Preliminary Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2021 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS OVERVIEWCOMPANYFROMLETTERPRESIDENT0403 05 Company Overview 05 Our Services 06 Adding to the Family 07 Board of Directors 08 Meet the Executives 09 Mission and Vision 09 Core Values SAFETY12 13 Worker Safety & Annual Rates 14 Training Program 16 Cyber Security 17 Safety Goals CLOSING32 33 Appendix SUSTAINABILITYENVIRONMENTAL24 25 Impact Area 25 Biodiversity/Natural Environment 27 Environmental Sustainability Goals ENGAGEMENTCOMMUNITY28 29 Contributions 30 Reputation 31 Community Engagement Goals WELL-BEINGEMPLOYEE18 19 Diversity & Inclusion 19 Ethical Standards 20 Training & Education Opportunities 21 Health and Wellness 21 Longevity 23 Employee Well-being Goals10 11 Overview of Company Initiatives 11 Project Highlights ABOUT REPORTTHIS
Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement LETTER FROM PRESIDENT
Wright Tree Service has built our business over the last 90 years on protecting our environment and the people who occupy it. We understand the responsibility we have as a company and as individuals to work with and educate members of our industry and communities to conserve and protect natural resources while maintaining economic viability, sustainable growth, and social harmony. A sustainable business is good business; not only for our employees but for our clients and the public. We want to be able to share our story on our own terms and there’s no better time than now. Wright Tree Service is an industry leader, with safety at the forefront of everything we do. We are a 100% employee-owned company, and our employees are at the heart of the decisions we make. It truly is our employees who are behind the success of our company. As a company, we provide vegetation management services, including line clearance, storm restoration and work planning. We combine training, equipment, technology, and culture to provide top vegetation management services to the utility industry. Wright Tree Service adheres to an environmental policy that instructs our employees to be aware of any issues that may apply to their current contract. Because of our vast geographical footprint, each region identifies its own environmental and cultural resources that may appear in their area, as well as appropriate actions to remediate potential problems.
Wade Myers WrightPresidentTree Service
This report will highlight the progress we have made, and will continue to make, regarding: ‒ Safety ‒ Employee Well-being ‒ Environmental Sustainability ‒ Community Engagement I’d like to invite you to read through this report and learn about how Wright Tree Service leads our industry by living out our values every day - safety, integrity, excellence, teamwork, innovation and family.
OVERVIEWCOMPANY
The following pages highlight how we incorporate environmental sustainability into our project services and business operations using innovative processes, initiatives and technology.
5 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
Vegetation Management
Today’s competitive and ever-evolving marketplace demands that we work as a team to meet our customers’ vegetation management needs and keep our eye on innovation. Competitive pricing is essential, but the integrity, stability, and experience of the workforce – and how they are supported – are just as Asimportant.employee owners, we are committed to making customers’ vegetation management programs successful. In 1961, Wright Service Corp. (WSC) was founded as a parent company to prepare Wright Tree Service for further expansion. WSC is a unique family of companies specializing in environmental services, with a number of sustainability initiatives taking place across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Strong values, continued growth, and an unbeatable service line in cooperation with our sister companies, we think John L. Wright would be proud of the company he started nearly 90 years ago as a one-man crew with a few tools in the back of his secondhand car.
Line Clearance
COMPANY OVERVIEW OUR SERVICES
Our primary service line continues to be manual and mechanical line clearance. We follow the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
4,600 U.S. EMPLOYEES ACROSS 16 GEOGRAPHIC DIVISIONS MORE THAN
Guided by strong leadership and strategic vision, Wright Tree Service has grown into one of the largest vegetation management contractors in North America. Headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, we have more than 4,600 employees across 16 continental geographic divisions. As a company, we are committed to upholding our values in pursuit of our mission. Safety is our highest value, family is our foundation, and teamwork is how we operate. We continue to be recognized by utilities as providers of the highest levels of quality, service, responsiveness, reliability and value. Our employee owners are at the heart of the decisions we make at Wright Tree Service.
A300 standards for tree care practices in accordance with best management practices from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the Utility Arborist Association (UAA). We provide manual and aerial lift (bucket truck) crews, and our employees are trained to use specialized equipment including all-terrain tree trimmers, brush-cutter tractors and various others for highimpact mechanical line clearance.
As part of a comprehensive approach to right-of-way vegetation management, we offer right-of-way mowing and land clearing. We have large, specialized mowers and other equipment to reclaim and maintain the right-of-way, along with machinery to remove large trees and mulch the debris.
Mowing and Land Clearing
Herbicide Applications and Substation Maintenance and Restoration
Wright Tree Service uses herbicide applications to manage vegetation in an effective and environmentally responsible manner. We are continually investigating new and innovative application methods and always work in compliance with the environmental concerns and policies our customers adhere to.
Our corporate office staff sets us apart from our competition, offering unbeatable support services.
Wright Tree Service applies vegetation management on every job site. We use the most appropriate manual, mechanical or chemical solution in order to meet our customer’s objectives, comply with regulations and encourage natural habitat and other ecological improvements. In other words, we use the right technique in the right place at the right time. Our objective is to promote safe and reliable delivery of utility and railroad services while minimizing the impact on trees and the environment.
With safety at the forefront, a breadth of resources at our fingertips, and a workforce more committed than any, Wright Tree Service is “Always the Wright choice.” We provide the entire package of integrated vegetation management services, including utility line clearance, right-of-way mowing, land clearing, herbicide application, substation grounds maintenance, railroad track clearing, storm restoration and work planning services to utility companies and their communities across North America.
Family founded and employee-owned, Wright Tree Service established its roots in Iowa in 1933 by John L. Wright, where he and the company overcame challenges that brought opportunities for tremendous growth.
No matter the size or location of the job, our crews are well-trained, supervised and supported. Wright Tree Service takes pride in our reputation for efficient, high-quality response to our customers’ needs, no matter if the work is in urban or rural environments or related to routine maintenance or emergency response.
In addition to manual and mechanical line clearance crews, Wright Tree Service employs qualified work planners for a streamlined vegetation management process. Our work planners are a great intermediate solution if you lack in-house staff but don’t have quite enough work to demand a thirdparty inspector. Our work planners are trained and certified professionals with industry knowledge and outstanding customer service skills. We also have access to the latest geo-spatial data collection software, FieldNote®, through our sister company, Terra Spectrum Technologies.
Work Planning
Our dedicated railroad operations division provides manual and aerial lift (bucket truck) crews along with specialized equipment with hi-rail gear for track clearance. We also provide annual crossing maintenance to eliminate tall growing weeds/brush and promote low growing, desirable vegetation.
ADDING TO THE FAMILYOUR SERVICES continued
We have qualified, state-licensed applicators and state-of-the-art equipment to provide unmatched reliability for our customers. We continuously meet and often exceed state and federal standards for herbicide application. We know that substation maintenance and restoration are vital to a utility’s ability to provide reliable, low-cost power to customers. When that equipment fails, we know quick restoration is crucial. Our substation maintenance and restoration services allow our customers to continue to serve their own.
6 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
We are always prepared to respond to natural disasters such as ice storms, tornados and hurricanes. Our safety-focused culture and breadth of technology and resources allows us to mobilize a qualified storm response team at any time. Our communication and logistics skills are proven, and customers can be assured that our crews are trained, certified and experienced to handle the hazardous situations created by natural disasters. We are here to assist you in restoring power to your customers.
Railroad Track Clearing and Crossing Maintenance
Storm Restoration
Terry McGonegle Terry McGonegle joined WSC as the controller for Wright Tree Service (WTS) in June 1994. When the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) was formed in 2002, Terry was promoted to chief financial officer of WSC where he helped transition the company from a family-owned to an employee-owned and served as CFO until December of 2019 upon retirement. Terry started his career in public accounting and worked in the agricultural and construction industries before joining WTS. He has served on the audit committee for the Tree Care Industry Association, finance committees for both the Utility Arborist Association and TREE Fund. Terry is also a past president of The Iowa-Nebraska Chapter of The ESOP Association. Nancy Wright Nancy Wright is a cum laude graduate of Drake University majoring in business communications. Following graduation, she had a long career in the group life and health business, starting with Principal as an underwriter and later selling group life and health insurance to Iowa school districts through Holmes Murphy & Associates. Other positions include marketing director for a major group medical carrier and account manager for a national insurance brokerage. She was also active in the Iowa Health Underwriters as a board member for six years and president for two years. This involved working with state and national legislators regarding healthcare legislation. Nancy is currently retired. Dick Rue Dick is retired and served for 23 years as senior vice president & CFO and board member at ITA Group, Inc. a West Des Moines incentive marketing company. Dick has been a CPA since 1978 and was employed during his first five years after college in public accounting. He is a past member of the American Institute of CPAs, the Iowa Society of CPAs, Financial Executives International, where he was a past Iowa Chapter president and board member, and the ESOP Association. Dick’s experience includes serving on the UNI College of Business Dean’s Advisory Board, the President’s
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Wright Tree Service board of directors is made up of a group of individuals that reside at the Wright Service Corp. (WSC) level. It is made up of three internal directors and five external directors as follows: Scott Packard, Chairman and CEO of WSC Austin Kennedy, President and COO of WSC Jonathan Hicks, SVP and CFO of WSC Terry McGonegle, Retired CFO of WSC, outside director Nancy Wright, outside director John Bruntz, outside director Dick Rue, outside director George Milligan, outside director Scott Packard Scott Packard joined WSC in July 1998. Three years later, John R. Wright appointed Scott to president and COO.
7 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
In October 2002, Scott took on the position of chairman and CEO. Scott began his career after graduating from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor of science in accounting. Since then, he has held a number of executive positions prior to joining the executive leadership team at WSC. He served on the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Board of Directors from 2003-2009 and as chairman in 2009. In September 2016, Scott became the first recipient of the Management Action Programs (MAP) Disciplined Leader Award. This award was conceived to recognize select leaders who have consistently exhibited the qualities of a disciplined leader. Scott is also a past chairman of Area 4 Iowa Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and presently serves as vice chairman. He was recently named to the board of directors of Trees Forever. Austin Kennedy Austin Kennedy joined WSC as general counsel in April 2013. Prior to joining WSC, Austin was an attorney in private practice for seven years in Des Moines, Iowa, practicing in many areas involving employment law, immigration law and litigation. In 2019, Austin was promoted to general counsel, chief human resources officer and senior vice president. As of January 1, 2022, Austin was promoted to president and chief operating officer. Austin graduated from Macalester College in 2000, where he received the Livingston-Patnode Award for his special contributions to the English Department. He then earned his law degree from Drake Law School in 2005. In 2015, Austin earned his Credential of Readiness from Harvard Business School’s HBX CORe program, which establishes competencies in business analytics, economics and accounting. Jonathan Hicks Jon Hicks joined WSC in 2008 as the controller for Wright Outdoor Solutions. In 2010, he was promoted to controller of Wright Tree Service and in 2020 he was promoted again to vice president and chief financial officer of WSC. Jon graduated from Iowa State as a Certified Public Accountant with a bachelor of science degree and a master of accounting degree in 2002. After graduating, Jon worked in various auditing and financial reporting roles within both public accounting and the private sector. Jon is a member of the Iowa Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs. Jon is also a member of the Risk and Insurance Management Society and is on the WSC Board of Directors. Jon is a large advocate of ESOP structured companies. He enjoys the culture created with it that allows employees the freedom to implement change and to leave their personal mark on the company. Jon enjoys problem-solving and having the opportunity to help guide the company at a strategic level.
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The Wright Tree Service executive team consists of the following team members: Wade Myers Wade joined Wright Tree Service in 1987, where he started as a groundworker and advanced through the ranks to general foreperson, division manager, vice president, senior vice president of operations, and was announced as president of the company in 2021. Through exemplary performance and commitment, Wade has a record of strong leadership, deep industry knowledge, and institutional tenure. Active in the utility vegetation management industry, he is a member of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the Utility Arborist Association (UAA) and is an ISA Certified Arborist. Wade’s primary focus is on the company’s mission of safety and operational excellence, where he brings a wealth of leadership experience and passion for the industry. Nick Fox Nick serves as vice president of operations for Wright Tree Service where he oversees divisions on the eastern side of the U.S. Working on the contractor side and the utility side of the business throughout his utility vegetation management career, as well as in various areas of the country, Nick has a wide range of experience that has allowed him to be successful at understanding the unique challenges that utilities face every day. Nick is an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Utility Specialist, Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) and holds membership in the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Utility Arborist Association (UAA) and National Arbor Day Foundation. Rick Bonifas Rick joined Wright Tree Service in 2005, working his way from project manager to division manager to regional manager, then into his current position as vice president of operations. He has been an integral part of the Wright Tree Service west coast operations throughout his tenure. Rick is an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist and a member of Utility Arborist Association (UAA). Jerry Black Jerry has been working in the utility vegetation management industry since 1998 when he began his career with Wright Tree Service. He started as a trimmer before being promoted to general foreperson, project manager, division manager, regional manager, and now his current position as vice president of operations. In this role, Jerry oversees operations in the Midwest and southern regions of the U.S. Jerry shares the company values and mission with his passion for safety, training, and the education of employees. Over his career, he has been exposed to a diverse customer base, allowing him to develop a wealth of knowledge that he brings to his customers to meet their needs.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
continued Advisory Board of Grand View University, the Board of Directors of Precision Pulley & Idler, six years as State Chairman of Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for Iowa and two years as Chairman of the National ESGR Executive Advisory Subcommittee. Additionally, Dick is a volunteer at the Iowa Gold Star Museum, a volunteer with United Way of central Iowa and he actively works as a volunteer financial counselor with the Small Business Development Center in central Iowa. John Bruntz Currently retired, John Bruntz was the chairman and CEO of The Boulder Company, an industrial product distributor with operations in four states and serving an eight-state market region. He held the position from 2014 to 2019.
Prior, he was the CEO of The Wittern Group, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of automatic merchandising equipment and controlled access technology. He became the CEO in 1990 and began work for the company in 1985. John also serves as a director for DexterApache Holding, Inc., a $300mm revenue ESOP company with more than 900 employees across six different business lines. In addition, Bruntz is on the board of directors of Cementech, Inc., an ESOP company headquartered in Indianola, Iowa. Cementech is the market leader in the production of volumetric cement mixers. He is a licensed attorney who graduated from the University of Iowa, College of Law and has published articles in law journals in the areas of labor and employment law. He has been involved in numerous civic organizations including ChildServe, the YMCA of Greater Des Moines and the Greater Des Moines Partnership. George Milligan George Milligan is a 1978 graduate of Iowa State University, earning a B.S. in economics with a minor in industrial administration (business). From 1978 to 1985 he worked for Continental Grain Co. in various trading and management positions in four different locations. From 1985 to the present, he has worked at The Graham Group, Inc., and as its president since 1988. The Graham Group, Inc. is a diversified real estate development company and general contractor. He has been involved in many central Iowa charities and boards. He currently serves on the board of two public companies, United Fire Group, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and West Bancorporation, Inc., of West Des Moines, Iowa. Both are Nasdaq traded companies.
MEET THE EXECUTIVES
INTEGRITY clients’ needs deliver creative services and solutions. foundation; it is who
9 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement Mission ‒ To provide reliable service to our customers by ensuring that transmission & distribution lines, and railroads are clear of vegetation. ‒ To provide attractive value appreciation to our employee owners. ‒ To provide team members with an environment that enables them to achieve their personal and professional goals. ‒ To make a positive difference in the communities we serve. Vision Wright Tree Service will continue to be recognized by utilities as providers of the highest levels of quality, service, responsiveness, reliability and value. SAFETY It is everyone’s responsibility –we each own it.
FAMILY It is our
We abide by the highest ethical standards. TEAMWORK It is how we operate and we hold each other accountable. EXCELLENCE We continually strive to exceed our customer’s and our own expectations. INNOVATION We anticipate our
we are.
ANDMISSIONVISION VALUESCORE
and we
ABOUT REPORTTHISOurCSRMissionStatement
Wright Tree Service’s core Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will be used to track the progress in key target areas and will be used by each company in coming years to gauge progress. These will help shape goals to drive continuous improvement.
Wright Tree Service is an industry leader in vegetation management, demonstrating that safety is top of mind for our employees and our communities by supporting the sustainability of the areas we serve.
KPI Overview
Our employees create a rich work environment. Our family culture is what makes us unique and attractive to the next generation of the workforce. This includes a safe, enjoyable, diverse environment that offers opportunity for professional growth within. As competition for talent grows, Wright Tree Service is committed to offering an attractive workplace to retain and foster talent through our family of companies at all levels. We are proud to be employee owned since 2002, and 100% employee owned since 2006. Continued training, education and development, and our employees’ well-being are top of mind.
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Wright Tree Service supports activities that benefit our employees and add value to the communities where we live and work. Through monetary and inkind donations such as labor or education, we’re able to support various causes and organizations that align with our values. We take pride in building and developing relationships with our employees, customers and communities.
- We partnered with Evergy on a new right-of-way construction project, clearing 14 miles in four weeks in Kansas.
OVERVIEW OF COMPANY INITIATIVES PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS 2021 Highlights U.S. railroadEmployeesoperations and crossing maintenance as a service line into Puerto Rico U.S. Growth rate ExpandedAdded8.4%4,699
- Our WATCO in Kansas and Oklahoma project cleared vegetation along the railroad with specialized on-rail equipment approved by the Federal Railroad Association.
11 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement Safety Safety is our number one value. Our employees are trained on a consistent basis to ensure best safe practices are in place and mitigate any potential risks or hazards. Internal protocols are routinely reviewed and updated by our risk and safety departments to ensure the latest trainings and protocols are followed and our employees can get home safely each and every night. Our employees follow the Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper motto, striving to achieve zero (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) OSHA recordable incidents.
Environmental Sustainability
As part of the family of companies who are in the environmental services industry under Wright Service Corp. (WSC), we strive to protect and preserve all ecosystems. We continue to reduce our footprints and promote carbon positive practices at our offices and in the communities we serve.
Community Engagement
Employee Well-being
- Wright Tree Service assisted in High Fire-Threat Districts (HFTD), which are designated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for proactive fire prevention. Hazardous trees are removed, and limbs are trimmed to keep away from power lines and electric equipment. This kind of enhanced vegetation management exceeds the state minimum clearance standards and includes overhanging branches and taller trees that could become a strike threat to lines or equipment.
- We partnered with PG&E on post disaster recovery from wildfires in the west. We removed trees and pruned after fires.
Wright Tree Service acquired Flory Backhoe Inc., adding excavation services to our portfolio in Kansas and surrounding states.
SAFETY Safety is our number one value. Our employees are trained on a consistent basis to ensure best safe practices are in place and reduce any potential risks or hazards. Internal protocols are routinely reviewed and updated by our risk and safety departments to ensure the latest trainings and protocols are followed to ensure our employees can get home safely each and every night. Our employees follow the Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper motto, striving to achieve zero Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordable incidents.
13 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement At-fault incidents are often broken down into the following categories: All Wright Tree Service divisions track and report accidents. At-fault accidents are tracked with goals established for reduction. These accidents are used in training materials to identify preventative actions to continue to enforce a strong emphasis on safety. A days away, restricted, or transferred (DART) rate represents OSHA injuries or illness that results in days away from work, restricted duty, or transfer of duties. This is because only the more severe OSHA recordable injuries and illnesses are included in the DART rate. 2.66 WORKER SAFETY & ANNUAL RATES RATEINCIDENTANNUAL - Property Damage - Auto Liability - General Liability - First Aid 2021 Rates Annual Incident Rate Days Away, Restricted or Transferred Claims per Employee1.430.112.66- Lost Time - Restricted Duty - Medical - Outage
Project Manager (PM) School
The course is typically held at the Wright Tree Service headquarters in West Des Moines, Iowa. Due to the travel restrictions in place over the past year, we have adapted this program to offer a remote option and have also sent our training staff on location to facilitate the program.
GF SCHOOL TRAINING COURSE OVERVIEW
Spring Safety Challenge
Wright Tree Service western region and northeast region were awarded Wright Tree Service’s most prestigious safety awards from efforts in 2021. Western region, covering the Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada and Arizona areas, received the most improved incident rate award. Northeast region, covering Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maine and a portion of West Virginia, received the lowest incident rate award. These awards show each area’s dedication and commitment to safety.
PM School is a four-day program where project managers and supervisors
The backbone of our training program resides in our Safety Manual. Our Safety Manual contains all the necessary components for the field personnel to use in the performance of their daily tasks. Although the manual is very comprehensive, if there is any question regarding the training process , our specialized support staff is available to assist. It is our belief that it is not just the employee that is responsible for their safety, but that all employees of Wright Tree Service are involved in the safety of our employees. Each field crew member is required to obtain or provide evidence that they have completed a certified program in First Aid and CPR within 90 days of hire. All field personnel are trained in the proper completion of our Pre-Job Hazard Survey. This comprehensive document is to be completed at the beginning of each new job or when substantial changes in the job occur. The survey identifies hazards specific to the job site and what type of equipment should be used to ensure the safe completion of the task at hand.
During the course, attendees complete a total of 48 hours of hands-on class time, become OSHA 30 certified and are put through real field situations. Class sizes are limited to 24 attendees and there are five regularly scheduled classes per year.
General Foreperson (GF) School
Each year, Wright Tree Service holds company-wide safety-focused challenges. Each challenge has a theme focused on safety, and throughout the weeks of the challenge, there are different categories within that theme. Employees are encouraged to engage, participate and submit information related to the various challenge activities. Prizes are awarded and employees are recognized for their contributions to the challenge. The challenge intends to be a reminder to put our “Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper” motto into action, which is a pledge our employees take to keep not only themselves safe but their fellow coworkers safe too.
Safety Awards: Lowest Incident Rate and Most Improved Incident Rate
Wright Tree Service is committed to the “Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper” philosophy and provides training and recognition for completion of the program. It is important that our employees are watching out for each other and if a hazard is observed, it is brought to the attention of other coworkers.
from Wright Tree Service participate in training, exercises, and presentations to further develop skills in this leadership role.
01 02 03 04 05 06 CustomerService MaintenanceEquipment & InspectionFianceAccidentInvestigationCompliance Public Speaking & Presenting CommunicationElectronicPracticalArboristSkillsComputerSkills
14 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
Over the years, Wright Tree Service has established many procedures and programs to help our employees work safe. As we often say, “Safety is everyone’s responsibility – we each own it.” We have dedicated staff to help support our safety program which includes safety supervisors for each division, safety managers and a risk management department that includes various administrators as well as the director of risk management.
TRAINING PROGRAM
GF School is a four-day program where Wright Tree Service employees participate in a variety of trainings and hands-on exercises to build a solid foundation to be more effective at their position. The goal of GF School is to educate and train our GFs to build a strong and productive workforce.
Tailgate safety quizzes are weekly quizzes that cover a wide variety of topics. Some topics are informative, and others are designed to challenge the crew members to identify specific approved work methods which support safe working processes. All our crews are required to perform monthly aerial rescue training. Tailgates are supplemented with “Safety Stand-Downs” as the need arises to address issues of importance in a timely manner. We constantly have our safety supervisors in the field performing audits and training our field and management personnel if any errors or inconsistencies are identified upon their training content is key to our program, and to ensure our employees are engaged we offer the following training programs:
accreditation helps consumers identify qualified tree care companies who conduct business in a safe, legal and ethical manner.
continued
MONTHLY WILDFIRE POTENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS
3,1614,341
UNIVERSITY
ANNUAL MANAGEMENT LEVEL WILDFIRE TRAININGS
Providinginspections.relevant
Wildfire Trainings
- Electrical Hazard Awareness Training - Stretch & Flex Program - Hazard Communication & Pesticide Application - Job Briefing Procedure - Heat Illness Prevention - Fire Prevention Fall Protection Wright Service Corp. University Wright Service Corp. University (WSCU) is an online learning platform used to document, track, report and deliver customized training that will help our employees learn skills and provide training essential to their role. LinkedIn Learning is one of our primary training content providers that is integrated with WSCU. LinkedIn Learning provides online courses from industry experts with topics that range from business, creative and technology. Training opportunities include: - Remote Work Foundations - Time Management: Working from Home - Office 365 Teams - Word Quick Tips - Productivity Tips: Finding your productive mindset - Managing Stress for Positive Change - Managing Your Time Industry Certifications - In 2021, Wright Tree Service had 142 ISA certifications. In support of our employees ISA certification journeys, Wright Tree Service offers various continuing education units (CEU) through weekly tailgate safety trainings. - Wright Tree Service employees are also Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Accredited. The TCIA Accreditation is a third-party consumer confidence verification program administered by the TCIA. This
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Tailgate Safety Quizzes
The training covers the following topics: - When do wildfires start - How do wildfires start / wildfire prevention - Wildfire behavior - Wildfire set up (fire briefing and fire tools) - Wildfire suppression
The monthly forecast covers predicted conditions in the U.S. and Canada. The forecast for the U.S. comes from the National Interagency Fire Center, Predictive Services. They issue a monthly report that shows Significant Wildland Fire Potential for the next four months. The forecast for Canada comes from the Natural Resources Canada website, on their page that forecasts monthly and seasonal weather. These monthly risk reports are shared with Wright Tree Service staff in North America, as well as some clients upon request. written tests completed by Wright Tree Service employees. field tests completed by Wright Tree Service employees. Skills Assessments completed in WSCU on Approved Work Methods (AWM):
A series of online trainings are given annually to management, general foreperson and up, in each division by a third-party contractor, Anchor Point. The content of the training is developed by the WSC Wildfire Mitigation Manager, Frank Archuleta and Anchor Point CEO, Rod Moraga.
TRAINING PROGRAM
Lytx is a dash camera solution Wright Tree Service uses that grants managers an extra set of eyes within the cab of a vehicle. A set of two lens capture internal and external (forward facing) footage. Video footage can be reviewed and coached to improve driver safety and identify opportunities within the fleet to correct, improve unsafe behavior, as well as recognize drivers when exemplary behavior is exhibited.
A security awareness program was launched May of 2020. Employees undergo monthly training to spot ‘phishing’ scams and other spam emails. These fraudulent requests are sophisticated and can use known company contacts to lure others into sending funds to illegitimate recipients or compromise confidential data and information. As scams are ever changing, trainings and tips are provided to arm our employees with the knowledge to be a digital Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper. On occasion, employees will be tested internally and if the employee fails, they would be required to go through additional training.
Security Cyber training
Our information technology (IT) department is dedicated to cyber security and business continuity. In 2019, a cyber security team was created to improve our information security posture and execute a two-year strategic security roadmap. This maintains and strengths our company’s ability to protect internal and client data. The team conducted a comprehensive security assessment and remedied identified issues. Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection was deployed to help improve our detection and prevention of attacks on our company’s equipment.
CYBER SECURITY
a 73% industry hoursaverage.ofrequired annual
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Cyber completion compared to cyber security cyber
security trainings over the year. 86%970191
trainings. total hours executed on monthly
TRAINING PROGRAM continued Geotab & Lytx
The Wright Tree Service team employs Geotab, a fleet tracking/GPS platform that delivers tailored fleet management solutions to meet our customer’s requirements for safety, productivity and efficiency.
Geotab evaluates driver safety regarding seatbelts, speeding, idle time, harsh braking, and cornering, as well as backing up. Most trucks are also equipped with cameras for coaching. Division managers receive safety notifications and follow up with coaching as needed through driver scorecard ratings.
Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement Incident Rate: Reduce incidents and near misses to reduce annual incident rate. Safety: Utilize Geotab to establish and track safe driver metrics with an award program. Security: In 2022, ensure company participation and improvement in security awareness training. SAFETY GOALS
WELL-BEINGEMPLOYEE
Our employees create a rich work environment. Our family culture is what makes Wright Tress Service unique and attractive to the next generation of the workforce. This includes a safe, enjoyable, diverse environment that offers opportunities for professional growth within the company. As competition for talent grows, WTS is committed to offering an attractive workplace to retain and foster talent. We take pride in having a family-oriented culture, with a comprehensive package of benefits, retirement account, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and competitive salaries; all factors that contribute directly to productivity, engagement and retention. It takes careful attention to cultivate an engaged workforce, and our dedicated human resources (HR) department puts special consideration on creating a healthy work environment with advancement opportunities, multiple trainings, bonuses and a referral program. Our company’s management group is continuously focusing on our employees’ needs and expectations to maximize the chances of retaining valuable employees. We believe that maintaining a positive employee experience is a highly effective retention strategy.
have an open-door policy to report incidents and provide suggestions to improve the workplace. ETHICAL STANDARDS
Wright Tree Service’s This Management and human staff
2021 was a migration year for Wright Tree Service, with upgrades to workplace processes to an improved digital infrastructure with the transition to Workday. This human capital management system launched in August 2021. This new platform will help recruit, hire and onboard new talent. In addition, Workday’s intuitive portal will enable employees to easily access their personal information via mobile device or computer. Launching this new HR platform will automate manual processes. This will allow for complete and increased reporting capabilities on workforce demographics in Wright2022.Tree Service had a total of 4,699 employees in fiscal year 2021, with 100% of those positions being full-time.
employee handbook outlines several employment policies, procedures and practices.
19 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
resources
contains equal opportunity employment policies, a code of conduct policy, business ethics statement, a harassment policy and a protection against retaliation policy.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION GENDERGENDER - WTS/WTSW NEW HIRE GENDER - WTS/WTSW WTSWWTSWWTS/WTS/ 34%5% 23% 35%34% 6%2% 1.4%.4%.2% 4%2% 2% 14% 12% 7.5% 28% 17% 13% 1%2% .5%1% GENERATIONAL DISTRIBUTION ETHNICITY 20 & under White 31-40 Black or African American American Indian or Alaska Native 51-60Hispanic/Latino21-30 41-50 61-64 65 & over Two or More Races Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Asian NewNewWTSWWTS/HiresWTS/WTSWHiresMaleMale98%97% 2% Female 3% Female 42% 55%58%
hours in LinkedIn Learning videos completed in LinkedIn Learning skills assessments completed field tests completed and completed a total of 1,632 training hours. 31 Wright Tree Service employees have participated in LEAD.
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Wright Tree Service is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that allows all our employees to reach their full potential. Language barriers can make it difficult to give direction, explain expectations, or provide performance feedback to those with whom you cannot communicate effectively. For these reasons we have created a Spanish Program Committee, which is comprised of employees from across our organization. The committee works to provide high-quality Spanish translations for 1,632 LEAD
The latest cohort, which took place 100% virtually except for their final session leading to graduation, concluded their journey in November 2021
The LEAD Program is a two-year, Wright Service Corp. (WSC) sponsored leadership, training, and development program. Following a nomination process, individuals who have shown they are dedicated to their career and growth within our family of companies are selected. We utilize this program to give selected employees a comprehensive perspective of our family of companies, a platform for cross-company networking, and the tools to enhance their leadership potential.
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True Colors® is a personality assessment that is used to boost interdepartmental and team cooperation. Each employee completes a survey and is given a portfolio with potential strengths, weaknesses and strategies for communicating with people of different personalities. This improves employee self-awareness and conflict resolution. Three employees are certified True Colors Infacilitators.addition, new employees will be assigned training on WSCU to review topics such as: - Harassment and discrimination - ESOP - Customer service - Timesheet tracking - Retirement savings, and enrolling in a 401(k) or Roth - Accessing the company clothing and apparel store LEAD Program
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Exclusive Translation Services Program
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Learning Management System
TRAINING & EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Although the LEAD Program has continued to evolve over the years, the foundation of the curriculum has remained the same with a mix of: Online learning In-person and virtual sessions A job shadow Mentorship program Book review Dale Carnegie course Capstone article and presentation
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True Colors
OFHOURSTRAININGFORCLASS2021
Wright Service Corp. University (WSCU) is a learning platform that documents and tracks your online training. WSCU creates the ability to reach every employee in the company (who has a company email) for training and continued learning. Topics include management, leadership, customer service, productivity, tips and tools, and more. The training and development department has increased course offerings significantly in the learning management system (LMS) since 2019. More than 8,000 LinkedIn Learning courses are also available to employees.
AVAILABLE
Thequitting.Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a professional and confidential short-term counseling service available to employees and their immediate family. This benefit is a company paid benefit and is offered to employees at no cost. Immediate telephone access to a counselor is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Resources include up to three sessions for inperson appointments per separate issue per year, legal services, financial consultation, and eldercare resources. Those in need can visit a doctor on their smartphone, tablet or computer from virtually anywhere. Doctor on Demand offers no cost, virtual doctor visits with board-certified doctors who can treat most common medical conditions and prescribe medication.
We have many employees who have been with the company for 10+ years, including those who have since retired.
21 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement 5 years or less 60% 6-10 years 22% 11-15years 12% 16-20 years 4% 26-30 years 1% 21-25 years 1% HEALTH AND WELLNESS LONGEVITY
At all levels of the company, you’ll be working with an employee owner –individuals who are invested in the success of the company and the quality of service we deliver.
IN SPANISH employees whose first language isn’t English. We have also ensured that employee resources are available in Spanish, which includes corporate and company communications and our online company store. We believe that if our employees have access to all relevant information in a format that they can understand, we are helping them position themselves for opportunities and advancement. We currently have more than 400 LinkedIn Learning courses available in Spanish through our learning management system and we are always expanding. Spanish courses range from day-to-day field operations to developing skills in communication, coaching, teamwork and more.
400 LINKEDIN LEARNING
ESOP & DSU Wright Tree Service has been a proud employee-owned company since 2002. With shared ownership with WSC, the ESOP helps promote a positive, unique organizational culture and supports company success. The ESOP is also designed to assist our employees with their retirement and provide them with a financial stake in the company. For our customers and partners, we are empowered to provide exceptional service and innovative solutions.
COURSES
Another Wright Tree Service initiative is encouraging native English speakers to learn Spanish. Every team member of the Wright Tree Service safety department is currently enrolled in a program to learn Spanish language skills. The goal is for them to improve their communication with their fellow Spanish-speaking coworkers. Benefits Wright Tree Service, as a WSC company, provides both full-time and parttime positions with a benefits package that far exceeds the industry standard.
Employees are eligible for comprehensive benefits such as health insurance plans, life and disability insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) plan including match, and ESOP profit sharing. Health Insurance Wright Tree Service, as a WSC company, offers medical with prescription coverage, dental, and vision insurance to all eligible non-union employees.
Plans are offered either as individual or family. Family plans are not limited to number of dependents. The company pays a portion of these insurance fees to provide competitive premium rates for employee’s insurance packages.
Tobacco free lifestyles save money ($312 annually or $26 monthly) on insurance plans and cessation programs are in place to seek help with
The ESOP enables employees to directly affect profitability and value, and see the results. Employees have pride in the company and a vested interest in
Employees are eligible who are at least 18 years of age, worked for the company for one year totaling at least 1,000 hours. Employees are automatically enrolled in the ESOP after meeting the qualifications on April 1 or October 1, following their one-year anniversary date with the company. This is an employer-funded plan that is at no cost to the employees.
Effective October 1st, 2017 WSC enacted an Automatic Enrollment Program, implementing an automatic 3% pre-tax 401(k) enrollment process for all eligible employees which increases contributions from salary pay by 1% each year until 10% is reached (opt-out available). This was enacted to ensure employees were taking steps for their financial security in the future. Employees from across the WSC family of companies (in the U.S.) contributed to their retirement plans. When looking at the end of 2021, 92% of those eligible were contributing to their retirement savings during this timeframe.
A Deferred Shared Unit (DSU) plan was established for Wright Canada Holdings Ltd. (WCH) and its subsidiaries to provide similar benefits to our Canadian employees. Look for our inaugural WCH report in 2022 for DSUrelated data. Retirement Wright Tree Service, as a WSC company, offers a comprehensive 401(k) retirement savings plan. Employees at least 18 years of age are eligible when they have completed one year of service with at least 1,000 hours. Plan entry dates are April 1st or October 1st, following eligibility.
vested20% 23% vested40% 17% vested60% 10% vested80% 9% vested100% 41%
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Effective October 1st, 2015 WSC added a Safe Harbor Match Program to their 401(K) offering, matching 100% of the first 3%, plus an additional 50% of the next 2% employees would contribute to their retirement savings. The matching funds are placed in the ESOP account. Meaning, employees should contribute at least 5% annually to receive the full company match. These company-matched contributions are 100% vested immediately.
ESOP Stats
LONGEVITY continued making sure the value of their account grows. The ESOP has also allowed the company to protect jobs and support the communities we work in.
DSU Stats
Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement Diversity & Inclusion: Increase reporting capabilities on workforce demographics in 2022 with Workday. Education & Development: Increase opportunities for professional growth in leadership. Employee Well-being: Conduct a survey for total reward offerings and preferences to employees. EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING GOALS
SUSTAINABILITYENVIRONMENTAL
Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
Safety
The effectiveness of our services is directly linked to our employees and their commitment to the job. No matter the size or location, our crews are well trained, supervised and supported. We will use the appropriate manual, mechanical or chemical solutions in order to meet our objectives, comply with regulations and encourage natural habitat and other ecological improvements. Our goal is to promote safe and reliable delivery of utility services while minimizing the impact on trees and the environment.
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- Utility Construction:
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> Soil decompaction SWPPP inspection/maintenance until project reaches 90% coverage
Fleet & Equipment Wright Service Corp. (WSC) has had the opportunity to be front and center to several exciting things with Geotab. With the support and guidance of our Geotab reseller, Gridline, WSC was the first company in the world to see and experience, pilot and deploy a Geotab/Lytx integration that allows the Lytx user interface to be visible interactive within Geotab. WSC was recommended and was selected as a participant in the Geotab Global Advisory Group. This group meets quarterly to “take a peek under the hood” of Geotab roadmap ideas and strategies, with an opportunity to weigh in on/collaborate their product and service decisions, business needs and pose questions to Geotab leadership and other Geotab clients around the Theworld.Business Systems Administrator (BSA) team have been driving this relationship. As a team they collaborate with users to conceptualize capabilities, gather report requests, and complete troubleshooting. They quarterback conversations with subject matter experts related to system enhancements, product and service recommendations, along with ensuring daily tasks and usual business within those systems can be completed unimpeded.
> Commercial and residential storm water drainage - Agricultural Conservation:
Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
The Wright Tree Service Team is efficient in their resource use. Almost all employees do not report to a physical office building. We do have 10 office buildings in eight states and the WSC corporate office available as needed in West Des Moines, Iowa. Employees have a fleet of company vehicles and ATVs to complete their work across the country and in Canada.
> Environmental hazard cleanup and remediation
> Installation and repair of crop field terraces and waterways
Resource Use
- Right-of-Way restoration - Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) implementation: Erosion Control Temporary and permanent seeding through drilling or hydroseeding application
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Restoration In addition to vegetation management, work planning and storm restoration, Wright Tree Service added excavation services in 2020 that expanded offerings in right-of-way management, laydown yards, erosion control and seeding, and general exaction in both utility and commercial spaces.
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> Provides services to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
> Construction and maintenance of watershed ponds
Utility employee or a third-party contractor will complete an environmental/ wildlife evaluation prior to work conducted by Wright Tree Service. Local, state and federal entities ensure that environmental compliance is upheld in work Wrightperformed.TreeService supports with tree replacement programs organized by utility clients. We assist in these efforts through in-kind contributions of labor hours to deliver trees, place door-hanger vouchers for tree replacements, as well as providing early establishment care to new trees.
IMPACT AREA ENVIRONMENTBIODIVERSITY/NATURAL 5.6M TREES WORKED IN 2021* *Based on manhours to production unit per tree
In urban settings, wood may be left onsite at the request of the homeowner or removed and stored at a Wright Tree Service property. We may further process wood waste into mulch and provide free of charge to local communities. A significant effort is made to provide a second life to vegetative waste products to eliminate it being disposed of in a landfill setting. Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), a sister company to Wright Tree Service, in both Kansas and Texas generates erosion control Soxx™, with the Filtrexx® technology using recycled organic wastes, such as wood chips to mimic nature to our advantage in their functionality, minimizing this waste from entering our landfills. It also prevents sediment from entering waterways, filters stormwater, and sequesters carbon by storing it in the soil. Erosion Control Soxx™ is a local alternative to straw wattles or silt fence. As Wright Tree Service provides services across North America, each job site and geography provides a variety of alternative uses of wood waste generated. An evaluation effort is underway to estimate the amount of vegetation co-product generated by division and the end-use category respectively.
Lucas Loftin, BSA Team Lead
26 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
Wright Tree Service deploys crews with bucket trucks, chip trucks and chippers as well as specialized equipment including all-terrain tree trimmers, brush-cutter tractors and more for high-impact mechanical line clearance.
ENVIRONMENTBIODIVERSITY/NATURAL continued transition would decrease the amount of fuel, oil and labor for the chainsaw fleet upkeep. Waste Wright Tree Service generates vegetative waste through maintenance and new infrastructure development efforts in support of our clients. Whenever appropriate, this organic waste product is often left onsite in order to naturally break down and provide benefits such as nutrients and habitat to the local ecosystem. The waste may be chipped and added to the local landscape.
11,9132,606
Fuel Usage Geotab together with WEX (a fuel card that helps companies save costs with automatic fuel expense tracking, employee spending controls, purchase alerts, and exclusive discounts) allows for the tracking of fuel efficiency. Some fuel is provided via bulk fueling or client fueled which is not included in annual reporting at this time. Bulk fuel, when available, is an efficient way to prepare the fleet without spending excess labor time and resources to travel to the nearest fueling station. Of the 4,259 vehicles with the Geotab tracking technology utilized by Wright Tree Service in the U.S., the fleet traveled 34,622,720 miles in 2021. Of these vehicles, the average miles per gallon was 7.9 in 2021. Unproductive idle time is currently being tracked along with miles per gallon efficiency.
Electric Transition Wright Tree Service and WSC companies are exploring and making the transition to battery operated chainsaws where appropriate in the fleet. This
tons of CO2e avoided cubic yards of wood chips diverted from a landfill which is the same as
We are often the primary or direct link to WSC for our vendor partners and provide feedback and guidance on how our companies utilize their products and services and collaborate to provide considerations for them on any potential development needs that may exist or present themselves.”
improve
Waste:
Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
Resource Use:
unproductive
Energy: Continue exploring the opportunity to utilize battery operated small tools into the fleet. Establish a tracking program for wood waste streams. Evaluate Geotab and Gridline reporting to efficiency through reduction of idle time. Begin a (following the GHG Protocol and Corporate Standard), with 2022 serving as the base year.
Fuel Use:
SUSTAINABILITYENVIRONMENTALGOALS
GHG inventory
Wright Tree Service supports activities that benefit our employees and add value to the communities where we live and work. Through monetary and in-kind donations such as labor or education, we’re able to support various causes and organizations that align with our values. We take pride in building and developing relationships with our employees, clients and communities.
ENGAGEMENTCOMMUNITY
SPONSORSHIP TO WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DONATION TO THE IN WILL NUTTER’S
29 Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
$25,000
Wright Tree Service is passionate about our service men and women, and we wanted to do what we could to remember our fallen U.S. veterans and honor those who serve. On December 18, 2021, members from our crews in multiple locations across the U.S. volunteered their time to participate in Wreaths Across America Day. This is an annual event where wreaths are placed at each soldier’s grave at more than 2,500 cemetery locations
Saluting Branches
Wright Tree Service annually supports Arbor Day with volunteer hours across the country planting trees and educating for the caring and importance of sustainably protecting our planet’s natural resources. TREE Fund Wright Tree Service has been a committed partner to The TREE Fund for years. It is a cause that our late president and COO Will Nutter was passionate about. After Will’s passing in September 2021, our donation of $15,000 was made in his honor along with another donation of $7,000 to support. With more than four decades in the utility vegetation management industry, Will was a driving force and influential leader, displayed by his service as the chair of the TREE Fund Board of Trustees.
Tour des Trees
Wreaths Across America
$15,000
For the past few years Wright Tree Service has participated in and sponsored the American Heart Association (AHA) Heart Walk with Oncor in Dallas, Texas. Wright Tree Service donated $25,000 to the AHA in 2021 to help them continue their vital work and to take a stand against heart disease and stroke.
DONATION TO AMERICAN ASSOCIATIONHEART
TREE FUND
$2,000
Wright Tree Service has been a committed partner to supporting Tour des Trees over the years. Tour des Trees is an annual long-distance cycling adventure which serves as the primary public outreach and community engagement event for TREE Fund. In 2021, Wright Tree Service donated $15,000 to support the ride. Tour des Trees serves to advance the TREE Fund’s mission to explore and share the science of trees contributing to the lives of people, communities, economies, and the environment, and of the planning, planting, and sustainability of urban and community trees. (Treefund.org)
American Heart Association Heart Walk
Employees from Division 55 and Division 20 took part in the annual Saluting Branches event. Saluting Branches is a nonprofit organization that provides the vital care to the landscapes dedicated to our U.S. veterans. Through this work, Saluting Branches has brought together the green industry and made an impact with community volunteering. The idea was developed by a group of arborists under the commitment of beautifying and improving our National Veterans Cemeteries to show appreciation for the sacrifices made by our troops. On this annual event, thousands of arborists volunteer their time, talents and equipment to maintain the trees at dozens of veterans’ cemeteries across the country. The event helps fill the void of the significant need for tree care and landscape care at our veteran cemeteries. Few resources are available to care for the trees located at the 130 National Veteran Cemeteries and hundreds of stateoperated veteran cemeteries. These trees need to be inspected for safety, health and be properly pruned or removed if diseased. Without proper care, the cemeteries may be unsafe and will lack the beauty and peaceful environment that the veterans, families and visitors deserve.
HONOR PLUS $7,000
ArborCONTRIBUTIONSDay
nationwide in honor of their sacrifice. In addition to volunteering, Wright Tree Service provided a $2,000 sponsorship to Wreaths Across America as a special thank you to our veterans. The sponsorship helped fund the purchase of wreaths across the U.S. for this special day.
CONTRIBUTIONS continued REPUTATION
This award is given to a person who is on the front line of safety and may have official or unofficial roles within an organization. They influence and promote a safety culture at every turn. In 2016, the UAA Silver Shield was created out of ideas that were brought to the UAA Board by then Safety Committee Chair, Will Nutter. Will stood out as an advocate for safety and was a key player in the development of the UAA Safety Summits that focuses attention on bringing together a group of utility vegetation high performers and developing best practices, educating workers, as well as proactively addressing safety which transcends competitive boundaries. This is the very space in which the Silver Shield was created from. On September 16, 2021 we lost Will due to injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident. Though we cannot ever replace Will’s unique or one of a kind nature and personality, we Economic Impact
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These are some examples:
Wright Tree Service often provides a donation to support tree planting efforts on our client’s behalf. Industry Leadership In 2021, Wright Tree Service attended 24 conferences across 17 states.
SILVER SHIELD AWARD
Awards
PINE AWARD
The Utility Arborist Association (UAA) is the leading North American organization for the enhancement of quality utility arboriculture and rightof-way management. Their success relies on the support received from members, sponsors and volunteers. Companies that go above and beyond to support their mission are recognized annually. UAA membership, sponsorship, advertising, active committee volunteerism, and many other means have been quantified and assigned a value, all adding up to equal a PinE Score. This is reviewed by a committee of industry peers based on all of the listed items for the previous fiscal year and is scored and awarded at the UAA Annual Meeting. Wright Tree Service received Honorable Mention in the 2021 PinE Awards.
Publications & Press Releases
CLIENT APPRECIATION DONATION
Members from all levels of the Wright Tree Service team write articles that are submitted to various industry publications on a variety of topics that appeal to that publication’s readership. Publications include the Utility Arborist Association’s magazine Utility Arborist Newsline, T&D World Magazine,
can forever commemorate all he stood for. On September 27, 2021, the UAA Board of Directors voted unanimously to change the name of this award to the Will Nutter Silver Shield Award.
Residential Replacement Initiative
In some areas, Wright Tree Service works alongside our utility clients to provide tree replacement vouchers to residential communities where ongoing maintenance and/or new infrastructure work is conducted.
- UAA Regional Conferences - Trees & Utilities Conference - ISA Conferences - Tree Climbing Competitions - Golf Outings Company & Professional Memberships - Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) - International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) - Utility Arborist Association (UAA) Honorable Tribute UTILITY ARBORIST ASSOCIATION’S WILL NUTTER
17.7% Total Diverse Spend Small Business Supplier Spend 1.6% Minority, Women, Veteran-owned Spend 16.0%
Wright Tree Service distributes press releases to local and national news entities as well as industry publications in an effort to share information with industry partners and the general public. Many press releases are focused on Wright Tree Service promotions and appointments of leadership.
Wright Tree Service tracks and reports on diverse supplier spend annually.
Arborist News, RE Magazine, and more – in both digital and print formats. Notable articles include topics on safety, diversity and inclusion, crisis management, continuing education and more.
In 2021, career fairs were limited, historically Wright Tree Service has a presence at many high school and college career fairs to showcase the opportunities in the vegetative management industry.
Youth Interaction: Track and increase opportunities to discuss the vegetation management industry with the next generation of the workforce.
SECOND CHANCE PROGRAM
Wright Tree Service created a Second Chance Program through conversations with local probation offices, work release and halfway houses. The program aims to provide a structured work environment for folks that are looking for a second chance. The program hired on its first employee in fiscal year 2021 with plans to hire more employees in the coming years. Watching these employees grow and change and find passion in our work has been an amazing blessing for me. It makes me want to do better every day so I can lead them in the right direction. I can’t wait to share all the success stories in the years ahead. I will forever appreciate that Wright Tree Service supported me in starting this program.”
GOALS
REPUTATION continued
Arbor Day Pinckney Elementary Lawrence, Kansas
Wright Tree Service provides presentations on aspects of wildfire safety at conferences and meetings. Representatives from utility clients have and can attend trainings given to Wright Tree Service employees. If additional clients are interested in having a wildfire safety training given for their employees or desire additional training for Wright Tree Service employees in their area, the WSC Wildfire Mitigation Manager coordinates.
the festivities. Wright Tree Service donated a Japanese Maple tree that was planted on school grounds.
ENGAGEMENTCOMMUNITY
Cassie Weston, General Foreperson, who was integral in starting the Second Chance Program at Wright Tree Service
Contribution: Tracking of total in-kind contributions made by fiscal year for Wright Tree Service.
Charles YOUTH INTERACTION
Contribution: Increase opportunities for Wright Tree Service and employees to partake in volunteer efforts to support the communities we live and work in.
Industry Wildfire Training
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My name is Matthew. Coming from years in prison, running the streets when I was not incarcerated, a life of shame and no hope. I’ve been with Wright Tree Service for just over a year and a half. I owe Wright Tree Service everything. They gave me a chance to change, and they gave me a career. I started out on house arrest and my house arrest officer is who told me about the job fair from a flyer Cassie had dropped off to them. I was hired on that night as a groundworker. My first day on the job, I saw hope for my life and what I needed to succeed and fix my life. I am now a crew leader and really close to being all the way out of the court system, which I have been in since I was 14 years old. My future goal is to transfer to a traveling crew in about a year or so, get a few more years of experience and hopefully become a general foreperson and keep learning and moving up until I retire. Before I close, I would like to say that I hope Wright Tree Service implements the Second Chance Program in other areas because this program can completely transform lives, just like it has mine.” Matthew Wright Tree Service is a place of growth. The Second Chance Program gives someone who is looking for a new start, a chance to have a meaningful career with benefits and training.”
An acting project manager and general foreperson celebrated Arbor Day at Pinckney Elementary in Lawrence, KS. They volunteered their time educating our future leaders on tree health, the history of Arbor Day, safety, our company and community involvement. This was the first onsite field trip of the school year and the teachers and students were thrilled to partake in
Community Engagement: Continue to grow the Second Chance Program.
CLOSING
The Wright Service Corp. (WSC) family of companies and our employees strive to live out our values and will continue to improve our sustainable practices to ensure a safe and bright future for our employee owners. We’re committed to a better world for all, by investing in the communities we serve through innovation, integrity and teamwork. We want to ensure that the decisions we make today make a positive impact on our employees, clients community and the environment.
Thispublic.preliminary
An evaluation by EcoPractices®, a sustainability risk management tool from Sustainable Environmental Consultants, a sister company to Wright Tree Service (a WSC subsidiary) in partnership with WSC. This report is intended to showcase the sustainability journey of Wright Tree Service, dedicated to recognizing their responsibility toward their mission, vision and values for their employee owners, partners, clients, and the Corporate Social Responsibility Report will be further expanded upon in the coming years to comply with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards.
APPENDIX
Safety Employee Well-being Environmental Sustainability Community Engagement
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