SPRING/SUMMER 2023 A biannual update for employees and friends of the Wright Service Corp. family of companies.
2023 14 24 35 18 31 38
Wright Service Corp. 2022 Year in Review Annual Awards Banquet Leadership Excerpt Ownership corner
Involvement
Wright Canada Holdings
Wright Tree Service
Involvement
Wright Outdoor Solutions & Verdure Elements
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Terra Spectrum Technologies
Project Spotlights Community Involvement
Sustainable Environmental Consultants Leadership Excerpt
Project Spotlights
Transcon Environmental
Project Spotlights
Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation Project Updates
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Community
Leadership Excerpt Project Spotlights Community Involvement
Leadership
Community
Excerpt Project Spotlights
Leadership
Leadership
Excerpt Project Spotlights Community Involvement CNUC
Excerpt Project Spotlights Community Involvement
Leadership Excerpt
Community Involvement
Leadership Excerpt
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2022 YEAR IN REVIEW
A Speech Presented at the 2023 Wright Service Corp. Annual Awards Banquet
By Scott D. Packard, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The Wright family of companies had yet another noteworthy year in 2022. We experienced our 20th consecutive year of record growth and profitability with revenue exceeding $936 million.
Working together, we have expanded our North American footprint. We are now an international company. We continue to add new customers and service territories from California to New England and stretching across Canada from British Columbia to New Brunswick. We ventured to the Caribbean and established a significant workforce in Puerto Rico. We also accepted project work based in Germany, Columbia, Canada and Nicaragua.
As we do every year, we thank our crew members for diligent work in the wake of severe weather. Crews mobilized in the aftermath of hurricanes Fiona and Ian, following severe weather in Florida and South Carolina, in response to Midwest flooding, and in the midst of New England winter storms. This work to clear roadways and power lines by removing debris is crucial in the impacted communities.
Our professional and reliable workforce of nearly 7,000 strong are the future of this company. We continue building a culture that attracts, retains and rewards the highest quality talent in the industries we serve.
In 2022, we welcomed Dr. Sara Crawford as president of Sustainable Environmental Consultants. Eight leaders completed the Executive Leadership Development Program:
Wright Service Corp.
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jon Hicks
Vice President of Digital Strategy and Innovation Jesus Vetencourt
Wright Tree Service
Vice President of Operations Nick Fox Regional Manager Adam Larson
CNUC
Senior Vice President Josh Beaver Vice President Matt Searels
Wright Canada Holdings
Vice President of Operations Dean Marshall
Wright Outdoor Solutions
Vice President and General Manager Jennifer Anderson
We took time to mourn, heal and remember Will Nutter and John Harsch. We gathered with their families, employees, and members of the TREE Fund in downtown Des Moines for a ceremonial tree planting.
We completed the second grant cycle for the Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation. We awarded a total of $200,000 to five organizations dedicated to improving tree canopy and regenerative agricultural practices.
We released our second annual corporate sustainability report, and six other first reports for nearly our entire family of companies, setting us apart in the industry.
Our ESOP share price reached $862.05 a share, a 26% increase from the previous year.
I announced my retirement in a collaborative effort with our Board of Directors. We chose Austin Kennedy to serve as our future CEO in 2024, while I will remain as your chairman
through 2026. It was quite a year.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST 25 YEARS
As I reflect on my past 25 years and look at the history we created for Wright Service Corp. together, we have achieved much.
In July 1998, I began working alongside John R. Wright and was then named president and COO in 2001. And not long after, we transitioned to an employee-owned company with the creation of our ESOP after John Wright’s passing. I believe being an ESOP creates a unique culture supporting the company’s success while assisting employees with their retirement, providing you with a financial stake in the company. I was appointed to serve as your chairman, president and CEO in 2002, and at the closing bell, our share price was $11.83. This year, $862.05 per share, a return of 7,186%. This has led to a very proud moment as employee owners; we have 35 millionaires in the ESOP.
We have an aggressive growth mindset seeking to accelerate organic growth and acquire companies with core values that align with our mission, vision and values. Over time, we added eight businesses to the family of companies. In all, we grew from 600 employees to nearly 7,000 from $60 million in revenue to $936 million.
As I pause to reflect honoring the legacy that the Wright family started 90 years ago, the things we needed to achieve to ensure our long-term success and cement our leadership position in the industry – some might call this 25-year history a good record, I call it a great start.
4 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE
We have seen our business grow and prosper as we embark on the next step toward the future. We must continue to take crucial steps to protect our environment in ways that generations before us could not have imagined, investing in our people, our infrastructure, innovation through technology and stewardship while never losing sight of our core values safety, family, integrity, excellence and stewardship, the guardrails of how we live and work together as we drive towards our vision.
For the last 21 years, hosting the Annual Awards Banquet has been an honor
and a privilege. This marks my season finale, stepping down as your CEO this December, the end of a chapter. But the next page begins a new chapter with many more to come.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
During Austin Kennedy’s 10 years with Wright Service Corp., the last year as president and COO along with his previous role as general counsel, he has demonstrated leadership excellence, and a passion for innovation and teamwork.
The board and I are very confident that Austin is the right person to serve as our next CEO to continue building on our solid foundation for our family of companies embracing our core values and guiding us into the future.
Over the past several years, we planned this transition. Austin continues to work alongside our operating units gaining a firm understanding of what makes our company successful.
ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET
In 2022, 413 employees within our family of companies reached milestone anniversaries. Employees with 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 or 35 years of service were invited to celebrate on March 3 in Des Moines, Iowa. In total, the awardees represented 3,155 years of service.
Recent retirees with 20+ years of service and John Wright Memorial Contest winners were also recognized.
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE 5 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE
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WRIGHT SERVICE CORP.
PERSPECTIVE
RETIREES
Five Wright Tree Service employees retired in 2022 with more than 20 years of service.
Doug Vondal, 43 years
Roger Farley, 39 years
Tim Bingaman, 29 years
Chad Berlin, 22 years
Ronald Jones, 22 years
JOHN WRIGHT MEMORIAL CONTEST AWARDS
The John Wright Memorial Contest honors the memory of both John L. and John R. Wright. It is designed to promote the importance of trees, the environment and sustainability.
It is open to the children and grandchildren of all Wright Service Corp. employees and retirees.
Entries are judged on presentation, originality, and the overall message conveyed. Thank you to this year’s seven judges:
Matt Swanson, Sustainable Environmental Consultants
Nathan Jones, Terra Spectrum Technologies
Jayanna Miller, Transcon Environmental
Terry Richard, Wright Canada Holdings
Jason Brauckman, Wright Outdoor Solutions
Nathan Watson, Wright Service Corp.
Betsy Long, Wright Tree Service
Children submitted their multimedia entries in one of four divisions based on grades:
Pre-K to 2nd Grade
3rd to 5th Grade
6th to 8th Grade
9th to 12th Grade
Congratulations and thank you to all who participated in the contest. Both John L.
and John R. Wright would be proud!
Division 1: Pre-K to
2nd Grade
1st Place – Emelia Christenson, child of Rose Christenson, Wright Service Corp. Director of Training and Development
2nd Place – Camila Cardenas, child of Cynthia Narvaez Cardenas, Wright Service Corp. Recruiting Specialist
3rd Place – Ella-Lou Loiselle, child of Steven Loiselle, Wright Tree Service Division 55 General Foreperson
Division 2: 3rd to 5th Grade
1st Place – Lacey Loiselle, child of Steven Loiselle, Wright Tree Service Division 55 General Foreperson
Division 3: 6th to 8th Grade
1st Place – Catie Christenson, child of Rose Christenson, Wright Service Corp.
Director of Training and Development
2nd Place – Kylee Kobernick, child of Cory Kobernick, Wright Tree Service Regional Manager
3rd Place – Leah Clark, child of Travis Clark, Wright Service Corp. Fleet Maintenance Specialist
Division 4: 9th to 12th Grade
1st Place – Olivia Fitzpatrick, child of Wright Service Corp. Director of Fleet Kevin Fitzpatrick and Training and Development Supervisor Lacy Fitzpatrick
2nd Place – Brynn Burlingame, child of Ryan Burlingame, Wright Outdoor Solutions Account Manager
3rd Place – Annalise Loftin, child of Lucas Loftin, Wright Service Corp. Mobility Delivery Lead
2nd Place – Georgie Fisher, child of Jen Fisher, Wright Tree Service of Canada Accounts Payable Clerk
3rd Place – Kaylee Dillow, child of Joshua Dillow, Wright Tree Service Division 15 General Foreperson
6 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE SPRING/SUMMER 2023
THE WRIGHT
Doug Vondal
Tim Bingaman
5 Year Awards
CNUC
Barbara Alonso
Donald Bird
Benjamin Buchanan
Michelle Chaffee
Marina Scottorn
Keith Heyne
Charlie James
Jacob Marfin
Stanley Maxwell
Randall H. Miller
John Muegge
Timothy Sheehy
Lorenzo Villanueva
Sustainable Environmental Consultants
Samantha Bretz
Transcon Environmental
Carolyn Baum
Ellen Blythe
Chabli Bravo
Lindsey Evenson
Tifanee Hutton
Katherine Jackson
David LaFever
Laura Muhlhauser
Christopher Shuck
Carrie Stephens
Nicole Young
Wright Canada Holdings
Robert Chiappini
Niki Rosenthal
Wright Outdoor Solutions
Deb Hammer
Melissa Oppenheim
Kim Rieber
Jeff Russo
Joe Sanders
Patricia Santos
Wright Service Corp.
Markus Allison
Shelley Bailey
Lindsey Burton
Betsy Hildreth
Lori Johnston
Pavan Raghavendra
Mark Wachendorf
Jon Wedemeyer
Christine Wilson
Wright Tree Service
Curtis Adams
Jose Aguilar Avila
Alberto Alarcon
Palomares
Anthoney Anderson
Hector Armendariz
Cepeda
Michael Astacio Matos
Pedruano Avila De Leon
Dean Ayers
Eric Bagalay
Fernando Barcenas
Zachary Barnhart
Joshua Bauer
Dewron Baze
Commanche Beaver
Jeremy Beem
Anthony Beesley
Nicholas Begner
Austin Berlin
Eric Beyer
Scott Black
Jeffery Blackburn
Lawrence Blanton
Ronald Block
Cristian Bonilla Bonilla
Jerson Bonilla Bonilla
Dante Borio
Ryan Bortner
Billy Bowles
Christopher Brown
Santos Cantarrero
Jose Carrizal
Trevor Case
West Cassity
Jose Castaneda Cardenas
Tito Castro Canales
Bradley Chapman
Diangelon Childs
Dennis Coderre
Pedro Condado Moreno
Michael Cooks
Jerred Coon
Robert Cooper
Vincent Cooper
Graham Cornett
Carlos Corvera Alvarado
Andre Curell
James Davey
Matt David
Kenneth Davis
Michael Dicarlo
Nathan Dillon
John Dombrowski
Casey Engelke
Elijah England
Steven Fargo
Adam Field
Douglas Fisher
Derek Frank
Rudie Frank
Ronald Frenzel
Christopher Fulk
Nathan Gillihan
Noah Giraud
Zackary Goodrich
Juan Graciano
Tyler Greenwald
Michael Griffiths
Azeen Grissett
Alfonso Guerrero
Phillip Guerrero
Jason Guffey
Rondo Harrison
Kevin Hayes
Edson Henderson Jr.
Casey Herman
Mario Hernandez
Romero
Kyle Hill
Jonathan Himes
Allen Hoffert
James Hofmeister
Dustin Hollingsworth
Michael Howard
Mark Hudson
Alex Huerta
Marcus Humphrey
Patrick Hutchinson
Benjamin Jacobs
Philip Jaeger
Justin Jefferson
Michael Johns
Felipe Jose Juan
Ramiro Juarez Aguirre
Kam Kaswinkel
Alexander Keller
Charles Kemplin
Jason Kerr
Kyle Kerr
Robert Kling
Michael Knisely
Debra Kobernick
Richie Kovacs
Mathew Letson
Adam Levis
Eduardo Lira
Tammy Logiudice
Brandon Longuski
Oswaldo Lopez
Jesus Lopez Gutierrez
Elebrando Luna
Zackary Lux
Jordan Maestri
Thomas Maliszewski
Jordan Malloy
Tyler Malloy
Zachary Maroney
Ricardo Martinez
Jeffrey Massey
Michael Mata
Luis Maya Diaz
Cornell McClendon
Kelly McDonald
Kevin McDowell
Lucas McEvoy
Jeffery McGee
Matthew Meadows
Tristen Meadows
Joseph Mercer
Samuel Meyer
Matthew Miller
Brandon Moir
Robert Moore
Steven Murray
Timothy Musser
Rex Myres
Nicholas Nichols
David Nicholson
Matthew Nielsen
Daniel Olfier
Wade Owens
Thomas Pacheco
Tanner Parks
Jonathan Peralta Castro
Federico Perez Orozco
Joshua Peterson
Joshua Phillips
Christopher Posten
Clint Price
Yendri Pupo Leyva
Candido Ramirez Estrada
Jose Ramirez Morales
Esbin Ramos Ico
Irving Ramos Sanchez
Vincent Rhodes
Gerardo Rios
Miguel Rios
Jose Rivas
Alejandro Rivera
Mendoza
Jordan Roberts
Thatcher Rodmaker
Eleuterio Rodriguez
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE 7
PERSPECTIVE
5 Year Awards 10 Year Awards
Jessy Rodriguez
Alejandro Rodriguez
Gonzalez
Gerardo Rodriguez
Saucedo
Tyler Roll
Juan Rosas
Dillon Rose
Jose Ruiz
Michael Sams
Yusmar Sanchez
Isaias Santoyo
Michael Schilling
Christopher Schmidt
Panfilo Servin
Baily Shilling
Thomas Sievewright
John Skarritt
Cody Smith
Ronald Smith
Alex Smith
Michael Soper
Juan Sosa
Kenneth Southerland
Wesley Spencer
Cody Stafford
Anthony States
Cole Steen
James Stewart
Scott Stewart
Allen Storns
Dalton Stromlund
Arnold Tabora
Craig Tackett
Joshua Taylor
Michael Tegano
Jason Tillman
Jacob Tinkham
Brian Tipton
Bryce Todd
Wes Tregilgas
Robert Trent
Ian Tucker
Benjamin Valdez
Cory Vankuren
Eddy Vargas Tejada
Jose Vazquez Cadena
Mason Vestbjerg
Ivan Virgilio Callejas
Michael Vollen
James Voss
Brian Walden
Donavon Ward
Shane Welter
Jeremy Whitemore
Nicholas Williams
Raine Williams
Douglas Wilson
Nicholas Wilson
Bradley Woodman
Jeffrey Wright
Joseph Young
Kyle Young
Terry Zavala
Edwin Zepeda Giorge
Steven Zuker
Wright Tree Service of the West
Alexander Briseno
Salvador Ceja Avalos
Mark Flatland
Ryan McCabe
Francisco Ortega
Dan Ryles Sr.
Demetrius Villegas
CNUC
Leland Bowers
Bryan Daane
Nicholas Lutz
Matthew Searels
Wright Canada Holdings
Nathan O’Reilley
Wright Outdoor Solutions
Jose Portillo Sandoval
Wright Service Corp.
Austin Kennedy
Bill Rapp
Wright Tree Service
Javier Arellano Orozco
Benjamin Baker
Joseph Bauer
Benjamin Beebe
Jorge Benitez
Tomas Bermudez
Tereso Canales
Nicolas Carreno
Jose Carrizales Martinez
Germain Castro Acuna
Juan Cerna Rabago
Chad Chaney
Chanse Coghill
Nate Demby
John Druce
Jim Ehlenbeck
Uriel Flores
Ravn Furfjord
Ubaldo Garcia
Roberto Garcia-Miranda
Otoniel Garcia-Vasquez
Anthony Gittings
Xavier Hardiman
Ferman Hernandez
Kevin Hernandez
Charlie Hurt
Jorge Ibarra Ramirez
Justin Kimball
Patrick Lardi
William Laughlin
Marco Lopez-Garcia
Gabino Manzanares
DJ Meredith
Juan Morales
Hector Morales de la Cruz
Miguel Mujica-Garcia
Ivan Munoz
Kyle Nixon
Rodrigo Palacio
Rafael Pena
Guillermo Perez
Steven Pope
Jeremy Reid
Alejandro Reyes
Terry Richards II
Tyler Roarks
Ernesto Rodriguez
Casillas
Troy Sanders
Matthew Stevens
Jimmy Stewart
David Trevino
Thomas Vogel
Matthew Woodyard
Eloy Zapata-Cabrera
Christian Zavala
Wright Tree Service of the West
Sa-Gep Blake
Benjamen JentryRakestraw
Robert Spitler
Joshua White
8 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT
15 Year Awards
CNUC
Jeremy Nofsinger
Transcon
Environmental
George Miller
Wright Canada Holdings
Stacy Krahn
Wright Service Corp.
Stephanie Burkman
Lucas Loftin
Samantha Mintle
Jesus Vetencourt
Wright Tree Service
Juan Anaya
Sergio Arcos
Tyler Armstrong
John Bernal
James Colville
Russell Cooke
Romeo Correa
Lorenzo Fuentes
Jordan Harrison
Aspen Herring
Wilmer Landaverde
Chacon
Kenneth Mange
Daniel Mellgren
Jose Molina
Michael Nelson
20 Year Awards
Wright Canada Holdings
Stacey Hooper
Wright Outdoor Solutions
Cyndi Pannkuk
Chad Sutherland
Wright Service Corp.
Kristy Reynolds
Wright Tree Service
Martin Campbell
Arnulfo Flores
Rene Gomez
Felipe Perez
Alexi Perlam
Billy Ray
Paul Reynolds
Pedro Rivas
Ismael Rivera-Melgar
Brat Robertson
Victor Rodriguez
Reyes Rodriguez
Hernandez
Jose Romero
Michael Sanders
Frank Saunders
Alfonso Sevilla
Daniel Smith
Joshua St. George
Manuel Ventura
Joseph Wewer
David Hubbell
Stan Jones
Armando Palmero (retiree)
Bernardo Perez
Dewayne Pfau
Aurelio Rodriguez
Justin Siruta
Victor Torres
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE 9
Kristy Reynolds
Chad Sutherland
Stan Jones
Bernardo Perez
Stacey Hooper
Victor Torres
DeWayne Pfau
25 Year Awards
Wright Outdoor Solutions
Ryan Burlingame
Wright Tree Service
35 Year Award
THANK YOU
To Wright Outdoor Solutions for creating the wonderful flower arrangements for the banquet
30 Year Award
10 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT
PERSPECTIVE
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Carl Braatz
Gene Weiss
Wright Tree Service
Wade Myers
Wright Tree Service
Arthur Colbert
Carl Braatz
Wade Myers
Arthur Colbert
Scan the QR code to watch the full Wright Service Corp. 2023 Annual Awards Banquet program.
LEADERSHIP EXCERPT
By Kyle McCann, General Counsel & Vice President, Legal Services & Risk Mitigation
At Wright Service Corp., safety is our number one value. While the Legal Services and Risk Mitigation Department works to ensure programmatic safety compliance, every employee plays an important role in fostering a safe working environment and safely performing day-to-day tasks.
We recognize the challenges and rigors of the high-risk work performed by many employees in the family of companies, and we strive to continually make improvements to our approved work methods and processes. Constantly driving these improvements through the training and development of our employees is vital not only to employee safety, but ultimately, to the profitability of our employeeowned companies.
Mission
To deliver value to our clients, communities, and employee owners through environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Vision
OWNERSHIP CORNER
ESOP CELEBRATION AND STATEMENTS
On April 21, employees were invited to join an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) celebration and statements meeting – a live broadcast with WSC Chairman and CEO Scott Packard, President and COO Austin Kennedy, and SVP and CFO Jon Hicks. It was a way to celebrate our employee owners. The broadcast included some new information and clarified some common misconceptions about the ESOP. Here are some stats shared during the meeting:
648 Employee owners received their first statement this year.
264 Employee owners became fully vested this year, up from 122 the previous year.
GUESS THE VALUE WINNER
Congratulations to Wright Canada Holdings Assistant Operator/Groundworker Connor Hughes who guessed just 29 cents off the new share price of $862.05!
Employees were selected to participate in a fun, virtual game to help reveal the FY2022 share price in a Jeopardy-style game via Teams during a live broadcast before the Guess the Value contest winner was revealed.
Wright Service Corp. is the top tier provider and a leader in sustainable environmental solutions to the industries we serve. We will continue to grow both our traditional and environmental services without constraints to respond to global markets. We will achieve these outcomes by providing a culture that attracts, retains and rewards the highest quality talent in the industry and sustains and leverages our partnerships through performance and trust.
Values
Safety – It is everyone’s responsibility; we each own it
Family – Our foundation is based on teamwork and inclusion
Integrity – We abide by the highest ethical standards
Excellence – We exceed client expectations through resourcefulness and innovation
Stewardship – We are dedicated to environmental sustainability
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE 11 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE
Resources
OWNERSHIP CORNER
IA/NE ESOP CHAPTER WINTER CONFERENCE
•
If you are interested in learning more about your statement, training is available.
•
• Spanish Training
Another great resource is the ESOP Association’s website, esopassociation.org
For any Deferred Share Unit (DSU) Plan related questions, email dsu@wrightcanada.ca
Throughout the year, the members of the Employee Ownership Committee have the opportunity to attend ESOPrelated conferences. This past February, several members from our committee attended the Iowa/ Nebraska Chapter of The ESOP Association’s Winter Conference. During this conference, they participated in a roundtable to discuss common items from several ESOP companies, and individual sessions in order to gain further knowledge about different topics related to ESOPs as a whole or potentially an individual company.
GIVING BACK TO THE LOCAL DES MOINES COMMUNITY
GOODIE BAGS
The Community Involvement Committee have been coordinating with senior living communities in the West Des Moines area to provide goodie bags to residents. In total, we’ve had 17 different volunteers pack 212 over the course of three packing events for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and May Day.
12 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE SPRING/SUMMER 2023
cont.
Visit wrightservicecorp.imagerelay. com//fl/WSCESOPResources for internal resources such as: • ESOP Celebration Broadcast Recording • Employee Milestones
Newly Enrolled - First Statement
Fully Vested
How to Access Your Principal Account
ESOP FAQs
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•
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ESOP Guides
English Training
THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE
[Left to right): Sustainable Environmental Consultants Agricultural Economics Specialist Courtney Titus, WSC Field Data Solutions Delivery Lead Sarah McFadden, WSC Contract Administration Manager Sam Mintle and WSC Payroll & Billing Manager Brandy Kriener
(Left to right) Ari Orrego, Tony Stickel, Darla Helt, Nathan Watson and Shelley Beers
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Wright Service Corp. Adela Jasarevic, Assistant Controller Brittany Pilchard, Division Controller – Environmental Services On the Move
(Left to right) Darla Helt, Tammy Kyle, Nathan Watson, Cynthia and Tanya Gould
EARTH DAY CLEANUP
In celebration of Earth Day, five employees picked up trash along the two-mile stretch of highway. Wright Service Corp. adopted a nearby stretch of road by the headquarters on Raccoon River Drive from Grand Avenue to S. 88th Street. Five bags of trash and large miscellaneous items were collected in two hours. Thanks to our Community Involvement Committee for coordinating!
ADOPT-A-FAMILY
We participated in our local Adopt-a-Family program to bring two families gifts over the holidays. Thanks to the generosity of our employees, we were able to check off every item on the families’ wish list! Over 30 employees donated 60 gifts and nine gift cards.
TOYS FOR TOTS
BLANKETS
We purchased Beantown Blankets over the holidays and the company has a buy one, gift one program. Through the program, we were able to donate 300 blankets to three different shelters in Des Moines.
Over the holidays, the corporate office and Wright Outdoor Solutions had a collection drive for Toys for Tots. Between both locations, 38 toys were collected and $340 was donated online.
COURAGE ON THE COURT
CANNED FOOD DRIVE
Our employees’ continued generosity and support allowed us to donate 119 items to a local food bank.
In February, the company sponsored a team of five employees to participate in Can Play’s Courage on the Court 3-on-3 wheelchair basketball tournament in West Des Moines. Can Play’s goal is to increase the positive impacts on youth through the growth and evolution of adaptive and no-cost recreation programs. Can Play supplements the cost of these programs and adapts the play to the skill level of each child, creating the opportunity to play despite the barriers.
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE 13
THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE
(Left to right) Mike Fisher, Tony Stickel, Steve Harper, Maryna Rath and Jake Norlin
(Left to right) Theresa Lees, Ari Orrego, Aaron Reichter, Jen Snedden, Aaron Sedam
Wright Canada Holdings, Ltd. and all of its affiliated companies respectfully acknowledge the Indigenous peoples’ ancestral and traditional territories and lands that we live, work and thrive in.
SAFETY CULTURE
By Dean Marshall, RPF, Vice President of Canadian Operations
We strive for safety at all levels in our family of companies. People hear the word safety and often think about tangible items like personal protective equipment or compliance documents. These tools certainly support safety, but they cannot guarantee it.
I think about safety as a belief that we can – and should, above all else – keep ourselves and those around us safe and sound. It is vital to our continued success that everyone truly believes that safety is our number one value and top priority. I believe this mindset will support a resounding safety culture and drive positive results for our people and our clients.
GROWING OPPORTUNITY –SILVICULTURE LIABILITY MANAGEMENT
By René Jarosch, FIT, Procurement Coordinator and Mike Kozak, RPF, Project Manager
When a stand of trees is cut down on government-owned land in British Columbia, the harvesting entity is bound by law to replace it and ensure that it reaches a point where it can continue to grow unencumbered to maturity. The harvesting entity is referred to as the licensee, and the responsibility to replace the trees cut is the licensee’s silviculture liability. The licensee is free of silviculture liability when the replacement trees reach a stage known as free growing
Spectrum Resource Group identified an opportunity for growth in 2023 and made the move into Silviculture Liability Management. Spectrum is now managing basic silviculture as
transferred from major licensees as well as liability activities for other industry clients. Currently, the Silviculture Liability Management portfolio includes:
• Accrual Management and Cost Projections
• Liability Assessments
• Survey Program Generation and Delivery
• Operational Prescription Development
• Silviculture Treatment Program
Creation and Delivery
• Reporting Silviculture Updates and Land Statis Tracking System (RESULTS) Reporting (Silviculture Activity Updates & Milestone Declarations)
Accepting the silviculture liability
from an original licensee ensures work opportunities to several departments within Spectrum and allows Spectrum the freedom to leverage our industryleading knowledge in procedures and risk assessment.
14 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE SPRING/SUMMER 2023
WRIGHT CANADA HOLDINGS
René Jarosch, FIT, Procurement Coordinator (right) and Mike Kozak, RPF, Project Manager (left)
To achieve a free growing stand, silviculture liability activities typically follow this pathway:
1. Harvest Disturbance Complete (obligation initiated)
2. Seedling Ordering/Growing (outsourced to nurseries)
3. Tree Planting (in-house)
4. Regen Surveys (in-house)
5. Stand Tending (Fill Plant, Brushing, Spacing, etc. as needed, in-house)
6. Free Grow Survey (in-house)
7. Free Growing achieved (Spectrum’s responsibilities fulfilled)
First Nations often either directly hold licenses to harvest timber or are in partnerships with the sawmills to do so. As a licensee, First Nations hold silviculture liability for harvesting. Spectrum considers this a natural pathway toward further collaborations and stronger partnerships with First Nations groups.
Spectrum is actively pursuing potential silviculture liability opportunities and is currently enjoying the fruits of this effort. Licensees are actively seeking us out to forge agreements, which indicates that we have swiftly become the go-to company in this field.
UTILITY WORK IN EDMONTON
During the month of April, the Wright Tree Service of Canada (WTSCA) & ArborCare (AC) team was busy in Edmonton working to identify any hazardous trees that could impact the power lines in natural areas around the city. This project is important because trees can pose several hazards to power lines, including:
• Contact hazard: Trees that grow too close to power lines can come into contact with them, which can cause power outages, fires, and even electrical shocks.
• Falling hazard: Trees that are weak, diseased, or damaged can fall onto power lines, causing power outages and property damage.
• Vegetation hazard: Trees that have overgrown leaves, branches, or vines can create a "vegetation bridge" that allows electricity to jump from the power line to nearby trees, creating a fire hazard.
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE 15 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE
New and On the Move
Spectrum Resource Group
Donny Blyde - Project Coordinator, Reforestation
Tom Cooper - Supervisor, Reforestation
Anna Fitzgerald - Project Coordinator, Reforestation
Grant McLeod - Supervisor, Reforestation
Ryan Patterson - Supervisor, Timber Development
Kurt Smith - Supervisor, Wildfire Risk Reduction
2023 INVASIVES FORUM
As chair of the Invasive Species Council of BC, Operations Director Eric Nijboer, RPBio, P.Biol., hosted the 2023 ‘INVASIVES’ forum that was held in New West Minister, British Columbia.
PROFESSIONAL VEGETATION MANAGERS ASSOCIATION 2023 SPRING CONFERENCE
Both WTSCA and CNUC were sponsors at the Professional Vegetation Managers Association 2023 Spring Conference in February. WTS was a gold sponsor and CNUC was a bronze sponsor. Wright Tree Service Safety Supervisor Philip Ruiz delivered a presentation about mechanical advantage. CNUC Regional Manager Jay Manganaro, who serves as the association’s membership committee chair, emceed the conference.
16 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE SPRING/SUMMER 2023
THE WRIGHT
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Spectrum Resource Group Inc. @spectrum_resource_group @arborcaretreeservice ArborCare @SRGBC ArborCare.Calgary
PERSPECTIVE
(Left to right): Safety Supervisor & Presenter Philip Ruiz, Consulting Utility Forester Tiffanie Bint, Project Managers Sheldon Kincaid and Ashton Martin
LAC LA RONGE INDIAN BAND
Wright Canada Holdings has created its Indigenous Engagement strategy by listening to the Indigenous Stakeholders in the Traditional Territories in which we operate. We have been guided by UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples).
Our goal is to assist in strengthening economic reconciliation and enhancing community wellbeing through robust and resilient partnerships.
Through partnerships, such as this one with CanNorth, Kitsaki and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, we have been successful in establishing several indigenous led partnership opportunities in western Canada, that have conferred many benefits to the Partners, Nations, and their membership.
Mission
To deliver value to our clients, communities, and employee owners through environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Vision
NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA HOME & GARDEN SHOW
Wright Service Corp. is the top tier provider and a leader in sustainable environmental solutions to the industries we serve. We will continue to grow both our traditional and environmental services without constraints to respond to global markets. We will achieve these outcomes by providing a culture that attracts, retains and rewards the highest quality talent in the industry and sustains and leverages our partnerships through performance and trust.
Values
Safety – It is everyone’s responsibility; we each own it
Family – Our foundation is based on teamwork and inclusion
Integrity – We abide by the highest ethical standards
Excellence – We exceed client expectations through resourcefulness and innovation
Stewardship – We are dedicated to environmental sustainability
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE 17
THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE
In April, Spectrum employees supported the Northwest Invasive Plant Council by promoting invasive plant public awareness and education at the Northern British Columbia Home & Garden Show.
Operations Director Eric Nijboer (left) and Crew Leader Sarah Jenkins (far right), volunteering during the three-day event in April.
family tree Our
It Starts With Safety
By Chris Lorenz, Division Supervisor
Last year, Senior Safety Lead Brandon Magee and I attended the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperative’s (AIEC) 24th annual Lineman’s Safety Rodeo. During the event, AIEC approached us and asked whether we had any interest in partnering with them to teach at their Utility Line Clearance School (ULCS) the following year.
This piqued my interest and after further discussions with AIEC and Wright Tree Service (WTS) leadership, I decided to volunteer at the event the following May. Safety Supervisor Travis Farling, Senior Safety Lead Evan Beck, and Safety Supervisor Philip Ruiz all decided to contribute their time and talents as well.
Volunteers split into pairs and taught daily courses to participants about topics
ranging from tree risk assessment to proper pruning to chainsaw safety. I made sure to emphasize the importance of safety as a component of every topic. In my eyes, safety is the name of the game. It’s in every message I give to my crews, and I took the same approach with ULCS participants. Safety is everyone’s responsibility – we each own it.
It was amazing to see eager professionals taking the training seriously and wanting to make connections outside of their company. I have encountered a few participants at industry events since, and
it’s great to see where they are now in their careers.
I plan to continue to volunteer at the ULCS in the future and recommend this opportunity to others who want to get involved. Working with program participants reminded me of my early days in the industry - and how much safety standards have changed since then. I am thankful WTS supports this type of volunteer work. It is important to me to give back to my community and to our industry.
Commemorating 90 years
By Wade Myers, President
As you know, 2023 is our 90th year in business. I have seen and experienced a lot of changes over my 36 years, and I have heard countless stories recounting the changes in the industry before my time.
Starting out as a one-man crew with the help of his family, John L. Wright established how this company would operate – with integrity and family values. These principles still guide us today as we continue to
18 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE SPRING/SUMMER 2023
WRIGHT TREE SERVICE
grow our business across North America. I still feel as though we are a family, and our focus on this value helps us make sure everyone is working safely.
With nearly 6,000 employees working in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, we’ve grown to be one of the largest vegetation management companies in the utility industry. I often wonder what John L. Wright would think of his company now. I feel he would be proud of what he started and the family of employees that are working here today. His son, John R. Wright, knew where the company was heading and helped WTS transition to the employee-owned company that we are today. I believe even he would be impressed with the growth we have made and the services we now provide our customers.
Personally, I am most proud of the lives we affect every day. We make positive contributions to the communities that we work in, even when folks don’t know that we are doing it. As I sit here and write this article, our crews continue to work hard across North America, including our storm restoration teams. I can’t thank our employees enough for traveling and sacrificing time with their families to go help the communities impacted by the storms.
Storm response is urgent and unpredictable work that we take on in addition to our active projects. We also have tremendous pride in the regular contract work done across all regions, through all seasons. By doing even our most routine tasks safely and efficiently, we help prevent the loss of power, reduce the potential for fires, and help maintain reliable power for our utility clients' customers.
As I look back on the last 36 years, I continue to be thankful to be a part of this family and this journey. I am excited to see what opportunities lie ahead for WTS.
Because of You
This is a very special and exciting year for WTS as we celebrate 90 years in business. Throughout 2023, we have been celebrating and recognizing our employees, as we wouldn’t be anywhere without our strong workforce. In April, each employee received a special-edition 90th anniversary hat with a throwback logo. WTS employees also participated in a three-month recognition program. This program encouraged all employees to acknowledge their peers, supervisors, mentors, mentees, etc., for exuding a WTS core value. Safety, Family, Stewardship, Excellence and Integrity are the five WTS values that shape the company into what it is today. The program was a huge success with 219 submissions. The top value chosen was Excellence. To encourage participation, every employee nominated (along with the nominee) was entered in a drawing to win a limitededition Stanley thermos. Twenty winners were selected at random and awarded the prize. Employees are also able to purchase special 90th Anniversary merchandise throughout the year.
Thank you to each and every WTS employee for their dedication to this company! We look forward to the next 90 years to come.
OUR MISSION
» To enable gas and electric utilities to provide reliable service to their customers by ensuring that transmission and distribution lines 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.
OUR VISION
» WTS will continue to be recognized by utilities as providers of the highest levels of quality, service, responsiveness, reliability and value.
OUR VALUES
» SAFETY – It is everyone’s responsibility; we each own it.
» FAMILY – Our foundation is based on teamwork and inclusion.
» STEWARDSHIP – We are dedicated to environmental sustainability.
» EXCELLENCE – We exceed client expectations through resourcefulness and innovation.
» INTEGRITY – We abide by the highest ethical standards.
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Esta en nuestra página de internet! Escanee el código QR con su teléfono inteligente o dirijase a issuu.com/wrightservicecorp
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE 19
Celebrations for Arbor Day
In April, our industry observed Arbor Day and several WTS employees marked the occasion by volunteering in their local communities.
For the second year in a row, WTS employees in Joplin, Missouri, had a booth and set up a climbing demonstration for the Earth Day Arbor Day Festival in Wildcat Park. The booth and demonstration allowed the public an opportunity to ascend a tree using professional climbing gear. The WTS team provided all attendees a fun, educational and interactive experience!
In Oregon, WTS teamed up with Pacific Power to show our support to the local communities. Every year the city of Philomath celebrates Arbor Day by inviting local school districts
to bring their students to learn about trees. General Foreperson Barrett Baugher spoke to students, teachers and chaperones on the importance of being safe around power lines and how pruning trees properly can work hand in hand with everyday life. Barrett and General Foreperson Dennis Fajardo also hosted a booth where students could look at climbing and rigging equipment, a bucket truck, and a chipper.
Thank you to all WTS employees who volunteered in their communities. Additional Arbor Day volunteers are listed below.
Division Manager Afton Stanko
Safety Supervisor Kristian Schultz
Crew Leader Mason Stansberry Advanced Climber Alex Davis
Crew Leader Austin Trogdon
Crew Leader Michael Shilling
Top Climber Landon Colville
Top Climber Bodi Vaugh
General Foreperson Randall Dejager
Crew Leader Clayton East
Crew Leader Patrick Lardi
Chad Berlin (former WTS employee)
Administrative Professional II Aspen
Herring
General Foreperson Barrett Baugher
General Foreperson Dennis Fajardo
Project Manager Christopher Spicer
North Division Donates to St. Louis Zoo
WTS and Ameren Missouri have teamed up to donate branches and brush to the St. Louis Zoo since 2020. In 2022, WTS crews made 37 deliveries between midMay and September. In total, 26,887 pounds of elm, mulberry, hackberry, ash and willow trees were donated and enjoyed by the zoo's giraffes, elephants and rhinos.
Thank you to WTS employees, General Foreperson Clayton Lorenz, Project Manager Robert Slover, Top Climber Jake Bingham and Advanced Climber Kaden Dola, for helping donate to the zoo.
20 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE SPRING/SUMMER 2023 family tree Our
Through the Challenge Coin program, WTS’s leaders recognize employees with special coins when they go above and beyond in exhibiting our company values. Two employees who were recently recognized were Top Climber Alex Ayala and Climber Dillion Marie.
Challenge Coins Staying Vigilant
Top Climber Alex Ayala and Climber Dillion Marie were riding with another WTS employee to their next job site. When chatting with the driver, Dillion noticed that the driver wasn’t looking quite right. He saw that the driver’s face was a bit droopy. Dillion asked the driver if they were okay. They then turned to try to smile at him to signify that they were fine but couldn’t smile. At that time, Dillion advised the driver to pull over and to park in a safe location, which they did. Alex and Dillion called 911 and informed their general foreperson of the situation. First responders transported the driver to a medical facility. The driver was treated and released later.
Thank you for being Brother’s and Sister’s Keepers, Alex and Dillion!
Retirements
For Project Manager Mitch Frye, the last 38 years with WTS passed by in a blink of an eye. Mitch started with WTS in 1984 as a trimmer in Parson, Kansas. Over the years, Mitch has held the positions of crew leader, general foreperson, and project manager. As of March 31, Mitch retired from WTS. “Mitch was my first crew leader when I started with WTS, and I can’t thank him enough for making my start with the company enjoyable and educational,” said President Wade Myers. “I can’t remember a day when Mitch showed up to work without a smile on his face, and he was always ready to work. Mitch has been a dedicated member of our family and has influenced many others over his career. Congratulations to him on a very well-deserved retirement.”
From everyone at WTS, thank you for your dedication, Mitch! We wish you well in retirement.
SUBMIT A SAFETY SUGGESTION
At WTS, safety is our number one value. If you have a safety suggestion, compliment, concern or general comment, we invite you to submit it to our safety suggestion box. Find it online at www.wrighttree.com, or use your smartphone to open the QR code above. The code will direct to the safety suggestion box, allowing you to submit your suggestion easily from your mobile device.
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE 21 family tree Our
Mitch Frye
“I can’t remember a day when Mitch showed up to work without a smile on his face, and he was always ready to work."
-Wade Myers
Retirements cont.
Tim Bingaman
After almost 30 years, Tim Bingaman retired from WTS last December. Tim started his career with WTS in 1993 as a top climber on a six-month contract in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Over the years, he held the positions of crew leader, general foreperson, division supervisor, and his final role of division manager. Vice President of Operations Jerry Black says, “[I've] known Tim for over 20 years, and it’s been a pleasure to not only work with him, but to have him as a friend. When I moved to Texas, he welcomed me and made me part of the team. Tim is one of the most dedicated, hardworking WTS employees. He truly cares about his workforce and embodies the true meaning of being a part of the WTS family.”
Thank you, Tim, for your years of service and dedication to the WTS family! We wish you the best in retirement.
Chad Berlin
In December 2022, Safety Supervisor Chad Berlin retried with more than 20 years of service with WTS. Chad started his career with WTS in 2000 as a crew leader, and he was quickly promoted to general foreperson. After five years with WTS, Chad became the safety supervisor for the southwest divisions in 2005. “Chad has the most time served in the Safety Education and Training (SET) team and has always been a hard worker,” said Senior Safety Lead Brandon Magee. “Chad always has a great attitude and is appreciated by all WTS employees. Working with Chad has been an absolute pleasure.”
Thank you, Chad, for your dedication to this company and for standing by safety being our #1 value!
22 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE SPRING/SUMMER 2023
Our FOLLOW US
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Tree Service
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ON SOCIAL MEDIA! @WrightTreeFamily
Wright
"Tim is one of the most dedicated, hardworking WTS employees."
-Jerry Black
"Chad always has a great attitude and is appreciated by all WTS employees. Working with Chad has been an absolute pleasure."
-Brandon Magee
GF School
GF School is a weeklong program where WTS employees participate in a variety of trainings and hands-on exercises designed to build a solid foundation to be more effective in their GF position. GF School is held at the corporate office in West Des Moines, Iowa. The goal of GF School is to educate and train our GFs to build a strong and productive workforce.
Congratulations to our 64 most recent GF School graduates.
CENTRAL DIVISION
• Jeremy Sharpe
• Kevin Pendergast
• Kyle Chapman
• Wade Bliss
CENTRAL SOUTH DIVISION
• Carlos Baca
• Chris Lenhardt
• Joshua Finch
• Matthew Brown
• Sam Tuschhoff
NORTH DIVISION
• Ashely Pippin
• Kevin Petersen
• Patrick Wilkins
• Stephan Daniels
DIVISION 25
• Ryan Bortner
DIVISION 27
• Glenn McCann
• Michael Ingham
MOUNTAIN STATES
DIVISION
• James Linenberger
• Jason Ioane
• Jarrod Johns
PACIFIC DIVISION
• Dennis Fajardo
• Jonathon Bennett
WTSW
• Brian Clarke
• Trevor McPhillips
SOUTHEAST DIVISION
• Ivan Virgilio
• James Hudson
• John Brown
• John Gill
• Julio Morales Solis
• Mark Williams
DIVISION 45
• Joshua Rader
• Miguel Rufat-Gonzalez
DIVISION 55
• Bobby Harrelson
• Cole Adams
• Gabriel Morales
• John Dixon
• Jose De Leon Chacon
• Kyle Boyer
• Kyle Schuchter
LONE STAR DIVISION
• Fidel Alvarez
• Hector Campos-Martinez
• Joel Galaviz Ramirez
• Jose Hernandez
• Juan Cerna Rabago
• Juan Martinez
• Rigoberto Revelez
DIVISION 65
• Dylan Marsh
• Jose Guillen Valencia
• Michael Cooks
• Yadil Rodriguez Maldonado
MINNKOTA DIVISION
• Benjamin Reichert
DIVISION 80
• Francisco Trujillo
DIVISION 85
• Jonathan Ayes Moya
DIVISION 87
• Brien Loder
• Chris Frick
• Lucas Taylor
• Raymond Ammerman
WTS OF CANADA
• Devan Brandon
• Dustin Brandon
• Jamie Shullman
• Kyle Pressick
SAFETY EDUCATION AND TRAINING
• Brandon McDonald
• Cody Schwartz
• Kamden Kaswinkel
• Sean O’Brien
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE 23
Class of January 2023
Class of February 2023
Class of March 2023
Class of April 2023
family tree Our
DIGGING IN
WRIGHT OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS & VERDURE ELEMENTS
Letter From the Vice President and General Manager
By Jennifer Anderson, Vice President and General Manager
Safety has always been one of Wright Outdoor Solutions’ (WOS) keys to success. Not only is it our number one value, but it’s our competitive advantage. We’ve worked ourselves into a reputation for being safety focused and it guides our culture. We are proud to have risk and safety departments dedicated to these safety initiatives.
Our culture is driven by safety and it’s weaved into every aspect of our day-today operations.
Our employees are trained on a consistent basis to ensure best safety practices are in place and mitigate any potential risks or hazards. Internal protocols are routinely reviewed and updated by our risk and safety
Safety Day 2023
On May 9, WOS hosted a Safety Day that was an all day event focused on safety with small group learning and opportunities for cross training. Kicking the day off with introductions and a safety briefing, everyone prepared for the day by stretching.
Next up were breakout sessions, which featured the arbor department,
departments to ensure the latest trainings and standards are followed. Our employees follow the Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper motto, to ensure fellow team members get home safely each and every night.
In May of this year, we hosted a Safety Day that focused on safety briefings and discussions, small group learning and opportunities for cross training. You can read all about the day of safety in the next article ‘Safety Day 2023.’
We are always focused on continuous improvement in all we do. We have conducted a post-event survey for our Safety Day, as well as a broader safety culture perception survey that will give us invaluable insight into strengths and opportunities regarding our safety culture.
I’m excited about where we’re at with our safety culture and we will continue to do all we can to nurture, reinforce and strengthen it.
SAFETY BY THE NUMBERS (2022)
1,040 TOTAL HOURS OF CONTINUED TRAINING
8 EMPLOYEES FIRST AID, CPR AND AED CERTIFIED
TREE CARE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (TCIA) ACCREDITED
enhancement department and landscape department. Each breakout session focused on various topics related to that department, as well as equipment maintenance and small tool safety. The arbor department discussion focused on aerial rescue and chipper safety, with equipment maintenance focusing on the mini skid steer, track lift and chipper. The
enhancement department breakout session featured training on hedge trimmers, pole pruners, box trucks, mowers and the skid steer. The landscaping department breakout session focused on the mini skid steer, the track lift, sod cutter, masonry saw and power buggy.
Topics discussed that affect all departments
24 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE SPRING/SUMMER 2023
WRIGHT OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS
were fire safety, poison ivy procedures, equipment loading and unloading, an overview of approved work methods, chemical standards, and personal protective equipment use. One of the fire safety trainings included a visit from the Clive Fire Department, who dove into fire extinguisher usage and best practices.
MISSION
To create beautiful environments
VISION
· To be the industry leader throughout the Central Midwest region, investing in our expertise, modernization and capital
· To provide the highest quality service and products to our customers
· To provide attractive value appreciation to our employee owners
· To provide team members a home that enables them to achieve their personal and professional goals
VALUES
SAFETY It is everyone’s responsibility – we each own it.
Blank Park Zoo Tree Removal
Our team gets to work on some unique projects and our time working at the Blank Park Zoo was one. Working in several areas throughout the zoo grounds, our team worked to remove dead trees to keep the grounds safe for the animals and visitors.
FAMILY Our foundation is based on teamwork and inclusion.
INTEGRITY We abide by the highest ethical standards.
EXCELLENCE We exceed client expectations through resourcefulness and innovation
STEWARDSHIP We are dedicated to environmental sustainability.
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE 25
DIGGING IN
Horticulture Classroom Plant Wall
Our team worked with a local school to install this living wall in a classroom. The living wall not only adds some vibrant color to this corner of the room but will also be used for educational purposes by the school's horticulture students.
Mission, Vision and Values Revamp
We are a values-driven organization. Working toward our mission and vision, we are built on a solid foundation of guiding principles. Still today, our values reflect the thinking of our founders, and of course, have been updated in small ways to reflect how our business has changed and developed over time.
For years, we have had mission and vision statements, and core values. As an employeeowned company, these statements and values have been a driving force in helping us become who we are. They inform our long-term strategy as a company as well as how we serve our clients on a daily basis. Every fiscal year, our leadership team revisits these statements. We go through this exercise yearly to ensure they’re aligned with where we’re at as a company as well as where we’re headed. This year, some changes were made. Working toward our mission and vision, we are built on a solid foundation of our beliefs and core values.
These statements are listed on our website, on important business materials like our sustainability report, and will be showcased on posters in our office and corporate office.
For us, our mission statement describes why we exist and why we come to work every day. Our vision statement explains where we’re headed. Our set of values serves as a driving force toward our vision and guiding our work daily.
Our employee owners are the key to our success. Each team member exemplifies our values and actively works toward our vision and mission in all they do. We are fortunate to have developed a positive, unique organizational culture; having a defined mission, vision and values has aided in this success.
26 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE SPRING/SUMMER 2023 DIGGING IN
Mission To create beautiful environments. Vision - To be the industry leader throughout the Central Midwest region, investing in our expertise, modernization and capital. - To provide the highest quality service and products to our customers. - To provide attractive value appreciation to our employee owners. - To provide team members a home that enables them to achieve their personal and professional goals. Values SAFETY It is everyone’s responsibility - we each own it. FAMILY Our foundation is based on teamwork and inclusion. INTEGRITY We abide by the highest ethical standards. EXCELLENCE We exceed client expectations through resourcefulness and innovation. STEWARDSHIP We are dedicated to environmental sustainability. Since 1928. Employee Owned.
Living Walls and Interior Plants at Luminarium Science Center
A new science center called the Kiewit Luminarium, opened this spring in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. It features more than 100 interactive exhibits that visitors can explore, engage and interact with. Verdure Elements installed Birds of Paradise, fiddle leaf figs, palms, and tarzans in various floor plants throughout and a large living wall, with plants including spider plants, neon pathos, medallion calathea and variegated nephthytis.
Blank Children's Hospital Festival of Trees
Our team had a great time putting together this display for the 2022 Festival of Trees and Lights at the Iowa Events Center. This annual event helps kick off the holiday season as well as benefit the Blank Children's Hospital.
ISU
Ag
& Life Sciences Career Fair
WOS attended the Iowa State University (ISU) College of Agriculture and Life Sciences career fair at Lied Recreation Athletic Center on October 11, 2022.
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE 27
DIGGING IN FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @wrightoutdoor | @VerdureElements WrightOutdoor Wright Outdoor Solutions @wrightoutdoorsolutions
Along the Lines
Promoting Progress in Real Time
By Bill Spencer, Safety Manager
Building a stronger motor vehicle safety program at CNUC has often required an “all-of-the-above” approach. Certainly, any initiative that has the potential to better protect drivers and reduce vehicular incidents is worth investigating. The work we do every day involves a high degree of technical driving skills, navigating, and split-second decision making when behind the wheel. Motor vehicle incidents are by far the most
common type of incident that occurs in our industry, and they also carry the highest potential for serious injury or fatality.
Several years ago, Geotab was introduced to the CNUC fleet as a core component of our motor vehicle safety improvement plan. Since that time, we have had tremendous success in reducing safety exceptions across the fleet and have taken the necessary steps to ensure the trend remains steady as our company continues to grow.
The trend has started to flatten over the last 18 months, and progress is likely to become more difficult as the company expands. Further, drivers are requesting more details
about where and when safety exceptions occur. Providing this level of insight helps support incident reduction, but doing so can be cumbersome without automation.
To help foster continual improvement of driver safety and reduce at-risk exceptions, we recently introduced a new feature to the fleet: Audible Alerts. Now, drivers will be notified of at-risk behaviors in realtime through an audible beep from the Geotab device. We believe this addition to our program will help reinforce driver awareness and improve our ability to work safely where we need it most.
An Innovation in Wood Pole Testing
By Patrick Larsen, Regional Manager
After decades of working closely with power companies, we have become very knowledgeable about certain aspects of electric power infrastructure. CNUC began developing a service offering around this competency for our clients in 2020, beginning with visual inspections of electrical equipment and wood poles.
Electric utility companies must follow pole inspection and testing requirements defined by regulatory authorities. Historically, assessments have involved invasive techniques and dangerous, carcinogenic chemicals. In our quest to enhance our service offering, we began using a wood pole inspection instrument called a resistograph.
A resistograph is a mechanical resistance measurement device driven by a drill motor. It uses a long, thin needle which is inserted into the wood pole to measure its density and identify areas of decay. The device reads variations in the resistance to torque. Based on these variations, the instrument provides an instant, detailed report of the pole’s internal condition, including a pass or fail rating and decay percentage.
The resistograph delivers actionable insights quickly, without the need for highly invasive drilling. Measurements take less than one minute and can be completed by one person. This technique does not involve destructive drilling, excavation, or the chemical usage typically associated with other methods. The resulting data helps our clients manage wood pole assets
28 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE SPRING/SUMMER 2023
WRIGHT OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS CNUC
and avoid unnecessary pole replacement. This specialized tool can also be used to perform a Level 3 International Society of Arboriculture Tree Risk Assessment.
The resistograph helps us mitigate negative environmental impacts associated with traditional inspection methods, while delivering the quality data our clients need to achieve regulatory compliance. Non-destructive wood pole testing is something we are excited to have in our arsenal as we inspect more than 100,000 wood poles each year.
Training the Next Generation
By Todd Walker, Regional Supervisor
For many years now, there has been a shortage of well-trained and qualified pre-inspectors to engage the demands for utility vegetation management (UVM) program needs. This is the case across most of the United States and especially in California, where wildfires have had widespread, disastrous impacts across the state. These wildfires have highlighted the need for a pre-inspection workforce that is capable of inspecting, pinpointing, and ensuring risk mitigation efforts are put into action to reduce and eliminate tree-power line conflicts.
Training for this specialized field has typically been limited to on-the-job programs, with very few other professional options. In recent years, UpSkill California developed a pre-inspection course that is available at a variety of colleges associated with the California Community Colleges system. After the two-week course, students are equipped with 80 hours of classroom and field training necessary for a career in utility pre-inspection.
It has been a great pleasure for me to be part of this UVM workforce training initiative in California. I was recommended to the program by my CNUC colleague Dustin Brooks, as he was planning to move on from his role in the course. I have been an instructor for Pre-Inspector Level 1 Training courses at Butte Community College for about one year.
During the first week of the course, we are primarily in the classroom, focused on many topics like: UVM program roles and responsibilities, tree biology, tree risk assessment, and electrical hazard awareness. Students must pass three exams about this content in order to pass the course.
The second week of the course is mostly spent in the field. We get right to work, putting all of the classroom knowledge to use. We patrol power lines, identify tree defects, conduct risk assessments, and train with data collection software.
I have enjoyed having the opportunity to pass skills and information on to the next generation. It’s an honor to work with the other instructors, sharing what we know with the students as we all work together to meet an industry need.
Along the Lines
MISSION
>> To assist our clients in achieving compliant, effective, efficient, and defensible utility vegetation management programs.
>> 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 contribution in the communities we serve.
>> To provide appropriate strategic support to our parent and sister companies.
>> To drive the industry in the areas of technology and knowledge.
VISION
CNUC is the premier company in providing innovative, economically sensible and environmentally sustainable vegetation management services.
VALUES
SAFETY – It is everyone’s responsibility – we each own it.
INTEGRITY – We abide by the highest ethical standards.
KNOWLEDGE – We maintain a peerless understanding of our industry.
EXCELLENCE– We continually strive to exceed our customer’s expectations – and our own expectations.
INNOVATION – We anticipate our clients’ needs and we deliver creative services and solutions.
FAMILY – It is our foundation; it is who we are.
TEAMWORK – It is how we operate and we hold each other accountable.
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE 29
Maiden Voyage – Our First Timber Cruise
By Patrick Larsen, Regional Manager
Our sister company, Transcon Environmental, Inc., is working closely with Idaho Power on a new transmission line project. The line stretches from southern Idaho up to eastern Oregon and includes many different projects happening simultaneously.
Idaho Power also needed a firm to perform timber cruising for this line. Timber cruising is the process of measuring forest stands to determine stand characteristics, such as average tree sizes, volume, and quality. Typically, cruising is used to obtain a volume estimation to appraise and prepare timber sales. In this case, Idaho Power
TIMBER CRUISING TOOLS
• Relascope: the relascope is a multi-use instrument for forest inventory. It is primarily used to find the height of a tree, the basal area of a tree, and the diameter of a tree anywhere along the bole.
• Survey tape: a large measuring tape
• Rangefinder: for estimating heights
• Computer and GIS program: to plot trees
• ATV: for accessing properties
required a timber cruise to help them determine monetary offers for property owners whose timber would be impacted by the new line build.
Transcon referred Idaho Power to CNUC. Once things were finalized from the contract perspective, the real work began. Consulting Utility Forester (CUF) Keith Lorenz lives in the region and has extensive timber cruising and forest management experience from his past job working with and for his father in their small business. Keith was happy to accept this challenge and played a very crucial role in coordinating and executing CNUC’s first-ever timber cruising project.
Keith spent many hours viewing software demos from various suppliers, and eventually working with our selected
vendor to customize the chosen software further. Because this was not a traditional timber cruise, the software had to be tweaked to support the unique needs of each property. When the software was finalized, Keith was able to start cruising! Each week, as Keith cruised properties, the team at Idaho Power worked closely with the property owners to secure access for Keith. This project lasted from August to December 2022. All properties with secured permission have been cruised. Keith may return to a few outstanding properties when permission is granted.
30 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE SPRING/SUMMER 2023 Along the
Lines
Lejins Leads Environmental Camp
Regional Supervisor Michelle Lejins led a full-day outdoor education experience this spring with the Unite Environmental Camp in Northern California.
"We take students on a nature hike where we emphasize many of the benefits and uses of trees and their ecology," said Michelle. "We teach them traditional forestry measurement techniques as well as do other activities, including presentations and nature-based scavenger hunts. We also help create pages for the camp workbook that students take home with them, and it includes workbook activities and descriptions of local tree species. To date, we have had over 1,000 Shasta County kids participate in the CNUC forestry activities."
This camp is a unique opportunity for Michelle to exemplify our values of knowledge and teamwork while making a positive local impact. Great work, Michelle!
Searels Accepts Chapter President's Award
Vice President Matt Searels was awarded ISA Southern Chapter President’s Award during the ISA Southern Annual Conference & Trade Show in March. Each year, the President’s Award recipient is chosen by the current chapter president.
Matt also received a gavel to commemorate the start of his term as 2023-2024 chapter president. Congratulations, Matt!
Hauer Receives Patriot Award
Director of Urban Forestry Rich Hauer was awarded the Patriot Award for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The award from the United States Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve program recognizes Rich’s support of military personnel as an employer. Rich received the award during a ceremony in April. Well done, Rich!
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE 31 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @CNUtility CN Utility Consulting Along the Lines
STANDARD
OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS TERRA SPECTRUM TECHNOLOGIES
Utilizing Data to Streamline Safety
By Nathan Jones, Senior Technology Consultant
At Terra Spectrum Technologies (TST), our most important value is safety. Being a software provider to some of the largest tree companies in the world, we know that there is nothing more important than all employees returning home safely to their families at the end of the day. Safe operations don’t just happen overnight –there is a constant process that goes beyond simply standing in front of a group and saying, “OK, everyone be safe out there today.” There is a world of data out there being collected, providing invaluable insight into not only what is causing accidents, but also why accidents are occurring. That’s why our flagship software program, FieldNote ®, (in addition to being one of the leading workflow/GIS management products in the UVM industry) is being used as an important safety tool industry wide.
Whether it is through a rigorous safety auditing program, digital pre- and post-job briefings, capturing safety stand downs, or a variety of other tools that FieldNote provides, we at TST remain steadfastly dedicated to helping utilities and contractors operate safely. In the end, we realize that when it comes to safety it’s not just about individuals going home at the end of the day. It’s about protecting the people that depend on you coming home.
FieldNote Users Group 2023 Recap
By Danielle Bell, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Wright Service Corp.
This past April marked the third annual FieldNote Users Group Conference hosted by TST. The virtual conference gives FieldNote users a chance to collaborate and ask questions in a group setting. This was my second year as a facilitator, and each year has provided a unique learning experience. Not only does the conference give insight into the app and the work my colleagues do, but it also shows how open the lines of communication are between the TST team and their clients.
This year’s conference provided attendees with demos of new and upcoming features, insight into how other clients use the app, and time for open discussion. As sort of an outsider looking in, it was refreshing to see the sharing of resources to make sure everyone is working as efficiently as possible. This type of format also gives clients a direct line to voice any needs or concerns they would like to see addressed. The future of FieldNote is bright and it’s awesome to have a small part in that.
32 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE SPRING/SUMMER 2023
THE SPECTRUM
WRIGHT
Christmas Tree Donation
MISSION
// Provide simple, streamlined and scalable software that exceeds our clients’ expectations
// Have comprehensive knowledge of the clients and industries that we serve
// Have a positive influence on the communities we serve
// Deliver attractive value appreciation to our employee owners
// Give team members the training and opportunities needed to enhance their professional development and technical knowledge
// Provide knowledge and technical support to clients with only in-house staff
VISION
Vice President and Chief Architect Travis Yordi (right) helped to spread some cheer last holiday season! He joined Mark Everhart (WSC) to deliver a Christmas tree to the maternity ward of a local hospital.
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Terra Spectrum Technologies
Terra Spectrum Technologies is a leader in providing innovative, high quality software specializing in geospatial data collection and workflow management.
VALUES
Security: We protect our customers’ data as if it were our own.
Innovation: We anticipate our clients’ needs and we deliver creative services and solutions.
Knowledge: We understand and adopt the latest technology trends.
Excellence: We continually strive to exceed our customer’s expectations – and our own expectations.
Integrity: We abide by the highest ethical standards.
Teamwork: It is how we operate and we hold each other accountable.
Family: It is our foundation; it is who we are.
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE 33
SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS
Ensuring Client Data Security
By Sara Crawford, Ph.D., President
Sustainable Environmental Consultants prides itself on building trust with farmers to gather data and information needed to perform analysis and reporting for its clients. As part of this service, Sustainable Environmental Consultants stores a variety of inputs and farm output attributes in its proprietary EcoPractices® platform. Some examples are seed type, chemical type, fertilizer quantities, yield, soil sampling results, and any other operational data that farmers keep in their normal course of business.
We have implemented several measures to ensure the protection of this data. Even beyond essential data protection, a company’s ability to demonstrate that they can protect data can actually be a differentiator and competitive advantage in this space. For Sustainable Environmental Consultants, the first measure we have in place is two-factor authentication, which is required for all internal employees to access account information stored on EcoProducer. We also recently completed a first round of third-party penetration testing, a process where we hired professionals to perform an evaluation of the security systems we have in place to identify any hidden vulnerabilities. The platform passed this testing and will be undergoing further testing in the upcoming year. We believe it is critical to continually perform testing and update security as malicious parties seeking to hack into systems evolve and change their tactics every day.
Growing Thought Leadership Nationwide
Focused on being a thought leader in the sustainability space, Sustainable Environmental Consultants has been busy the past several months attending and speaking at events around the country to highlight our passion and experience. Check out all the great events we’ve made it to recently.
Sustainable Brands Conference
President Dr. Sara Crawford attended the 2022 Sustainable Brands Conference in San Diego where she spoke on a panel with Nestlé team members, addressing
the topic of “Advancing Regeneration Through Brands.”
"We are excited to showcase the valued partnership we hold with Nestlé on its sustainability journey," said Dr. Crawford. "Third-party verification is important for sustainability metrics and we are happy to partner with Nestlé as we work together towards positive outcomes."
Merck Animal Welfare
Vice President of Operations Angie Krieger attended Merck Animal Health’s 6th Annual Advancing Animal Welfare
34 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE SPRING/SUMMER 2023
GreeNews
Together Symposium in October 2022.
"Each year, Merck Animal Health brings together renowned animal welfare experts and thought leaders from farm to table to understand the practices essential to animal welfare today – and the advancements possible in the future. Our intent is to begin the conversation and find new ways to work together to advance animal welfare while meeting consumer demands for safe, affordable and sustainable food."
American Meat Science Association (AMSA) Student Chapter Webinar
During the American Meat Science (AMSA)’s student chapter webinar, President Dr. Sara Crawford spoke on demystifying sustainability in agriculture.
"Farmers and ranchers have always been committed to sustainability," said Dr. Crawford. "It's exciting to lead such a passionate team that partners with producers and those along the supply chain to provide data-driven information to shine a light on their efforts so that they can share that sustainability story with the world."
Sustainable Agriculture Summit
Sustainable Environmental Consultants was a proud sponsor of the Sustainable Agriculture Summit. This event brings together farmers, suppliers, processors, brands, academia, conservation organizations and the public sector for an opportunity to learn and share with each other.
State Pork Congress Events
Our team attended a variety of state pork congress events this year. President Dr. Sara Crawford spoke with Ashley McDonald of the National Pork Board at Ohio Pork Congress on February 8th, 2023. Other state meetings we attended included Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and South Dakota.
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
Vice President of Operations Angie Kreiger spoke at the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives Public Safety Conference on a panel covering the disruption in the climate-smart ag economy.
Annual Meat Conference Leaders of Tomorrow
Director of Sustainability and Strategic Partnerships Jennifer Jensen had the honor of being selected to participate in the 2023 Annual Meat Conference Leaders of Tomorrow Program in March.
Swine Versation Podcast
Vice President of Operations Angie Krieger sat down with Swine Web for their In Swine Versation series to chat about driving passion and environmental sustainability forward.
"Our company was founded by a farmer and was founded for the purpose of helping farmers be part of the solution. We are often humble in the meat industry. It's okay if you don't want to tell your story, but let us help you tell it," shared Angie.
MISSION
Recognize the responsibility of organizations and individuals to be leaders in protecting our environment. We desire to provide transformative sustainability solutions that minimize risk for our customers, our communities, and our planet.
VISION
Sustainable Environmental Consultants is a leader in providing innovative solutions to better the planet.
VALUES
SAFETY It is everyone’s responsibility –we each own it.
INTEGRITY We abide by the highest ethical standards.
TRANSPARENCY We take pride in our independent authentication process of reliable traceability.
SUSTAINABILITY We value action over definition when it comes to sustainability because it’s our passion.
RESPECT We exhibit it toward our team, our customers and the environment.
COLLABORATION We recognize we will move the needle on sustainability only through partnership and cooperation by many.
INNOVATION We anticipate our clients’ needs and we deliver creative services and solutions.
FAMILY It is our foundation; it is who we are.
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE 35
Growing Thought Leadership Nationwide cont.
State Pork Congress Events
Our team attended a variety of state pork congress events this year. President Dr. Sara Crawford spoke with Ashley McDonald of the National Pork Board at Ohio Pork Congress on February 8th, 2023. Other state meetings we attended included Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and South Dakota.
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Sustainable Environmental Consultants
36 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE SPRING/SUMMER 2023
Local Food Pantry Volunteer Outing
Several members of the Sustainable Environmental Consultants team volunteered with a food pantry network to build shelving for their warehouse. The network noted it would have taken them weeks to complete this project without the assistance of our volunteers. We are grateful for a team that is dedicated to serving the community.
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE 37
Safety - A Primary Focus for our Family of Companies
By George Miller, AICP, Vice President
I have witnessed tremendous change to our safety understanding, focus, and culture within the last decade at Transcon Environmental. What was originally a task to meet our clients' safety standards has now become a primary focus of our company. Safety Manager Tim Kukuk and our safety team have continued to develop and improve Transcon’s safety processes. Our robust Injury and Illness Prevention Plan provides the framework for our overall safety program, which includes more than 30 individual safety topics. Our comprehensive safety trainings are categorized based on employee work activities. Because of this focus and investment in our employees’ health and safety, Transcon meets or exceeds all safety standards within our industry and routinely receives excellent safety compliance ratings.
While we are proud of our health and safety program and safety record, we recognize that this is not permanent. We will continue to closely monitor our safety metrics and emphasize building and strengthening an effective safety culture. As we move toward the formation of Eocene Environmental Group, safety representatives from Transcon, CNUC, and Wright Service Corp. are collaborating to develop a comprehensive health and safety program where the best plans, procedures, and trainings from all companies will be combined into a preeminent health and safety program. Our shared goal is making safety not just a priority – but a core value for Eocene and for each and every Eocene employee.
PacifiCorp, Gateway South Transmission Line Project
Mission Statement
Improving quality of life by supporting industry and agencies to permit, build and maintain critical infrastructure through environmental stewardship and collaborative solutions.
Vision
Create a legacy of projects that connects our communities, improves our environment, and enhances the lives of our team members.
Core Values
Safety Balance
Collaborative Solutions
Environmental Stewardship
38 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE SPRING/SUMMER 2023
This project involves the construction of a new 420-mile electric transmission line in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. The project crosses portions of Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-managed lands, U.S. Forest Service (USFS)-managed lands, and various other state agencies.
TRANSCON ENVIRONMENTAL
PacifiCorp, Gateway South Transmission Line Project cont.
Transcon is the third-party pre-construction contractor for the BLM and USFS for the Utah and Wyoming segments of the project. The corridor contains eligible cultural sites, habitat for a number of protected plant and animal species, and paleontologically sensitive areas.
Transcon is responsible for the following project activities:
• Inspection and monitoring on behalf of the BLM and USFS
• Daily and weekly compliance and construction status reports for the BLM
• Daily and weekly meetings with the proponent, contractor, BLM, and USFS
• Reviewing and preparing responses for variance requests
• Working with the proponent and contractor to resolve compliance issues in the field
• Providing guidance and inspection for reclamation activities
• Inspecting Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan compliance and Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan compliance
• Developing and maintaining a secure website for the project to house all compliance reports, project management documents, permits, maps, and photos
• Developing a communication plan for the project with an organization chart
• Providing specialized resource support relative to biological, cultural, paleontological, and geological resources
• Collecting and reviewing all permits associated with the project
• Maintaining GIS data for the project
• Creating and maintaining the Virtual Site Visit tool to assist agencies, owners, and managers with tracking project construction status and environmental compliance
QISG, Boardman to Hemingway Transmission Line Project
Quanta Infrastructure Improvement Group (QISG) is building a ~294-mile-long transmission line project that starts in Boardman, Oregon, at the Boardman Substation and travels southeast, ending in Melba, Idaho, at the Hemingway Substation. The project crosses lands managed by the BLM, USFS, U.S. Navy, Bureau of Reclamation, and various local counties/municipalities. The BLM is the lead agency over the federal permitting process, and the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) is facilitating the Oregon state permitting process.
Transcon is providing environmental support to QISG, the
construction manager at risk. Transcon is assisting QISG in developing their assigned pieces of the Plan of Development (POD) and ODOE plans. Transcon is also aiding QISG in the project permitting process, taking the lead on various county- and state-specific permits, which involves preapplication meetings, development of project-specific maps and KMZ files, and final application submittal. Transcon is also tracking the status and submittal of all permits required for this project. The Transcon team is ensuring compliance with commitments outlined in Federal Right-of-Way grants, National Environmental Policy Act, Construction POD, ODOE Proposed/ Final Order, and all other related project terms and conditions.
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE 39
NEW AND ON THE MOVE
WRIGHT FOUNDATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION
Grant Recipient Project Updates
TREE CANOPY
UNI FOUNDATION
Several organizations and communities reached out to the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) Foundation with a shared interest and goal of increasing their community’s tree canopy which has allowed the program launch in the Fall of 2022 to be incredibly successful. Since the launch, 1,282 trees have been planted across 10 communities. 646 volunteers were engaged and 2,096.50 volunteer hours were leveraged. The project had a variety of volunteers ranging from elementary school students to college students to community members.
FRIENDS OF DES MOINES PARKS
Initially, Friends of Des Moines Parks planned to plant 100 trees across four urban parks. Since then, the organization has expanded the number of trees to 130 across five urban park spaces. Native and local ecotype species will be prioritized to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the initial maintenance necessary for establishment. Trained volunteers will assist in planting the trees in the fall.
Dr. Sara Crawford was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation (WFSI). Dr. Crawford joined Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC) as president in May 2022. Her experience and connections throughout the supply chain bring WFSI a unique perspective and understanding of core points throughout the supply network. With an extensive background in agriculture, animal and meat sciences, and sustainability, Dr. Crawford's insight and shared passion for regenerative agriculture practices and food supply related industries will further support the WFSI mission and vision.
REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
Much of the last year’s efforts have focused on strengthening the partnership, aligning goals, seeking and leveraging additional resources, and refining the project’s approach.
• Established and convened a Farmer Advisory Council
• Contracted with two agronomic service providers
• Completed 26 baseline soil health assessments
• Developed soil health management plans on ~650 acres
• Recruited eight farmers implementing new practices in 2022
• Provided soil health toolkits and training to 30 mentors and farm advisors
• Coordinated year-one soil testing on participating fields
• Used remote sensing of practice adoption in the project area
• Partnered with USDA to adapt soil health assessment protocols and training for farm advisors
• Prepared and submitted two additional requests for project funding
• Expanded the network of supporting partners and agencies
40 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE SPRING/SUMMER 2023
LAND STEWARDSHIP PROJECT
Land Stewardship Project’s (LSP) Soil Health program supports farmers throughout Minnesota and neighboring states to adopt farming practices that rebuild organic matter in the soil, restore biodiversity, sequester carbon, and conserve and protect water.
Farmer Engagement and Education
3,899 people receive the bi-monthly Soil Health newsletter featuring LSP events, grant program information, current research links, farmer spotlights, and more.
Nearly 600 people attended 21 LSP events including field days, workshops and pasture walks.
Peer-to-Peer Learning
LSP convened new Soil Hubs for 15 farmers in Planview, Minnesota, and 17 farmers in Austin, Minnesota, in February 2023. These farmers will meet for three years, with the first year focused on relationship building and getting to know each other’s farm and land.
LSP is currently recruiting for two Grazing Groups in Southeast Minnesota. These groups are tailored to farmers practicing managed rotational grazing in hopes to get 10-12 in each group.
Communications
LSP’s Soil Health videos have continued to gain interest throughout the last year with YouTube views numbering 27,181 and Facebook views at 6,000. LSP also produced 21 episodes of the "Ear to Ground," its soil health podcast. Ear to Ground averages 8,000 listens per episode.
Various letter and newsletter communications reach 4,000 subscribers with topics covering soil health news, events and other updates.
LSP ran a billboard campaign in five small towns in southeast Iowa. The billboard was viewed at least 4.3 million times in three months.
Policy Work
LSP continues to build on past successes, such as the development of the Conservation Stewardship Program, now one of the most important federal conservation programs in agriculture, and the $5 million won for soil health funding in the 2021 legislative session.
Minnesota's soil health bill is becoming a model in other states. LSP staff have worked with legislators and partner organizations in Michigan, Illinois and North Dakota to support the creation of legislation that supports regenerative agriculture.
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Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation
MISSION
The Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation exists to foster innovative sustainability initiatives that make a positive impact on our planet. We want to find solutions to the complex challenges facing our world today.
VISION
To facilitate positive action toward sustainable and innovative solutions in agricultural and environmental sectors that reduce carbon footprints and minimize risk for our communities.
VALUES
SUSTAINABILITY
It is our passion and we commit to making actions toward a better tomorrow.
INNOVATION We believe that new ideas are key to sustainability and our goal is to foster innovative initiatives to make a positive impact on our planet.
COLLABORATION We can only move the needle on sustainability by working together to create partnerships that make lasting change.
TRANSPARENCY Our goal is to be as impactful as we can through a standardized and transparent grant process that gives the most support to our projects and results in quantifiable outcomes.
INTEGRITY We abide by the highest ethical standards.
RESPECT We exhibit it toward our team, our partners, our communities and our planet.
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 THE WRIGHT PERSPECTIVE 41
Read Our 2022 Corporate Social Responsibility Reports
We're excited to present the 2022 Corporate Social Responsibility Reports for CNUC, Sustainable Environmental Consultants, Terra Spectrum Technologies, Wright Canada Holdings, Wright Outdoor Solutions, Wright Service Corp. and Wright Tree Service.
Wright Service Corp. is a unique and complex family of companies in environmental services, with a number of sustainability initiatives taking place across the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. As an industry leader, we wanted to utilize this report to tell our unique story – one of an evolving and innovative organization. Like any
other company or organization, we continue to learn from our past and continue to make improvements for the betterment of our employees, clients and the communities we serve. As a 100% employee-owned company, our employees are at the forefront of every decision we make and it’s our employees who are behind the success of our family of companies.
To view all reports, visit https:// sustainability.wrightservicecorp.com/
Want to provide feedback? Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ WSCCSRFeedback
Want a physical copy of The Wright Perspective?
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