The January Dispatch 2023

Page 22

Dispatch
January 2023 The
The newsletter for Watco
2 The Dispatch | January 2023 Get Geared Up for Winter FREEZE Safety Anniversaries 3 KCS Holiday Express in Pittsburg 3 Letter from Dan 4 Louisiana Southern Receives $1.5 Million Grant 5 Dow Industrial Rail Services Transition Complete in U.S 6-7 New Year, New Goals 8-9 Team Member Feedback Drives New Safety Courses 10-11 Watco’s Loeb Appointed to Federal Advisory Council 12 Watco Christmas Express Returns 13 Watco Australia West Honoring Retirees 14-15 New Online Resource Allows Customers to Find Watco Services 16-17 The Newest Be the Difference Award Winners 18-19 Team Member Anniversaries 20-21 Birth Announcements 22 Table of Contents
Southern
locomotive 1516, covered by a rare southern snow, waits to refuel in Ashdown, Arkansas.
Arkansas
Railroad’s
On the Cover Highlights watcogear.com
Photo by Kyle Moody
Safety Anniversaries Congratulations to the following locations who celebrated December Safety Anniversaries: December 2 – Watco Dock & Rail (TX) – 1 year December 5 – Elizabeth Dedicated Terminal (NJ) – 4 years December 12 – Medina Mobile Repair (TX) – 6 years December 17 – Decatur River Port (AL) – 6 years December 20 – Alabama Warrior Railway (AL) – 3 years December 21 – New Johnsonville Dedicated Terminal (TN) – 16 years December 28 – Swan Ranch Railroad (WY) – 11 years December 30 – Coffeyville Repair and Maintenance Terminal (KS) – 2 years KCS Holiday Train Visits Pittsburg The KCS Holiday Express made a stop on December 10 in Pittsburg, Kansas, on Watco’s South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad. More than 2,275 people visited the six-car Christmas-themed train sponsored by Watco. This is free to the community. The KCS leaves donations to the Salvation Army at each of the stops. Safely Improve Every Day

Team,

As we enter a new year, we should take great pride in where things stand within Watco. Business is steady, and despite the economic headwinds of last year, 2022 ended up being the best year in Watco history. Be proud of the incredible work you’re doing that has us in this position and be thankful for the thousands of customers we serve each day.

One way to keep our success going is by all of us taking ownership of our day. Each moment of each task, every single day of the year.

It starts with owning our attitude. We each get to determine how we interact with one another and our customers. It does not take talent to be a good teammate, and it usually takes less effort to be positive than it does to be negative.

Own your approach to each day’s work. Stay alert, pay attention, and look out for one another. All the time, each moment of each day.

Own every task you take on. Have pride in your job and what you do. Don’t forget how important your role is to Watco and our customers. Always remember how you own each day not only reflects on yourself, but on your teammates and the entire company.

Own the services you provide our customers. You are our best salesperson. Do not hesitate to ask your customers how we are doing and what else we can do for them.

Own it all from start to finish. Do not give away any moments of your day. Make each day a fully focused and complete day. We are a team, made up of many great players. If we all do our part to the best of our ability, Watco will have another record-setting year in 2023.

I’m excited for our 40th year of serving customers, doing it each day with the best team in the industry.

Go out each day in 2023 and own it.

4 The Dispatch | January 2023

Louisiana Southern Receives $1.5 Million Grant

Watco’s Louisiana Southern Railroad (LAS) has received a new grant of $1.5 million from the state of Louisiana.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) announced November 30 that one of its two inaugural Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program grants would go to the LAS. Another $1.5 million was awarded to the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad.

The LAS, in northern Louisiana, is split into two sections joined by a 20-mile stretch that the KCS operates. The grant targets bridge repair, tie replacement, and track surfacing in key areas across the nearly 200 miles of both LAS sections.

General Manager Blake Smith described how the money is being put to work. “We’re going to do a lot of work on this line as a first step in modernizing the line to facilitate 286k (286,000-lb.) carloads. That’s going to be a huge benefit to our customers, who will be able to ship carloads at full capacity. That increases their efficiency and reduces freight on highways, saving taxpayers money in the long-run on highway infrastructure repairs.”

LAS Roadmaster Juddy Rogers and Division Engineer Brent Killion worked with Ailsa von Dobeneck, Watco assistant vice president for government relations, to gather information needed for the grant application.

“This is the first step in trying to improve our infrastructure for a more modern car weight standard of 286,000 pounds,” Rogers said. “Right now, Hodge North (Subdivision) is restricted to 263 (263,000-lb. railcars). It’s the first step in trying to go with more infrastructure upgrades to facilitate those heavier carloads.”

He said upgrades have already begun. “We have started some bridge repairs on the Hodge Sub. I’ve got a contractor out working on a bridge at 24.1 (milepost 24.1, near Bienville) currently doing some repairs to some steel H piles and replacing deck ties and bridge timbers.” Rogers said tie gangs and surfacing crews were also at work.

January 2023 | The Dispatch 5
Pictured above from left: Dean Goodell, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) freight and passenger rail director; Ailsa von Dobeneck, Watco assistant vice president for government relations; Ronald Wendel, Jr., Port of New Orleans EVP and CFO; Renee Lapeyrolerie, LADOTD commissioner of multimodal commerce; and Tomeka Watson Bryant, New Orleans Public Belt Railroad general manager.

Dow Industrial Rail Services Transition Complete in U.S.

Watco’s Industrial Rail Services, which services customers inside Dow Chemical plants, has achieved its most recent of several major milestones with the transition of key services, formerly provided by third parties, to Watco.

We are excited to complete the transition at all U.S. sites. The work that the operations team has done to successfully transition the switching and hopper car services has been extraordinary and has set the foundation for our long-term partnership with Dow and our other customers at these sites.

Watco purchased the rail assets at six Dow Chemical facilities, in the U.S. and Canada in the summer of 2020. The acquisition of the rail assets inside the plants, including track, railcar storage yards, and hopper car wash facilities was the basis for services Watco would later self-perform: railcar switching, railcar storage, hopper car cleaning, and track maintenance. In July of 2021, nine months after the completion of the acquisition, Watco began a staggered transition of those services from existing providers to Watco.

Over a period of 15 months, the Watco team accomplished an impressive feat of successfully transitioning the switching and hopper car wash services at the U.S. sites from existing service providers to being performed by Watco’s own team members. This transition saw more than 300 team members join Watco. The changeover was complete at the four U.S. locations: in Texas (Freeport and Seadrift) and Louisiana (Plaquemine and St. Charles) as of January 1. At that time, Watco added another 60 new team members to provide track maintenance services at the sites.

“We are excited to complete the transition at all U.S. sites,” said Sales Director Caleb Dellasega. “The work that the operations team has done to successfully transition the switching and hopper car services has been extraordinary and has set the foundation for our long-term partnership with Dow and our other customers at these sites.”

6 The Dispatch | January 2023

Having Watco provide its rail-oriented expertise in these industrial operations allows customers to focus on their core business, and the nature of the acquisition has brought other benefits as well. “We are not just a service provider with a short-term agreement,” said Dellasega. “With a long-term agreement in place, we are in a unique position to bring additional value to our customers and be a partner with them – we are in it for the long haul just like they are and have a vested interest in their success. And our teams now feel a renewed sense of ownership in their day-to-day operations knowing that the Watco team and culture is there to stay.”

The transitions at each site brought in unique challenges, but the team members responded to each challenge and overcame them through hard work and cooperation. “I could not be happier with the team and their performance during this time,” said Vice President of Operations Jason Eliot, “I know that I speak for all team members when I say that we are extremely happy to be Watco family members, and we look forward to what the future holds. We understand there are going to be new challenges and opportunities going into 2023, but with the Own It mindset that we all share, the future is bright for Industrial Rail.”

Dow is one of the world’s largest producers of polyethylene. Polyethylene pellets are produced and loaded into railcars which are then transported across North America, or exported globally, to be used in a number of industries. The application of polyethylene goes far beyond common uses such as water bottles and other packaging uses. Dow’s products are also used to support products in the construction, automobile, and healthcare industries.

In addition to serving Dow, Watco performs rail services for 12 other customers across the six sites. “To be able to connect with these customers and make Watco’s services a part of their value chain was a key piece in this transaction,” said Dellasega.

“A number of these customers, including Dow, were already receiving Watco’s services at other sites prior to the acquisition, which allowed for a smooth transition, as they were comfortable knowing the level of service Watco would provide.”

January 2023 | The Dispatch 7

New Year, New Goals

Are you looking to develop healthy habits in 2023? With help from our partners, there are a number of free resources to help you keep your New Year’s resolutions.

8 The Dispatch | January 2023

Lose Weight

Team members enrolled in Watco’s health plan get paired up with a certified health coach and connect with others on their weight loss journeys with My Health NovelSM offered by BlueCross and BlueShield. To begin this personalized program, you’ll first need to complete a one-minute assessment. Get started today by logging into My Health Toolkit®

Watco’s health insurance provider also offers discounts to members for gym memberships, fitness trackers, home gym equipment, and more.

That’s not all. Planet Fitness offers discounts to team members at select locations. View more information here for a full list of team member discounts. All team members also have access to view more than 200 dietitian-reviewed recipes and health videos on New Directions, Watco’s Team Member Assistance Program (TMAP) provider. Use the company code Watco to access these resources.

Improve Your Mental Health

Watco’s TMAP offers eight free counseling sessions each year for all team members, their spouses, and dependent children, regardless if they are enrolled in Watco’s health plan. Counseling sessions can be face-to-face, online, or over the phone. Crisis support is available 24/7 year-round by calling (800) 624-5544. To learn more about these benefits, visit the New Directions website and enter the company code Watco

All team members and their dependents can also seek online counseling from First Stop Health, Watco’s newest telehealth partner. Set up your online account today to schedule an appointment.

Save Money

Get your finances on track with help from the TMAP. Visit New Directions to schedule a 30-minute financial consultation or access resources on budgeting, financial assistance, and investing basics. Don’t forget to enter the company code Watco when prompted.

Get ready for the future by enrolling in Watco’s 401(k) plan. You can start, stop, or update your 401(k) contribution at any time. For any amount you wish to contribute, Watco matches 50 cents for every $1 up to 10% of your compensation. And Watco’s contributions are fully vested by your sixth year of employment.

For specific financial assistance on your 401(k), please contact Matt Mitchell with BOK Financial at (918) 588-6856 or mmitchell@bokf.com.

Stop Smoking

Stop smoking for good with Quit for Life®. This is a free service for team members, their spouses, and dependents enrolled in Watco’s health plan. One-on-one phone calls with a coach as well as free nicotine replacement therapy products are just a few benefits of this program to help you kick the habit. For more information, visit Quit for Life or call (866) 784-8454.

January 2023 | The Dispatch 9

Team Member Feedback Drives New Safety Courses

Safely improve every day. It’s one of Watco’s Foundation Principles, and it’s something Watco team members take seriously. The safety and training team are putting this into action by improving existing courses and developing new classes to address needs that came to their attention.

“It’s all in constant development,” said Vice President of Safety Brad Walker, who helped gather the team member feedback that reshaped the courses. “You see issues, problems, things that the team asks about. And we try to meet those needs.”

So far, three programs have been improved. The first is a derailment prevention and mitigation class. Derailment prevention is a constant priority for railroads. Incorrectly lined switches, debris, and a host of other variables can cause a train to derail.

Previously, Watco mainly worked with an outside group for this type of training. To tailor the class to our teams’ needs, Watco safety and training decided to bring the training in-house. After gathering feedback from field teams, the rail safety team presented the enhanced course last month at the Safe Performance Center in Birmingham, Alabama. Future classes will be held at Watco locations across the country.

10 The Dispatch | January 2023

“Some teams might need this information in the next 60 days. Hopefully, they won’t ever need it,” Walker said. “But based on our experiences, this is information they need. Ideally, we can prevent these incidents, but in case one happens, we want our teams in the field to know who to contact and how to manage it.”

Another new course focuses on railcar inspection and maintenance. This training came about as another collaboration between field teams and safety. The pilot courses were held at the Texas Coastal Bend Railroad. After fine-tuning the class, it’s ready to present to teams across our network.

Walker also led an effort to improve new leader training. This course previously focused on rules and regulations, but didn’t necessarily provide new managers, trainmasters, and others in supervisory positions with the resources to reach their highest levels of success.

Now, these new leaders gather in one place to learn about all the support Watco offers.

“Brad is still providing them with the same rules and reporting requirements, but is now giving the new leaders exposure to our Overland Park (Kansas) office,” said SVP of Operations Steve Coomes. “There, we put leaders from legal, finance, real estate, IT, purchasing, sales, and more in front of them to show them a little bit about what Watco is all about, and what resources they have to draw from. This has proven to be extremely helpful with our new leaders.”

Developing and refining these courses furthers Watco’s efforts to safely improve every day.

“This is really about our team seeing a need or identifying a shortcoming, and then rallying to address that by training. It confirms our core values to invest in our team,” Coomes said.

Walker states it very simply: “Don’t feel like you have to do this alone. You have a support group behind you that wants to help you. If you think we’re lacking somewhere, let us know. Your suggestion might be the next addition to our training.”

January 2023 | The Dispatch 11

Watco’s Loeb Appointed to Federal Advisory Council

Watco Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Stefan Loeb is the newest member of the Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council (RSTAC), a Surface Transportation Board (STB) advisory committee.

STB Chairman Martin Oberman appointed Loeb in December to fill a vacancy on the 15-member council. Loeb holds one of the positions advocating for small railroads.

“Representing Watco on RSTAC is a real honor,” said Loeb. “Interacting with the top industry regulators and customers on the multitude of topics brought forth to the STB puts us in a great position to help move the industry forward to the benefit of our customers and overall industry.”

The STB has economic regulatory oversight of railroads. RSTAC advises the STB as well as the secretary of transportation and Congress on policy matters relating to railroads that are important to small shippers and small railroads.

“Stefan will be outstanding in this role,” said CEO Dan Smith. “His familiarity with our diverse customer base gives him visibility into the various needs, challenges, and service solutions required to provide impactful rail service. He can bring that knowledge into the RSTAC discussions.”

RSTAC meets quarterly, and Loeb attended his first meeting December 7-8 in Washington, D.C.

Watco Executive Chairman Rick Webb is a past RSTAC member.

12 The Dispatch | January 2023

Watco Christmas Express Returns

The Watco Christmas Express made a triumphant return this year. On December 6, the South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad (SKOL) hosted nearly 300 students and teachers from Pittsburg schools. First-grade students from five elementary schools, as well as the special education class from Pittsburg High School, boarded the SKOL passenger cars and rode the train for a half-hour, out and back.

On the ride, the students were visited by Santa and two of his elves while Watco team members and volunteers from the Heart of the Heartland Train Club passed out cookies and punched their tickets. Each student was given a gold sleigh bell, inspired by The Polar Express, as they departed the train.

The Christmas Express is about more than spreading the holiday cheer to these students. Prior to the ride, Watco team members who are also Operation Lifesaver volunteers visited each school to educate the kids about rail safety before passing out their tickets.

This is the first year since 2019 that the Watco Christmas Express has run at full capacity due to COVID restrictions. The team is excited to bring this experience back to the Pittsburg community.

January 2023 | The Dispatch 13

Watco Australia West Honoring Retirees

The Watco Australia West Perth team enjoyed their annual Christmas celebration December 2. As part of the celebration, which featured a game of bowls (also called lawn bowling), Ken Potts was presented with a retirement gift in recognition of his dedication to Watco for almost 10 years.

Watco expanded internationally in 2010, with a long-term contract to provide comprehensive rail logistics services in Western Australia. Those operations began in 2012. In 2020, Watco added an East Coast operation that today handles grain, livestock, and shunting operations for steelworks.

As executive director-Australia, Potts played significant roles in the 2016 purchase of Intermodal Group (IMG), a provider of containerized freight movement, and container storage and handling, as well as steelmaker BlueScope and GrainCorp, a leading Australian agribusiness and processing company. Potts also led other business development opportunities.

“Ken is extremely well known and respected across the Australian rail industry,” said Gavin Bignell, chief executive officer for Watco Australia. “He led numerous business development opportunities for Watco Australia, many of which were awarded to our company over long-standing incumbents.”

Potts is working about a day a week as he transitions into retirement. “I’m about 90% of the way there,” he said. When the time comes, “I want to do some community work for the homeless and all that sort of stuff. That’s the plan.”

Potts said he had enjoyed his time at Watco. He had praise for the Watco influence on how customers are treated and called it “a very good thing for the rail industry.”

“It’s been a tremendous journey. I’m very proud of the business and will always, even when I fully retire, have a soft spot. I want to see the Australia business grow well. It’ll be a success. It just takes time to build it, that’s all. If I can help in any way, I will.”

Another champion of the Watco Australia business, Kevin O’Neill, could not attend the Christmas gathering but also plans to retire in the new year.

O’Neill started with Watco Australia almost seven years ago and “has worked tirelessly across all Watco’s businesses,” said Bignell. “Kevin was key in getting the BlueScope and GrainCorp accounts. He also was instrumental in developing the cattle train service.”

O’Neill said Potts influenced him to join Watco Australia. “After having worked together at a competitive rail firm for many years, Ken Potts asked me to join Watco in early 2016. I jumped at the opportunity to work with Pottsy again. The first thing I learned – and loved – is the absolute focus on customers first.

“My key learning at Watco? Watco attracts great people and then enables them to do a great job. Trust your teammates and look out for each other. I also just want to thank all my teammates for basically being great!

14 The Dispatch | January 2023

“After I retire, I intend to spend more time with my family. In particular, we will spend more time in the Margaret River region south of Perth (bushwalks, forests, beaches, surfing, artisan food, wineries – what’s not to love?). I’ll also restart some of my old hobbies, including making charcuterie, cheeses, and brewing beer. I am also going to learn to play guitar and – hopefully the neighbors don’t mind - drums!”

Bignell commended the two men for their roles with Watco.

“We wanted Kevin and Ken to know that we are thankful for their significant contributions in helping get Watco Australia started,” said Bignell. “Both have demonstrated great commitment to Watco and our customers, especially by staying on as long as is required to ensure a transition to new leadership.”

Potts’ and O’Neill’s retirement dates aren’t set, but both plan to retire in early 2023.

January 2023 | The Dispatch 15
Pictured Above: Watco Australia CEO Gavin Bignell presents Ken Potts with a personalized, framed photo of a Watco Australia train. Potts, executive director-Australia, is retiring in early 2023.

New Online Resource Allows Customers to Find Watco Services

Watco has launched the first phase of GeoConnect, a web-based customer resource that centralizes five service offerings at various Watco-owned or -operated locations.

Under phase I, launched last month, customers or prospective customers have the ability to find a Watco location that fits their need for railcar storage. In later stages, they’ll be able to find locations offering four other services:

• Transloading

• Warehousing and/or material handling

• Space to grow at our established sites

• Greenfield industrial development

In this initial phase, users can view railcar storage locations on a map, search by address, or view a list of Watco locations offering railcar storage. Users can filter by state, Class I railroad, whether the track at the site can support the industry-standard railcar weight of 286,000 lbs., and whether a site is suited for hazmat cars (empty, or loaded). For individual locations, users can see details like the railcar capacity, transload capability, and Class I interchanges associated with that location.

David McCloud, director of leasing and storage, says some current storage customers gave feedback for the site, and that the site’s interactive nature will be attractive to users. “They can view all our storage locations on the map, zoom in/out to desired state or region, and filter based upon their requirements to obtain detailed information for each location. It gives them the ability to put in their criteria and get useful information ahead of contacting us.”

Contacting Watco is exactly what Watco hopes users will do. In fact, a key feature of the site –www.watco.com/geoconnect – is the ability for users to choose how they prefer to reach the Watco team for additional information or assistance: by phone, email, or filling out a web form.

In future GeoConnect phases, the services are designed to work in a way similar to railcar storage: Customers and potential customers will have the ability to use GeoConnect to find physical Watco-owned or -operated locations that could benefit their business, and then ideally they will contact Watco for a discussion.

Working with an outside website developer, Watco team members from several departments continue to develop GeoConnect. They anticipate the next phase, offering transloading, will be available in the first half of 2023.

January 2023 | The Dispatch 17

The Newest Be the Difference Award Winners

Watco’s culture can easily be defined by our three Foundation Principles: value our customers, value our people, and safely improve every day. One way we honor team members who embrace and live these core values is through the Be the Difference Awards program.

This honor recognizes team members each quarter for their teamwork, work ethic, and commitment to safety with the One Watco, Extra Mile, and Safe Performance Awards. Recipients receive a $250 gift card to the Watco Gear store and an exclusive Be the Difference hard hat sticker.

Now to share the newest award winners from Q4 of 2022. Join us in congratulating Whitney Wilson, Eric Slimp, Dalton Fischer, Kevin Martin, and Nick Burnham.

“Our team members make Watco what it is today,” said Rachael Peterson, Watco executive vice president and chief people officer. “Just like in previous quarters, it was difficult to select these winners, as all our nominees are deserving. We truly have the best team in the industry.”

Be the Difference submissions are now open for Q1 of 2023. To submit a nomination, please fill out the form at watco.com/btd or email btd@watco.com by March 10.

18 The Dispatch | January 2023

One Watco Award - Given to an individual or group of team members whose teamwork generates an exceptional result for a Watco customer.

Greens Port has a rising star in Whitney Wilson. Since joining the team in 2018, she’s earned five job promotions.

Whitney’s a friend and mentor to all — helping new hires and hosting lunch-and-learn sessions. Her teammates can depend on her for help, even if it falls outside of her typical day-to-day duties. Read more to learn more about how this team player gives her all every day.

Extra Mile Award - Given to an individual or a group of team members who go above and beyond the call of duty at work or in the community.

Eric Slimp and Dalton Fischer do more than repair locomotives at the Kaw River Railroad. These jacks of all trades take great pride in their workplace and go out of their way to make upgrades whenever they can.

Together they replaced stairs leading to an office building. And Eric recently repaired an office wall. Get more information on their site improvements here

Safe Performance Award - Given to an individual or group of team members who take action to ensure safety for fellow team members, customers, suppliers, or property.

Talk about people being in the right place at the right time. When a team member suffered a heart attack, Kevin Martin and Nick Burnham were right there to provide lifesaving measures.

Read more about these two Watco heroes here.

January 2023 | The Dispatch 19
Recipients: Nick Burnham (far left in photo) and Kevin Martin (far right) Grand Elk Railroad (MI) Recipients: Eric Slimp and Dalton Fischer Kaw River Railroad (KS) Recipient: Whitney Wilson Greens Port (TX)

Team Member Anniversaries

1 Year:

Noah Allen, Dwain Arview, Joshua Becker, Chayce Bethe, Brian Blackburn, Blake Bosworth, Noah Burgess, James Carpenter, Delina-Rae Christoffersen, Dusten Coleman, Cory Collins, Calvin Coutee, Angela Crum, Pablo Cruz, Angel Dominguez, Melisa Douglas, Trevor Drake, Cody Evans, Marc Galindo, Riley Hampton, Leo Harron, Philip Hensley, Fatima Hernandez, Candace Holmes, Gonzalo Ibarra, Steven Jackson, Raymond Jones, Eric Kapusta, Travis Kroker, Stephen Kronenburg, Philip LeBlanc, David Lumpkins, Robert Luster, Michael McKinney, Skyler Mckinney, Artavius Moses, Alejandro Pena, Karim Perez, Victor Perez, Sean Philbrick, Nick Pillow, Clayton Prewitt, Brayden Ramnarine, Natalie Roberts, Mark Robinson, Rene Rodriguez, Shenekia Sanders, Zachary Shiever, Colton Smith, Travis Smith, Aubrey Strange, Demetrius Taylor, Anthony Whipple, Alex Wied, Brandy Williams, Larry Williams

2 Years:

Jordan Anderson, Jesus Beavers, William Caldwell, Brandon Carver, Chad Cumberland, Michael Denny, Michael Fant, Victor Figueroa, Kevin Hickerson, Phil Huttmann, James Mahoney, Francisco Moreno, Aaron Patterson, Raymond Plain, Corbin Schott, Samuel Sedillo

3 Years:

Jamie Babetch, Francisco Bassols, Matthew Beard, Dereck Brown, Jeffery Cornett, Thomas Fenton, Oluwadamilola Feyisetan, Kyle Forsman, Stephen Fulton, Andrew Hanretty, Wendell Held, William Pack, Justin Piland, Reandell Poindexter, Charles Polach, Patrick Reding, Humberto Rojas Zuniga, Dustin Sellars, Reginald Sharp, Bryan Steinberger, Todd Stimpson, Kelly Stringer, Andre Wheaton, Joe Wyse

4 Years: Jarrod Austin, Alberto Cervantes, Deante Converse, Norman Dishman, Brandon Douglas, Curtis Frazier, Dani Gosch, Kayla Jensen, Russell Johnston, Devin Jurs, Paul Lewis, Carlos Lopez, Franklin Palomo, Dan Peak, Melvin Quiroa, Dustin Ramos, Alexander Rodriguez, Michael Schwartz, Donald Spradley, Sami Taha, John Thomas, Joe Torres III, Menno Valkenborg, Kevin Vanhoozer, Kevin Webb

6 Years: Jennifer Alons, Derek Batterton, Justin Cole, Cooper Cose, Stephen Dominguez, Johnny Garza, Tyler Hamilton, Esteban Hernandez, Christopher Hunley, Isaac Jaramillo, Shawna Mateo, Laura McNichol, Efrain Padilla, James Riggs, J Bonifacio Vieyra

7 Years: Michael Aleknewicus, Joshua Breth, William Ethridge, Sue King, Justin Marr, Lance McHan, Tung Nguyen, Adam Pope, Dan Roth, Richard Wampler, Ryan Yanez

8 Years: Melissa Amaya, Mike Berry, Jason Broadway, Nathaniel Burke, Daniel Coiner, Michael Cooper, Corey Crutchfield, Edis Cruz, Jorge Dela Torre, Archie Fields, Patrick Forbes, David Fugge, Brittany Hodge, Jesus Ibarra, Amy Iori, Keith Lacaze, Jordan Vasquez, Solomon Watkins, Marcus Wiley

5 Years: Jonathan Audsley, Jamaar Benton, Mark Bonar, Donald Brayman, DeAnne Burdick, Jose Cardoza, Gabriel Chavez, Julio Diaz, Andrew Dill, Tremayne Duncan, Anthony Escobar, Nolan George, Jody Hyndshaw, Marissa Jordan, Chelsy McQuarie, Scottie Shafer, Maxwell Tunison, Jaime Velasco, Mike Womack

9 Years: Luther Boothe, Nick Coomes, Richardjames Drummondo, Amanda Haggerty, George Hutchinson, Casey Lorbiecki, Laura McKinney, Juan Moreno, Jessica Nielson, Brad Peot, Eric Rahmaan, Theodore Savage, Perry Thomas, Jonathan Thompson

20 The Dispatch | January 2023
Congratulations to the following team members celebrating January anniversaries:

Team Member Anniversaries

10 Years:

Michael Barajas, Robert Campbell, John Dellinger, Gregory Ferguson, Matt Hayes, Jaime Henry, Travis Luinstra, Kevin Martin, Ronald Seevers, Tina Swallow, Joseph Whitaker, Cyle Windsor, Michael Yoger

11 Years: Kenneth Brown, Justin Haisch, Danelle Kenny, Russell Koczur, Curtis Nobis, Lee Smith, Marcos Soto

15 Years: John King, Charles Lambert, Jon Mihalic, Robert Ward

16 Years: Melissa Faughn, Kevin Gonzales, Jason Green, Jean Guerrier, Steve Iseli, Herman Lewis, Frank Nichols

17 Years: Thomas Addison, Derek Brown, Johnny Fields, Michael Gray, Robert Gray, Anthony Kirkland, Joshua Leslie

21 Years: Jonathan Evans, Michael McGee, Leon Odom, Samuel Winegarner

22 Years: Kenneth Parkin

27 Years: Billy Gathright

28 Years: Shannon Knisley

12 Years: Daniel Caine, Jesse Garrett, Kevin Grant, Daniel Harkness, Miranda Kichler, Steve Rodriguez

13 Years: Eric Bowlin, Rolando Cantero, Seth Morris, Angel Vazquez

14 Years: James Carter, Joe Martinez, James McCoy, Servando Mendez

18 Years: Matt Heeren, Santos Polanco, Timothy Watson

19 Years: Gary Griswold

20 Years: James Goodyear, Patrick Peabody

31 Years: Michael Beatty, John Pond

33 Years: William Gast 35 Years: Melvin Davis

46 Years: Tex Inman

January 2023 | The Dispatch 21

Birth Announcements

Brenli Jean Gordon

Quinton Gordon and Alexia Ramirez announce the birth of their daughter, Brenli Jean Gordon, born on November 26, 2022. Brenli weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces, and was 18 ½ inches long.

Quinton is a conductor for the Eastern Idaho Railroad working out of the Rupert, Idaho, depot.

Kensley Marie Hughes and Anakin Robert Hughes

Jerome and Nicole Hughes announce the birth of their twins, Kensley Marie Hughes and Anakin Robert Hughes, born on November 23, 2022. Kensley Marie weighed 6 pounds, 3 ounces, and was 18 ½ inches long. Anakin Robert weighed 5 pounds, 15 ounces, and was 19 ½ inches long.

Jerome works as a transportation assistant at the Clearfield, Utah, Logistics office.

22 The Dispatch | January 2023
Please share your birth announcements To submit your new arrival send a photo and information to marketing@watco.com

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