photo! Please wear E&V blue, black, khaki, navy or gray clothing. The photo will take place after the meeting in front of the main entrance.
DON’T FORGET!
Wednesday, July 4, our offices will be closed to celebrate the birth of our great country. Enjoy your day off! Page 4