Holiday 2018

THE ASPLUNDH TREE

AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL EMPLOYEESIt is the policy of our Company and all of its subsidiaries and management to

work continually toward improving recruitment, employment, development and promotional opportunities for minority group members and women.

It is the Company’s intent to provide equal opportunity and affirmative action in all areas of its employment practices and to ensure that there be no discrimination against any applicant or employee on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, citizenship status, national origin, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic that is protected by law.

This policy extends to recruiting and hiring, to working conditions, training programs, use of company facilities, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment. As a field employee, complaints may be made to your immediate supervisor (general foreperson or supervisor) or Region manager. As a Corporate Home Office employee, complaints may be made to your immediate supervisor, department manager or the Human Resources Personnel Department.

If you cannot report to your supervisor or manager, or if a complaint you have made has not been promptly addressed, you should call the Corporate EEO Officer at 1-800-248-8733.

Management will continue to be guided and motivated by this policy, and with the cooperation of all employees, will actively pursue the related goals of equal opportunity and affirmative action throughout the Company and all of its subsidiaries.

Scott M. Asplundh, Chairman of the Board and CEO

DECEMBER 2018 WILLOW GROVE, PA

THEASPLUNDH

TREEHoliday 2018

ON THE COVER

A magical winter scene reminds us of the wonders of the holiday season. (Shutterstock)

The Asplundh TREE is a family magazine, published three times a year for all employees and friends of the Asplundh companies.

Asplundh welcomes requests to reprint or otherwise duplicate this magazine, in whole or in part. Please contact the Managing Editor of Corporate Communications at the address below for permission, or call 1-800-248-TREE (in the U.S. or Canada).

© 2018 Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC

Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC 708 Blair Mill Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090 www.asplundh.com

Printed on recycled paper

MANAGING EDITOR CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONSPatti ChipmanWRITER/EDITORKristin WildASSISTANT EDITOR/GRAPHICS SPECIALISTRonnie GaukerDIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALISTDanielle Kelly

FROMTHEARCHIVES

Seventy years ago, on December 2, 1948, the Asplundh float pictured below was part of a huge parade sponsored by the Jenkintown (Pennsylvania) Businessmen’s Association. Featuring many colorful floats and a reported 18

bands, the annual parade welcomed Santa Claus into the town where Asplundh was headquartered for nearly 40 years.

According to the December 1948 issue of The Asplundh TREE magazine, the Asplundh float “depicted the bringing in of the Christmas tree” and probably made good use of recent line clearance by-products! If you look closely enough at the sign above the truck’s cab it proudly proclaims, “Border to Border. Coast to Coast.” In

just 20 years, Asplundh had expanded to serve utilities and municipalities on both coasts and many states in between.

Sadly, only a few weeks later, one of the company’s founders and its first president, Griffith Asplundh, died suddenly at the age of 53. Despite this loss, the company continued striving for “The Better Way” and here we are, concluding our 90th anniversary!

CONTENTS

Safety Success Is No Accident ....................2Storm Response Teams Work To Restore Services ..................................4Game Lands 33 And Green Lane Research Update ........................................7Merit Awards ...............................................8Tree Experts Volunteer! .............................9Management Update .................................10Orchids .....................................................14Service Anniversaries ...............................16Crews & News ............................................22Retirees Honored .....................................28In Memoriam ..............................................29Shoot Out 2018 ..........................................30Co-op Corner ...........................................32Asplundh Technical Services Profile: Geoff Kempter .........................................33

ur 90th anniversary year is quickly coming to an end as we all prepare for the holiday season. Looking back

over 2018, our anniversary celebrations centered around HONORING OUR PAST. EMBRACING THE FUTURE. What three brothers started in 1928, a second generation grew to a national and international enterprise, and now the third generation continues to grow it today. It’s been a thrilling experience.

Not too many things last 90 years—perhaps a building, or a tree, but certainly not many family businesses. However, we have been able to adapt to the changes in the industries we serve, all the while seeking innovation to enhance our processes, training all personnel for continuous improvement, and developing a culture of “The Better Way” to satisfy our customers.

Throughout the year, our safety programs received ongoing investments in performing additional field audits, delivering specialized crew personnel training, and implementing the OSHA 30-hour training program. We continue to see benefits from the electronic job briefing and job behavior observation platforms started earlier this year. We also completed a rollout in our vegetation operations of the cell control software program, which blocks all calls and text messages when a vehicle is in motion. While we are in the infancy of these programs, we are excited about the benefits shown to date.

Early in the year found us responding to storm restoration requests in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria devastated the island in September 2017. Both construction and vegetation resources were deployed, staying on-site through May 2018. Four nor’easters struck the Northeast in the month of March. It really is true

that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb! Later in the summer, Hurricanes Florence and Michael struck the southeastern region of the United States. It was great to see and hear how our restoration crews responded to the impacted areas in a safe and professional manner. Thanks to all who helped to get the lights back on!

To manage our ongoing expansion, the company promoted two directors of operations and one vice president to the sponsor level in our executive team. Sponsors Doug Roof and Barry Hooper work with vegetation management regions and customers, while Sponsor David McGinley works with two UtiliCon Solutions subsidiaries and customers. All three new sponsors are exceptionally well-qualified to lead and grow the regions reporting to them.

Other changes in the Home Office included the promotion of Greg Staton to chief administrative officer after George Licci retired in January. We also hired Lisa Santin as chief human resources officer in March, and Mike Keffer came onboard as assistant general counsel in August. In October, longtime Vice President of Risk Management Dennis Stapola announced that he will retire in early January after nearly 32 years with the company. We are also

wishing The Asplundh TREE’s Writer / Editor Kristin Wild a happy retirement this month after 31 years at Asplundh.

Each year, our employees at the Home Office strive to better serve our colleagues in the field and 2018 was no exception. During the year, we advanced technology initiatives to support clocking in and out via cellular devices. We also made safety and risk management data more rapidly available to all leaders, and developed a comprehensive operational dashboard to capture and rank a variety of performance metrics for all regions. The General Foreperson Training Program and Management Leadership Academy were updated and in October, we launched a Recruitment Process Outsourcing Program with Kelly Services to streamline hiring practices in higher turnover positions.

This year, our Home Office team also played a prominent role in supporting an important community initiative with the Asplundh Cancer Pavilion, which is part of Abington-Jefferson Health. Through individual contributions and monthly fund-raisers, our Home Office employees made a significant financial contribution to help build this state-of-the-art cancer treatment center. Their collective efforts are now noted on a plaque at the Pavilion.

Following extensive marketing analysis and concept testing, we re-named Five Seasons Property Management as Aspen Grove Landscape Group (AGLG) in April. We continue to be excited about the opportunities in this industry.

To our employees and customers, we thank you for being with us this 90th year and helping us make it so successful. Best wishes to you, your family and friends for a safe and happy holiday season.

O

Scott M. Asplundh Chairman of the Board and CEO

Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC

George E. Graham, Jr. President / Chief Operating Officer

Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC

Steven G. Asplundh Chief Operating OfficerUtiliCon Solutions, LLC

Happy Holidays!

O ver the last 40 years, safety has grown from simply telling people to “follow the rules” to engaging people in the process and building a safety culture.

Studies show that blame and punishment seldom result in a safer workplace and that often “human error” is not an individual’s problem but instead a leadership or system issue. The holiday issue of The Asplundh TREE magazine provides an opportunity to reflect on improvements that have been made in our safety processes over the last 12 months and to preview plans for the year ahead of us.

Once again, we covered a lot of ground in 2018. From an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) metrics standpoint, our Incidence rate (TCIR) was down another 11%, our Lost Time (LT) rate was down 18%, and our Days Away, Restricted Time (DART) was reduced by 17%. By comparison, our TCIR is now 60% below industry average while our LT rate and DART rate are 84% and 65% below the industry average, respectively. Our focus on “

” continues to make our workplaces safer and ensure that we are the contractor of choice for our customers.

We added a self-audit component to our audit program to encourage operations to objectively look at their own program elements on a regular basis. Moving forward, self-audits will be required annually for all operations not scheduled for a formal audit, and our corporate auditors will validate scores against their findings. These programs help us better identify gaps in our processes and focus on finding solutions that create positive changes in our safe work practices and environment.

We rolled out a learning management system in 2018, offering employees the ability to receive training online, as well as centralizing training tracking. To date, more than 600,000 training records have been uploaded to this system with only a handful of regions left to be added. A comprehensive video library was also added as part of the system, offering a “just-in-time” solution for how to complete certain tasks.

Additionally, we held 41% more Climbing and Tree Felling instructor-led training classes this year over last year, reaching

roughly 82% more people. This number includes a 51% increase in attendance in climbing classes and a 40% increase in attendance in tree felling classes, helping our employees to improve their skills in our industry.

Looking Toward 2019We have partnered with an athletic trainer in order to

introduce pre-job stretches as part of our work methods for certain tasks as a means to address muscular / skeletal injuries. To date, we have piloted this program in six different regions with significant success.

We will improve our use of technology in vehicles to further drive down the frequency of motor vehicle crashes. Technology to block cell phone use in any mode other than hands-free is now standard in our vehicles, and we are moving toward incorporating more vehicles into our fleet with advanced safety systems.

Lastly, our industry-leading Line Clearance Qualification Standard (LCQS) is being updated to incorporate many of the lessons learned in our company over the last three years to further enhance the safety of our workforce.

Thank you for your contributions to our safety program this past year and for your uncompromising and ongoing commitment to working safely. Have a have a safe and happy holiday season and let us look forward to an exciting and healthy 2019.

Bruce Mellott bmellott@asplundh.com

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 20182

SAFETY SUCCESS I S N O AC C I D E N T

by Bruce Mellott Vice President of Corporate Safety

t During the annual Trees & Utilities Conference held in Omaha, Nebraska in late August, Asplundh’s Corporate EHS Manager of Training Tracy Hawks (R) was presented with the Utility Arborist Association (UAA) Silver Shield Award by UAA Executive Director Phil Charlton (L). The Silver Shield Award is presented to “a person who is on the front line of safety and may have official or unofficial roles with an organization. They influence and promote a safety culture at every turn.” Tracy was nominated by Corporate Safety Directors Dan Oberlies and Kurt Kehl, as well as UtiliCon Solutions’ Safety Program Manager Adam Martin. Congratulations, Tracy!

RECOGNITION OF SAFETY PERFORMANCE

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 2018 3

t u In early July, General Foreperson Milton Lockwood of the Bill Harrington Region presented specially-designed challenge coins to the gentlemen shown here for performing a tough task safely and eliminating the need for a scheduled outage for the utility, Portland General Electric. Milton explained that fast-growing trees and brush had engulfed the conductors from ground-to-sky on a three-phase tap near Sandy, Oregon. This team followed LCQS procedures to eliminate the brush first and then reassess the job site hazards. They discussed their options, made a plan for the safe removal of over 50 trees, and communicated effectively throughout the project to complete the job without injury or property damage. Kudos to all for going above and beyond!

(L to R) Apprentice Rocco Falotico, Lead Foreperson Dani Sandoval and

Journeyman Chad Holbrook

Foreperson Silverio Arreguin

Fill-In Journeyman Dave Morris

t Regional Safety Trainer Zach Kulik (L) of the Kris Keefer Region presented Foreperson Herb Cole, Jr. (R) with a pocket knife as a token of appreciation for his outstanding safety performance on July 19 in Cleveland, Ohio. Zach was observing Herb as he was performing a work site inspection and job briefing with his crew who work on the property of FirstEnergy / The Illuminating Company. As Herb was looking up at the line, he noticed that one of the bolts on an insulator had come off and the primary conductor was just floating unattached. He immediately informed General Foreperson Nick Seggie, who reported the faulty hardware to the utility. Zach was impressed with Herb’s inspection and job briefing skills which demonstrated his safety awareness and leadership. Well done!

t The “Volts Wagon” electrical hazard training trailer traveled throughout the Scott Harmon Region in Missouri April 30-May 11. RSS Jason Yelton

conducted this important training multiple times a day at many locations for his fellow employees, including this group in Higginsville, Missouri. They work on the rural electric cooperative properties of West Central Electric and Farmers Electric.

t A two-day “train the trainer” tree felling class was held in Newark, Ohio in late June for these general forepersons and

safety trainers from the Keith Confere Region. Conducted by Senior Corporate Safety Trainer Shane Vosberg, assisted by Safety Trainer Zach Kulik from the Kris Keefer Region, the participants were (L to R): Jeff Lough, Zach, Max McAuliffe, Kevin Senters, Jan Cory Chambers, Justin Belcher, Elijah Gilliam, Jarrod Rock, Roger Rutter and David Viers, Jr. Unavailable for the photo were Noah Confere and Brad Moore.

p Over 200 Asplundh employees from the Ray Schneider Region in Michigan gathered at Rod Mills Park in Jackson on September 5 for an “all hands” Safety Summit in conjunction with Consumers Energy. By dividing into six groups, everyone was able to rotate through six stations (an hour at each) covering topics such as DOT compliance, aerial lift inspection, Consumers Energy operations, rubber goods / storm response, job briefings, and off-road procedures / past incidents.

t At their annual “all hands” safety training day on June 7, Lincoln Electric System (LES) and Asplundh crews from

the Joe Sterbenz Region in Nebraska partnered up for electrical hazard awareness, lock-out / tag-out training, and chain saw safety instruction. General Foreperson Kurt Pilz sent in this photo from the live-line demonstration presented by LES employees.

SAFETY RECOGNITION CONTINUED

TRAINING + PRACTICE =

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 20184

STORM RESPONSE TEAMS WORK TO RESTORE SERVICES

p Hurricane Michael was still a powerful Category 3 storm when it plowed into southern Georgia. General Foreperson Richard Kleinkauf of the Wilmer McWhirter Region took this photo of Foreperson Bobbie Rebollar working to remove a fallen tree from an off-road Sumter Electric Membership Corporation line in the town of Americus.

p Asplundh Construction crews at the Lynn Haven staging area shared observations during their morning safety briefing.

u On Day 13 of the storm response, Asplundh Construction Foreperson Dave Denson (L) and

Journeyman Lineworker Allen Davis (R) are shown here replacing a cut-out switch and lightning arrestor on a Gulf Power distribution line in a

devastated Panama City neighborhood.

t Corporate EHS Training Manager Tracy Hawks presented White Cross Safety Awards to Foreperson Zach Lewis (R) and Apprentice Jacob Darling (in the bucket) from the Scott Bailey Region in Oklahoma. Tracy was very impressed with the crew’s excellent work practices and professionalism as he observed them on the job after eight straight days of storm work for Gulf Power in Bonifay, Florida.

t Blue tarp roofs and trees uprooted, broken or stripped of their leaves were sad, but common sights for Asplundh tree and construction crews working to restore power to homes and businesses that survived the 155 mile per hour winds and 14-foot storm surge of Hurricane Michael in the Florida Panhandle area.

u On Day 5 of the response, Asplundh

Construction General Foreperson Clay Marsh

of the Joe Wodolan Region in Indiana

captured this image of the setting sun

silhouetting his line crews finishing up the

replacement of a switch pole in Panama City,

Florida for Gulf Power.

T wo hurricanes this past fall and a swarm of nor’easters back in March required major

mobilizations from both Asplundh and our UtiliCon Solutions subsidiaries. The Asplundh Storm Center team members in Willow Grove coordinated the movement of tree crews while UtiliCon’s Storm Coordinators Frank Marinelli and John McNamee managed the mobilization of the utility infrastructure crews. Let’s take a brief look back at what Asplundh and UtiliCon did to help our customers restore power.

Hurricane MichaelOne of the most powerful hurricanes

to strike the United States and the strongest storm on record in the Florida Panhandle, Hurricane Michael made landfall on October 10 near Mexico Beach as a Category 4 hurricane. With peak winds clocked at 155 miles per hour and a 14-foot storm surge, this community and much of Panama City were essentially flattened. Nearby Tyndall Air Force Base also sustained massive damage to its facilities.

Two days prior, Asplundh and UtiliCon Solutions began mobilizing crews at the request of five utilities in Florida and Georgia, initially. At the peak of our storm response, there were over 1,000 tree workers and over 280 employees from UtiliCon subsidiaries who were sent in to assist the hundreds of local crews already in place.

Asplundh tree crews from 19 field management regions traveled from as far west as Texas and as far north as Michigan to clear tree debris from roadways and power lines for nine utility and municipal customers in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. By October 26, all of the mobilized crews had been released.

Two recently promoted field managers, David Craddock and Don Hogan, who serve customers in the storm affected parts of Florida, said that this storm response was a significant challenge. However, they were proud to report

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 2018 5

u Supervisor Brian Brown of the Grid One Solutions (GOS) office in Wilmington, North Carolina sent in several examples, like this one at right, of the

storm damage assessment work he and his crews conducted for Duke Energy. By identifying and

evaluating the extent of storm damage on various circuits, GOS helped Duke efficiently restore power.

t While waiting for Florence to move through, RSS Kurt Pilz of the Joe Sterbenz Region made good use of the down time to arrange training for the deployed crews. Over the course of two days, they covered equipment care and maintenance, LCQS administration, lock-out / tag-out, leadership and accountability.

u Hurricane Florence will long be remembered for dumping heavy rain in the Carolinas for several days,

causing numerous rivers to flood. In Lumberton, North Carolina, sections of I-95 were still

impassable due to flooding 10 days after Florence made landfall. Storm response crews were severely

hampered by flooded roadways and highways.

t After the rain from Hurricane Florence passed, Foreperson Alex Lockhart of the Matthew Pence Region, assisted by Apprentice Dylen Fischl, went to work sawing back the massive limbs of an uprooted live oak on Duke Energy property near Fayetteville, North Carolina. The tree fell across the power line, toppling the transformer pole in the background.

p Corporate Safety Consultant Stephen Ford (far L) and General Foreperson William Fowler (far R) of the Stephen Williams Region presented White Cross Safety Awards to Foreperson Donald Stacy (second from R) and Trimmer Jose Raul Flores (second from L) for preventing a homeowner from attempting to remove a huge limb from his carport, unaware of an energized line running underneath it. Because they were working alongside a Duke Energy line crew, the line was quickly made safe so that Donald and Jose could remove the limb.

that everyone made it through the storm response without a major incident.

On the UtiliCon side, the largest number of mobilized resources (190) came from Utility Lines Construction Services (ULCS), helping to restore power for eight different utilities and municipalities in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. American Lighting and Signalization (ALS) sent 32 additional employees to help the DOTs in Florida and Georgia. And finally, Asplundh Construction (AC) provided 61 lineworkers and supervision to assist Gulf Power on the Florida Panhandle in its recovery. The last of the mobilized crews were released to return home on October 27.

Hurricane FlorenceA month before Hurricane Michael

struck, Asplundh and UtiliCon were preparing to respond to Hurricane Florence. At one point, this hurricane had reached a Category 4 status, but by the time it made landfall near Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina on September 14, it was a strong, but less devastating Category 1 hurricane. The greatest damage was caused by flooding after Florence stalled and continued to pour heavy rain for the next few days.

A total of 13 utilities and municipalities in the Carolinas and Virginia received over 1,200 Asplundh tree workers and supervision from 21 field management regions. Crews came from as far away as Minnesota and New England to help hundreds of their Asplundh coworkers in the storm stricken area. By September 24, all of the mobilized crews had been released to return home.

At the peak of the storm response, our UtiliCon subsidiaries mobilized 385 resources to assist hundreds of local crews already on storm duty for Duke Energy, EnergyUnited and Dominion Power in the Carolinas and Virginia. Storm damage assessment services were provided by Grid One Solutions while repairing and rebuilding lines was handled by AC and ULCS. Restoration of street lighting systems was performed by ALS.

Despite the hazards of flooded roadways, work sites and even hotels during the Hurricane Florence storm response, both the tree and line crews worked safely.

Nor’easters In MarchThe Storm Center in the Willow Grove

Home Office remained busy throughout the month of March with four nor’easters that brought near hurricane force winds, torrential rain and white-out snow conditions to various parts of the Middle Atlantic, Northeast and New England.

The first nor’easter (Winter Storm Riley) on March 2 knocked out power to nearly 2.5 million customers from Virginia to Massachusetts. Although restoration work was nearing completion on several utility systems, many deployed crews were asked

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 20186

u Waiting for the Nor’easter winds and snow of Winter Storm Toby to dissipate in Hauppauge, New York, crews from the Jim Winemiller Region had a good deal of snow

clearing to do before they could get started on helping PSE&G Long Island restore power. General Forepersons Chet

Wilderman, Tom Walsh and Joe Price led this group from Illinois.

t Corporate EHS Specialist Mark Foster observed this crew from the Bobby King Region in Kentucky working to cut back a toppled tree on a PPL Electric Utilities line after Winter Storm Riley blew through eastern Pennsylvania on March 2.

u A team of Asplundh crews from the Keith Confere Region in Ohio were on storm duty for Con Edison in the

vicinity of Larchmont and Mamaronek, New York for almost two weeks after Winter Storms Riley and Quinn brought flooding rain, wind and snow. Massive trees, like this one at right, lost major limbs, or uprooted altogether, bringing

power lines down with them.

to remain as another nor’easter (Winter Storm Quinn) brought heavy, wet snow and wind on March 7. During this period, over 1,200 Asplundh tree workers and supervision were sent from as far west as Illinois to assist 12 electric utilities and a county government to clear trees from lines and roadways.

More than 300 employees from AC and ULCS were sent in from operations in the Midwest, South and less affected parts of the Northeast on March 2. They joined with local AC crews to help restore storm-damaged distribution and transmission lines for ten utilities from Maryland to Massachusetts. They also transitioned to Winter Storm Quinn restoration work on March 7.

The nor’easter on March 13 brought wind, heavy snow and storm surge to coastal parts of New England, and the final blow came on March 20 when Winter Storm Toby, the Four’easter, arrived in the Northeast. The power outages were not as significant this time, but more than 300 Asplundh tree crews were mobilized to assist nine utilities in need. Fortunately, the restoration work went quickly and most crews were released within three days.

In response to this string of nor’easters, Chairman of the Board and CEO Scott Asplundh said, “With the generous cooperation of so many of our customers, we are grateful to be able to help those utilities and municipalities in need. I also want to recognize the family and friends who support our employees while they work long hours to help restore power.”

AppreciationDuring and after the power restoration

work, thank-you e-mails and letters came to the Asplundh Home Office from customers and homeowners. Here is a sampling of the appreciation received:

After Hurricane Michael ...

From a Florida DOT civil engineer who lives in a remote area south of Vernon, Florida:

... When your crews arrived on the 3.5 mile stretch of county road, they found 15 major breaks caused by trees and tree limbs on my road. I want to thank your crews for the fantastic, professional and organized job that they did along Millers Ferry Road and the spider web of roads leading back to the river.

From a resident of Marianna in Jackson County, Florida:

... I have been through several of these while living in Ft. Myers and have always seen your company and employees come to everyone’s rescue. I am now, and have been, so impressed with your company, I just had to let you know.

From a resident of Blakely, Georgia:

... Our community has been filled with overwhelming gratitude at the generosity that has been shown to us. Thank you for helping to restore our lives after Hurricane Michael.

After Hurricane Florence ...

From a letter to Manager Doug Smith in North Carolina that was received from Marlboro Electric Cooperative in South Carolina:

... A simple “Thank You” does not do justice to express our gratitude for the support and resources that you and your organization made available during Hurricane Florence. ... You would be proud of your men at the way they conducted themselves, especially in regards to safety. Safety was first, and they let you know it quick, but apparently speed was a close second because we broke every record

of restoration time that had ever been set. Having a partner like you, who we can call on, is an invaluable asset.

From the Nor’easters in March:

From an e-mail to Asplundh Construction Vice President Brett Martin and Manager Joe Wodolan that was received from a Met-Ed / FirstEnergy Regional Operations Manager:

... I’d like to express my personal thanks to your company in regards to crew performance, dedication and commitment to a major restoration effort in eastern Pennsylvania ... I believe these crews were from Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. In some very poor conditions, your crews were among the few that responded to outages, conducted restoration and above all, did so safely. From my perspective, we clearly should [specify] the above teams when we make requests for mutual aid restoration in the future.

From an e-mail received from a resident of Mashpee, Massachusetts:

... I just want to take a moment to say how greatly appreciated your crews are for the sacrifices they have made during the bad storms we have had here on Cape Cod.

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 2018 7

GAME LANDS 33 AND GREEN LANE RESEARCH UPDATEI t has been two years since we last

gave an update on the research being conducted at State Game

Lands (SGL) 33 in Centre County, Pennsylvania and the Green Lane Research and Demonstration Area (GLR&D) in southeastern Pennsylvania. A great deal has been accomplished in refining the research protocols and collecting data on native bees and birds to measure the effect on them of various vegetation management (VM) methods used on the electric utility rights-of-way that cross through the two research locations.

Results of the past three-year research cycle include evidence that VM methods which incorporate a selective herbicide application supported the highest number and species diversity of bees. It is also noteworthy that several specimens of the “yellow bumble bee” (Bombus fervidus), which has been in decline since the 1930s, were collected in treatment sites where the ROW vegetation was managed by using selective herbicide application.

A new three-year cycle of research began in June, but a major change is the fact that the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund) has assumed the contract administration role for the project. Asplundh and its partners Corteva Agriscience (a division of DowDupont), FirstEnergy and PECO are pleased that TREE Fund’s non-profit status and lower overheads allow more funds to be directed to research and outreach for Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies Dr. Carolyn Mahan of Pennsylvania State University. She will continue to lead the investigation and conduct outreach through presentations and networking at conferences throughout North America.

Dr. Mahan and her research team continue to expand the research and outreach efforts on the effects of right-of-way (ROW) maintenance on plant and animal communities. This means continuing to collect specimens and data to understand the response of native bees and breeding birds midway through the treatment cycle on both the SGL 33 and GLR&D sites.

The new three-year plan includes two new study areas in central Pennsylvania—one managed with a wire /border zone concept and one managed as an edge to edge wire zone—where the research team will also evaluate plant and animal responses to ROW management. These areas differ from the historic 65-year-old SGL 33 site in that they are only 100 feet wide (versus 175 feet) and will not have plots set up. They are maintained using typical integrated vegetation management techniques.

Finally, the project has added an examination of ground beetle diversity

(using pitfall traps) to the existing research design at all of the research locations. Ground beetles are good indicators of ecosystem health and have been used for this purpose for many years in agricultural science. They can help evaluate if vegetation management treatments, in particular herbicides, affect soil communities and processes.

All research continues to be conducted in cooperation with the Center for Pollinator Research and the Frost Entomological Museum at Penn State University.

u On September 11, after a partners meeting on Penn State University’s main campus, the group drove to a new study

site on a 230kV FirstEnergy / Penelec transmission right-of-way (ROW) above

Runville, Pennsylvania. This one is managed using the wire / border zone concept

and it will be compared with another site that is managed as an edge to edge

wire zone. Pictured L to R are: Asplundh Technical Services General Manager

Dave Krause; FirstEnergy Transmission Vegetation Management (TVM) Regional Supervisor Mike Varner and TVM Program Manager

Shawn Standish; Penn State University Biology Instructor / Research Assistant Brad Ross and Dr. Carolyn Mahan; PECO Manager of VM Alex Brown and Senior VM Project Manager Sara Hall;

and Entomological Supervisor Dr. Hannah Stout. Market Development Specialist Travis Rogers of Corteva Agriscience (a division of DowDuPont) was unable to attend.

t Research Technician Dana Roberts (far R) of Penn State’s Center for Pollinator Research also led a tour of the Frost Entomological Museum on campus. Doctoral graduate student Adam Rork (holding tray) gave the partners a close-up view of its curated ground beetle collection. A study of ground beetle diversity has been added on all of the research project sites to learn more about how integrated vegetation management techniques affect soil communities and processes.

u In June, TREE Fund assumed the contract administration role for the ongoing research conducted by Penn State University

Professor Dr. Carolyn Mahan and her team at SGL 33, GLR&D, and two newly added sites. Asplundh, Corteva, FirstEnergy, PECO and Penn State (in deferred overhead costs)

are the partners who support this research grant.

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 20188

MERIT AWARDS

Asplundh is proud to give the Silver Merit Award to these six employees who have

provided outstanding assistance to others. They acted decisively to avert tragedy— sometimes at their own risk.

Coworker RescueAssistant Project Manager Tyler

Abruzzo, who works under Asplundh Construction Senior Vice President Frank Giordano in Long Island, New York, put her safety training into action to save a fellow coworker.

On September 21, Tyler was speaking with Project Manager Kevin King when she overheard someone ask Gas Safety Manager Joe Blazejewski if he was okay. He wasn’t. He was choking on a bagel. As Joe attempted to dislodge it, Tyler approached him and could see that he couldn’t breathe. She instinctively and successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver on Joe. “Tyler did me a great service and I am here today because of her,” he said. “She has my heartfelt thanks.” Joe recently lost his wife of 42 years, so his adult children expressed especially deep gratitude to Tyler for saving him.

Tyler had completed a first aid / CPR safety training a couple years ago and said, “It helped me to stay calm and focused on what I needed to do. I am glad I could help Joe. He’s a good guy and a great coworker.” Well done, Tyler!

Crew Saves Man In PoolIt was mid-morning on September 6,

when Foreperson Kyle Wentz, Trimmer Joe Belzile and Groundpersons Ezekiel Smalls and Ricky Hughes were removing trees for PECO in Yardley, Pennsylvania when they heard a woman calling for help. The crew from the Pat Pinelli Region ran toward her pleas, and just a few homes away, they saw an unconscious man in a swimming pool. His head was being held above water by his young grandson and a neighbor, but the pair could not lift him out of the water. The crew wasted no time as they jumped into the water fully clothed—boots and all—and pulled the man, Mike McAllister, to safety.

The crew positioned him safely on the ground and stayed by his side. They shaded him with a blanket until emergency medical technicians (EMTs) transported him to a hospital.

Mr. McAllister wrote a note of thanks to Asplundh saying, “I am truly grateful for these gentlemen’s quick thinking and immediate action that saved me from drowning. Seeing them as I opened my eyes is a moment I will always remember. I will try to pay their kindness forward as I continue to enjoy life.”

Stroke Victim In Need Asplundh Brush Control (ABC)

Foreperson Jim Nichols of the Bob Ray Region was performing property owner notifications for National Grid in Nassau, New York on August 21 when he saw a homeowner lying in the driveway. The man, Mike Sassaman, who could barely speak, told Jim that he had just collapsed and was weak and nauseous. Jim turned Mr. Sassaman on his side to prevent a choking incident and called 911. While waiting for an ambulance, Jim asked Mr. Sassaman for his wife’s phone number. He then called Mrs. Sassaman to let her know the situation. Jim stayed with him until the EMTs transported him to a local

t UtiliCon Solutions Sponsor / Senior Vice President Greg Holman (far L), Asplundh Construction Project Manager Kevin King (second from L) and Senior Vice President Frank Giordano (far R) presented Assistant Project Manager Tyler Abruzzo

(second from R) with an Asplundh Silver Merit Award pin for successfully performing the Heimlich maneuver on a fellow employee.

p Manager Patrick Pinelli (center) and General Foreperson Dave Jones (far R) proudly presented Silver Merit Award pins to Groundperson Ricky Hughes (far L), Trimmer Joe Belzile (second from L) and Groundperson Ezekiel Smalls (second from R) who, along with Foreperson Kyle Wentz, saved a man from drowning on September 6 while working on the PECO system.

p Manager Don Redden (R) and RSS Robert Forstburg (L) presented a Silver Merit Award pin to Foreperson Kyle Wentz (center) who recently transferred into the Redden Region to work on PPL Electric Utilities’ system.

TREEEXPERTSVOLUNTEER!

p Asplundh Brush Control Vice President Bob Ray (R) and Supervisor Mark Turner (L) were happy to present a Silver Merit Award pin to Foreperson Jim Nichols (center) for assisting a stroke victim who he found while performing property owner notifications for National Grid in Nassau, New York.

hospital. Jim met Mrs. Sassaman upon her arrival home and told her where the EMTs took her husband. He called Mrs. Sassaman the next day and learned that her husband had suffered a stroke, as well as injuries to his head and neck, but was stable.

The couple expressed sincere thanks to Jim, as did ABC Vice President Bob Ray. Mrs. Sassaman followed up with an e-mail to the Asplundh Field Personnel Department, recognizing Jim for his quick action, which she believed kept her husband alive. She

wrote, “I think it is important that you know the quality of the person that Jim Nichols is. I am very grateful to him. He is amazing, and you are lucky to have him as an employee.”

As modest as he is kind, Jim says he was just doing what anyone would have done in that situation. He, too, credited his Asplundh safety training with preparing him to take action. “It was a moment of humanity,” Jim said. “I am just happy I was there to help and glad I knew how.”

Continued on page 23

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 2018 9

E ach spring, Arbor Day provides a terrific opportunity for Asplundh employees and their utility partners to give back to the community. Not only is it about planting and caring for community trees, Arbor Day is an opportunity to teach the younger generation about the importance of trees. Once again we feature photos from Asplundh’s participation in various events across the U.S. to celebrate Arbor Day.

p Yoctangee Park, Chillicothe, Ohio—Supervisor Kevin Gibson of the Keith Confere Region held his 15th annual Arbor Day event at Chillicothe’s Yoctangee City Park. On April 27, over 200 fourth graders gathered at a safe distance to watch General Foreperson Freddie Hammonds rope and remove a dead tree while Kevin and General Foreperson Bill Walk described the task and how to be safe around trees and wires. Kevin, Bill and Freddie oversee crews on the AEP Ohio system.

t Girard College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania —On April 25, Forepersons Doug Brunner and John Spires of the Pat Pinelli Region participated in the Penn-Del ISA Chapter’s Eastern Arbor Day of Service at Girard College. A boarding school for underprivileged students in grades 1 through 12, Girard College has operated since 1848. This was a wonderful

opportunity for our crew, who work on the PECO system, to provide tree pruning and removal services to this great school.

p Long’s Park, Lancaster, Pennsylvania— A crew from the Don Redden Region participated in an Arbor Day of Service at Long’s Park in Lancaster on April 25. Our team included General Foreperson Eric McKinney, Forepersons Matt Beegle, Austin Hurst and Mark Kite, Journeymen Edwin Rivera and Robert Keen, Trimmer Danny Diaz and Apprentice Justin Unkle.

p Coal City, Illinois—On April 27, the Ed House Region joined forces with ComEd to plant 130 trees in Coal City. About three years ago, tornadoes tore through the community, destroying 50,000 trees. The participants were Sponsor Jim Hines, Manager Ed House, Supervisors Art Perez, Herb Zinzer and Saul Mancera, General Forepersons Rich Heller and Brian Hartmann, and Crew Leader Joe Martin.

p Perry Creek Elementary School, Sioux City, Iowa—This lively class of first graders enjoyed taking part in planting a crabapple tree on April 27 with MidAmerican Energy District Forester Jason Waugh and Asplundh Forepersons Victor Fuentes and Kelvin Cooper, and Trimmer Chris Idso from the Joe Sterbenz Region.

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 201810

MANAGEMENTUPDATE

Ralph Kennedy, general manager of Grid One Solutions (GOS), was elected vice president of this meter and pole maintenance services subsidiary of UtiliCon Solutions in April. He reports to Sponsor David McGinley who is president of GOS.

Ralph joined the Asplundh family of companies in 2000 as president of Utility Meter Services,

which merged with GOS in 2012. He came aboard with more than 15 years of experience in strategic planning, business development and operations with a major electric utility in Florida. Currently, Ralph manages all aspects of GOS services including contracted meter reading, AMI / AMR deployments, field services, call center operations and most recently, utility pole services such as asset surveying, inspection and maintenance. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from St. Leo University in Florida, and has earned corporate recognition for outstanding leadership.

Brett Martin, director of the New England and Midwest Regions of Asplundh Construction (AC), was elected vice president of this line construction and maintenance subsidiary of UtiliCon Solutions in April. He reports to AC Senior Vice President Frank Giordano under Sponsor / Senior Vice President Greg Holman.

With 14 years of prior experience in project management for a large electric and gas utility, Brett first joined AC on Long Island, New York in 1999 as manager of gas operations. He advanced to region manager of electric transmission and distribution in the Midwest and Pennsylvania in 2005, but left for other management positions six years later. In 2014, Brett returned to AC as director of operations in New England and in 2017, the responsibility for Midwest operations was added. He holds an associate’s degree in civil engineering from the State University of New York, Delhi and has received corporate recognition for safety and performance excellence.

NEWVICEPRESIDENTSINTHEFIELD

John Belton, former supervisor in West Virginia, was promoted to manager in western and central Pennsylvania in January. His sponsor is Executive Vice President Gregg Asplundh.

John first came to work on an Asplundh crew in 1983. Five years later, he left to take a position as a general foreperson / safety inspector with Tree Preservation, which was acquired by

Asplundh in 1993. John joined the Corporate Safety Department in 2006 as a safety supervisor and two years later, he advanced to field supervisor. He is now responsible for managing crews working on the properties of West Penn Power, Penelec and Potomac Edison, as well as cooperative and DOT accounts. John has repeatedly earned corporate recognition for safety performance.

Mike Fendley joined American Lighting and Signalization (ALS) in April as the director of operations for this UtiliCon Solutions subsidiary. He reports to Senior Vice President James Hardiman under the sponsorship of ALS President Phil Voltz.

Mike brings to ALS over 20 years of business and military leadership experience, most

recently as a senior vice president with a provider of industrial simulator / training systems. At ALS, he is now responsible for managing operational teams who build and maintain lighting and traffic systems in 18 states. Mike attained the rank of lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy and holds a master’s degree in astronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.

Todd Gillespie, former chief pilot of Rotor Blade, the aerial trimming company in which Asplundh is the majority owner, was promoted to general manager in June. He reports to Sponsor / Vice President Phil Voltz.

Todd joined Rotor Blade in 2013 as a pilot, flying helicopters that perform aerial side trimming of trees along utility rights-of-way. In addition to

holding a commercial license for fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, he came to the company with the qualifications of a Certified Flight Instructor and six years of helicopter experience. With approximately 4,000 flight time hours devoted to aerial sawing, out of a total of more than 6,000 hours, Todd is well-versed in the safe, efficient operations for which he is now responsible.

David Craddock, previously a supervisor in eastern and central Florida, advanced to manager of Asplundh operations in North Florida in April. He reports to Sponsor Doug Roof.

David joined an Asplundh crew in Florida as a foreperson in 1994 with seven years of prior experience in line clearance. He was promoted to general foreperson in 2000 and advanced to

supervisor of crews in the East Area of Florida Power & Light (FPL) in 2004. Eight years later, he transferred to North Florida. He is now responsible for managing his crews on the properties of FPL, City of Tallahassee and Gainesville Regional Utilities, plus various cooperative and municipal accounts. David has received corporate recognition for storm response several times and is an ISA Certified Arborist.

NEWMANAGERSINTHEFIELDANDHOMEOFFICE

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 2018 11

Don Hogan, previously a supervisor in Alabama, advanced to manager of Asplundh operations in Mississippi and parts of Louisiana and Florida in April. He reports to Sponsor Randal Haines.

A 31-year Asplundh veteran, Don started his career on a climbing crew in Alabama in 1987. He was promoted to general foreperson

in 2003 and three years later, he advanced to supervisor. As a manager, Don is responsible for overseeing Asplundh crews working on the properties of Mississippi Power, Gulf Power, Entergy and various cooperative and municipal accounts. An ISA Certified Arborist / Utility Specialist, he has been recognized by the company for safety performance and storm response multiple times.

Mike Keffer joined the Asplundh Home Office Legal Department as assistant general counsel in August. He reports to General Counsel Chris Hein.

Mike came aboard with 17 years of experience in both law firms and as an in-house legal counsel to various large corporations in the greater Philadelphia region. Mike is currently

working closely with Chris in the management of the legal affairs of Asplundh and its subsidiaries. Admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey in 2001, Mike earned a juris doctor degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and received a bachelor’s degree from Villanova University in Pennsylvania.

Mike Knott, former regional safety superintendent for Asplundh Construction (AC) in Long Island, New York, was promoted in February to director of corporate safety for UtiliCon Solutions. He reports to UtiliCon President Brent Asplundh.

With over 30 years of field and management experience in utility industry operations and

safety, Mike joined AC in 2016 to provide safety training, develop new training criteria and conduct incident analyses. He now directs the overall environmental health and safety (EHS) programs of UtiliCon’s subsidiaries. Mike holds a master’s degree in EHS management from Rochester Institute of Technology and an MBA from Canisius College Whele School of Business in New York.

Aaron Lauchner joined the Asplundh Home Office Accounting Department in May as the internal audit manager. He reports to Corporate Controller Angelo Mattioli.

Aaron came to Asplundh with six years of prior auditing experience for public and private companies, working for

Lisa Santin joined the Asplundh Home Office in March as the company’s chief human resources (HR) officer. She reports to Chief Administrative Officer Greg Staton.

Lisa brings to Asplundh 20 years of HR experience in national and international businesses, most recently as the global HR leader for The Chemours Company in

Delaware. She is responsible for the strategic direction of Asplundh’s HR team and its functions related to organizational design, workforce planning, talent acquisition, HR metrics and analytics. Lisa earned a master’s degree in organizational development and leadership from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and a bachelor’s degree in organizational development from Rosemont College.

Matthew Pence, previously a supervisor in North Carolina, advanced to manager in the western half of North and South Carolina in April. The Pence Region is sponsored by Executive Vice President Gregg Asplundh.

Matthew got his start on an Asplundh tree crew in 1995 after completing a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and health

safety from Western Carolina University. He was promoted to general foreperson in 1997 and seven years later, he advanced to supervisor. Today, Matthew manages Asplundh crews working on the properties of Duke Energy and various cooperative and municipal accounts in the western Carolinas. An ISA Certified Arborist, he has received corporate recognition for safety performance and leadership.

Aaron Strickland joined UtiliCon Solutions in September as the director of business development. He reports to UtiliCon President Brent Asplundh.

Aaron came aboard with 40 years of electric utility industry experience, ranging from marketing, to emergency operations, to his most recent position as senior vice president of

client relations at Power Secure / Southern Company. At UtiliCon, he is responsible for helping to serve customers better by introducing them to additional infrastructure services provided by UtiliCon subsidiaries. Aaron has served as the mutual assistance chair for the Southeastern Electric Exchange and the Edison Electric Institute. He earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Auburn University in Alabama.

NEWMANAGERSINTHEFIELDANDHOMEOFFICEPricewaterhouseCoopers in the greater Philadelphia region. He is now responsible for auditing our decentralized processes and recommending process improvements, supporting external auditors with field work, and assisting with due diligence work on potential acquisition companies. Aaron is a Certified Public Accountant and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 201812

MANAGEMENTUPDATENEWSUPERVISORSINTHEFIELD

Jimmie Joe “J.J.” Brown, previously a superintendent in Kentucky under Manager Bobby King, was promoted to supervisor there in May. Sponsor Randal Haines oversees the King Region.

Bringing to the company 25 years of line clearance and utility experience, J.J. joined Asplundh in 2009 as a general foreperson.

He advanced to superintendent in 2017 and now his supervisory responsibilities include overseeing crews working on the properties of several cooperative, municipal and telecommunications accounts in north central Kentucky. J.J. is an ISA Certified Arborist and February 2012 graduate of the General Foreperson Training Program (GFTP). He is a member of the Vegetation Management Association of Kentucky and the UAA.

James Clark, former general foreperson in New York under Vice President Mike Zehler, advanced to supervisor there in March. Senior Vice President Larry Moore sponsors the Zehler Region.

James started out on an Asplundh tree crew in western New York in 2004 and by 2014, he had risen to the rank of general foreperson. As

a supervisor, he currently oversees crews working for National Grid, NYSEG and various municipal and cooperative accounts in western New York. James served four years in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of sergeant, and is an April 2015 graduate of the GFTP. He is an ISA Certified Arborist and a member of the New York State Arborist Association and the UAA.

Steve Connolly was hired in February as a supervisor for the Gene Blount Region in the Hawaiian Islands. Sponsor Randal Haines oversees the Blount Region.

Steve joined Asplundh with ten years of prior experience working in arboriculture, most recently serving as a system arborist for Hawaiian Electric. He is currently responsible

for overseeing crews working on the properties of Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric, Hawaii Electric Light and Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. Steve earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Northern Michigan University and is a graduate of the March 2018 GFTP. An ISA Certified Arborist / Utility Specialist, he is a member of the ISA, Aloha Arborist Association, ISA Western Chapter and the UAA.

Dan Garvin, previously a regional safety superintendent (RSS) in Oregon under Manager Bill Harrington, was promoted to supervisor there in May. Sponsor Shawn Shapiro oversees the Harrington Region.

With 11 years of tree service and landscaping experience, Dan joined an Asplundh crew in his home state of Oregon in 2014. A little over

a year later, he was promoted to general foreperson and in 2017, he advanced to RSS. Dan’s supervisory responsibilities are focused on overseeing crews working on the Portland General Electric system. An ISA Certified Arborist, he is a February 2018 graduate of the GFTP and participated in the September 2017 RSS Academy, which is led by our own National Safety Council certified instructors.

James Cramer, former general foreperson under Manager Kris Keefer in parts of Ohio and Pennsylvania, advanced to supervisor there in March. The Keefer Region is sponsored by Executive Vice President Gregg Asplundh.

James got his start on an Asplundh tree crew in Ohio in 1995. He rose through the ranks, becoming a general foreperson in 2009. As a

supervisor, he is now responsible for overseeing crews working on the properties of Ohio Edison, Penn Power, The Illuminating Company and various municipal, DOT and cooperative accounts in northern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. James is an October 2010 graduate of the Asplundh Supervisory Training Program (ASTP).

Brian Graver, former superintendent in Florida, advanced to supervisor there under Manager David Craddock in May. Sponsor Doug Roof oversees the Craddock Region.

Brian came to work on an Asplundh tree crew in Florida in 1994 with two years of prior tree service experience. He was promoted to general foreperson in 2002, and ten years

later, he advanced to superintendent. Currently, Brian supervises approximately 20 general forepersons and their distribution and transmission crews working for Florida Power & Light in east central Florida. A June 2005 graduate of the ASTP and a participant in the March 2017 Management Leadership Academy, he is also a first aid / CPR instructor and licensed pesticide applicator.

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 201812

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 2018 13

NEWSUPERVISORSINTHEFIELDJon Jordan, previously a regional safety superintendent (RSS) in parts of Indiana and Michigan, was promoted to supervisor there under Manager Stephen Williams in February. Executive Vice President Gregg Asplundh sponsors the Williams Region.

With 15 years of prior line clearance experience—six of them with Asplundh—

Jon rejoined the company in 2009 in his native state of Michigan. The following year, he advanced to general foreperson and in 2016, he was promoted to RSS. As a supervisor, Jon is responsible for overseeing crews working on the properties of Indiana Michigan Power and Heartland REMC in northern Indiana. He is a February 2018 graduate of the Lincoln Leadership Institute and the April 2011 GFTP.

Lance Mathews, former superintendent under Vice President Rickey Bailey, was promoted to supervisor in parts of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle in April. Sponsor Doug Roof oversees the Bailey Region.

A 36-year Asplundh veteran, Lance started out on a tree crew in 1982 and advanced to the rank of general foreperson in 2000. He

was promoted to superintendent in 2014 and now his supervisory responsibilities include overseeing Asplundh crews on properties of various utilities and municipalities in southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. An ISA Certified Arborist, Lance is an August 2017 graduate of the Management Leadership Academy and participated in the May 2003 ASTP. He also served six years in the U.S. Army National Guard.

Branden Peters, previously a general foreperson in Arizona, advanced to supervisor there under Manager Jeff Vining in April. Vice President Jim Hines sponsors the Vining Region.

Branden came to work on an Asplundh tree crew in 2005 and within six years, he had advanced to general foreperson. With his promotion to supervisor, Branden is responsible

for overseeing tree and spray crews working for Salt River Project in the greater Phoenix region and various accounts in southern Arizona. An ISA Certified Arborist / Utility Specialist, he is also a qualified first aid / CPR instructor, pesticide applicator and graduate of the February 2013 GFTP. Branden is a member of the Arizona Community Tree Council, ISA, Western Chapter ISA and the UAA.

Jonathan Stevens, previously a general foreperson in North Carolina under Manager Matthew Pence, was promoted to supervisor there in April. Executive Vice President Gregg Asplundh sponsors the Pence Region.

Jonathan joined an Asplundh tree crew in 1995 in his home state of North Carolina. Within six years, he had advanced to general

foreperson and now, as a supervisor, he oversees crews working on the properties of Duke Energy, EnergyUnited and various municipal and telecommunications accounts in central and western North Carolina. Jonathan is an August 2018 graduate of the Management Leadership Academy and participated in the August 2005 ASTP.

John Rader, former general foreperson in eastern Ohio, was promoted to supervisor there in February under Manager Mike Wolford. The Wolford Region is sponsored by Executive Vice President Chris Asplundh, Jr.

John first joined an Asplundh crew in 1993 with seven years of prior tree service and line

Curtis “Elmo” Suthard, Jr., former assistant supervisor in South Florida, advanced to supervisor there under Manager Ron Hallock in March. Executive Vice President Matt Asplundh sponsors the Hallock Region.

A 46-year veteran of Asplundh operations in Florida, Elmo started out on a climbing crew in 1972 and rose to the rank of general

foreperson in 1986. He specialized in work planning for about five years before becoming an assistant supervisor in 2009. Elmo’s responsibilities as a supervisor include overseeing crews working on the property of Florida Power & Light in Palm Beach County. He is a June 1998 graduate of the ASTP.

Joe Scarpato, III, former regional safety superintendent (RSS) for the Ryan Swier Region in parts of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, advanced to supervisor there in March. The Swier Region is sponsored by Executive Vice President Gregg Asplundh.

Joe first came to work on an Asplundh tree crew in southeastern Pennsylvania in 1998

and by 2012, he had risen to the rank of general foreperson. In 2016, Joe transferred to the Swier Region and became an RSS. He is now responsible for supervising crews working on the properties of several investor-owned and cooperative utilities in parts of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Joe is an ISA Certified Arborist, licensed pesticide applicator, first aid / CPR instructor and a March 2013 graduate of the GFTP.

clearance experience, advancing to general foreperson by 1996. Over the next 15 years, he gained valuable experience with our company and two other line clearance contractors in Ohio, but returned to Asplundh in 2011. Now, John’s supervisory responsibilities include overseeing crews working for several cooperative utilities and FirstEnergy Generation in eastern Ohio. He is an ISA Certified Arborist / Utility Specialist and member of the UAA, as well as a graduate of several vegetation management and leadership courses.

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 2018 13

ARIZONAKen Mann and Groundpersons Martin Doka and Benny Lucero, Jr.,SRP

ARKANSASThomas Campbell and Kyle Dougherty, Trimmer Johnny Monistere and Equipment Operator Douglas Edgmon,EntergyRSS Doug Cantwell, General Foreperson Mike Gibbins and Forepersons Casey Ledbetter and Wade Roberts,EntergyGeneral Foreperson Darren Masterson, Forepersons Justin Cole, Phillip Russell and Heath Windsor, and Groundperson Vincent Johnson,First Electric CooperativeLeonard Sproling, Trimmer James Travis, Jr., and Crews,Jonesboro City Water & Light

BRITISH COLUMBIAAsplundh Canada General Foreperson Jessy Brown and Crew,CN

COLORADOCesar Alvarado and Mario Gonzales, and Trimmer Marcos Melendez,Intermountain Rural Electric Assn.John Brezinsky and Apprentice Nick Schneider,Colorado Springs UtilitiesGeneral Foreperson Frank Calhoun, Foreperson Phillip Bessey and Crew,City of LovelandTrimmer Nate Cook,Intermountain Rural Electric Assn.Jildardo Coria, Charles Retana and Frederico Rivas, Trimmers Marcos Melendez, Jr. and Devon Premer, and Groundperson Jeremy Towner,Intermountain Rural Electric Assn.Luke Duran and Patrick Van Sant, and Trimmer Jon Butcher,Intermountain Rural Electric Assn.Daniel Leger and Trimmer Mark-Ross Bryant,Yampa Valley Electric AssociationDavid Richardson and Trimmer Daniel Hernandez,Colorado Springs Utilities

CONNECTICUTWork Planner Yamil Rios-Perez,EversourceWork Planner Yamil Rios-Perez, Foreperson Mike McCrewell and Crew,Eversource

DELAWAREULCS Forepersons Matt Alderman, Jesus Arredondon, Jason Epps and Joel Gomez, and Crews,Delmarva PowerULCS General Foreperson John Morris, Lead Foreperson Kevin “Chumley” McFatridge and Foreperson Kris Grimm,Delmarva Power

FLORIDAWork Planner Branden Sherrer, Forepersons Charles DuBois and Shaun Tveter, and Trimmers Charles Coffey and Harvey Phillips,Florida Power & Light

GEORGIARandall Cox, Trimmer Robert Mercer and Groundpersons Jordan Barber and Aaron Monk,Okefenoke REMC

HAWAIITrimmer Justis Martins and Crew,Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative

IDAHORon Jones, Trimmer Ivan Dishon and Apprentice Yancey Creekmore,Avista UtilitiesGeneral Foreperson Matt Mackler, Foreperson Ludwik Chobot, Trimmer Travis Hightower and Apprentice Conner McCutcheon,Avista Utilities

ILLINOISMike Clark, Drew Kessler, Shawn Parker and John Tolliver, Trimmer Dylan Frohning and Groundpersons Robert Albright, Zach Meritt and Treston Stanley,Norris Electric Cooperative

IOWAAustin Keilholtz, Jr. and Trimmer Drake Nie,Alliant Energy

KANSASGeneral Foreperson Adrian Oliver, Foreperson Adam

Stauffer and Trimmer Joe Flieder,Westar EnergyJavier Vidales and Crew,Westar Energy

LOUISIANAGeneral Foreperson Royce Brown, Foreperson Lucas Fuentes and Trimmer Christopher Crockett,SWEPCO

MAINEMike Dinsmore and Crew,Emera MaineChester Porter and Crew, Emera Maine

MASSACHUSETTSZachary Meader and Trimmer Phil Rowinski,National Grid

MICHIGANBud Levi, Trimmer Larry Chaney and Journeyman Paul Levi,Detroit EdisonSupervisor Elvis Peacock, Sr. and Crews, Consumers Energy

MINNESOTABryce Dankers and Alex Skogerbo, and Trimmers Vincent Dardis and Cody Dyrdahl,Rochester Public Utilities

MISSISSIPPIJohn Howell and Trimmer Jesse Campbell,4-County Electric Power Assn.RSS Mike Landers, Foreperson Robert Reyer and Trimmer Alberto Garcia,Coast Electric Power Association

MISSOURIGeneral Foreperson Raymond Holliday, Foreperson Nathan Fink and Trimmer Anthony McIntosh,City Utilities of SpringfieldJosh Johnson and Marvin Wren,Kansas City Power & LightMark Karnes and trimmer Zeke Terry,Southwest Electric CooperativeDean Wilmes and Trimmer Tyler Newman,Kansas City Power & Light

NEBRASKAGabriel Haecker and

Apprentice Josh Riebel,Lincoln Electric System

NEW HAMPSHIREFrederick Coull and James Richards, and Trimmer Theo Decato,Liberty UtilitiesRobert Hutchinson and Mary Martin, and Crews,Eversource

NEW JERSEYGlenn Krebs and Justin Krebs, and Trimmer Ben Miller, Jr.,Atlantic City ElectricCrew Leaders Steve Ormrod and Jason Vanartsdalen, and Trimmers Dakota Abadie and Tom Campbell,Atlantic City Electric

NEW YORKChris Arena, Fredy Argueta and Santos Zetino, and Trimmers Allan Argueda and Santos Hernandez,PSEG Long Island General Foreperson Jeff Kuhn and Trimmer Drew Sclafani,PSEG Long IslandRyan Lang and Trimmer Ryan Locy,Central HudsonAsplundh Construction Foreperson Arnold Marmol, Apprentice Glen Cummings and Laborer Robert Reichel,National GridCalvin Whitehead and Crew,Central Hudson Gas

NORTH CAROLINAGeneral Foreperson Cory Brown, Forepersons Ricky Collins and David Stewart, Trimmers Mike Perez and Tyler Worrell, Equipment Operators Dalton Brewer and Chad Wagoner, and Groundpersons Josh Little and Robert Wood, II, EnergyUnited (two letters were received)ULCS General Forepersons Ronald Hodges and Clarence Ingle, Forepersons James Bullins and Brock Stigall, and Crews,Duke EnergyWork Planner Rebekah Howard, Foreperson Chris Bulla, Apprentice Samantha Lowder and Groundperson Raymond Santiago,Duke Energy

OrchidsLetters and telephone calls were received complimenting the following forepersons and their crews working on the property of the utility or organization listed below the employees’ names. This listing covers all Orchids that were received in the Corporate Communications Department between February 10 and August 17, 2018. For their outstanding job performance or special volunteer efforts, we say ...

Thank you and congratulations!

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 201814

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 2018 15

Orchids – February 10 through August 17, 2018

General Forepersons Michael Justice and Michael Somers, Forepersons Brian Beck, Charlie Bryant, and Daniel Lee, Journeyman David Anderson, Apprentice Scott Garren and Groundperson Patrick Blackwell,Duke EnergyULCS General Foreperson Chris Keever, Foreperson Jason Lingerfelft and Lineworkers Brandon Jenkins and Mitchell Mantooth,Duke EnergyULCS Foreperson Robert Petrie, and Journeyman Lineworker Rob Long,Duke EnergyULCS Foreperson Jason Walker and Crew,Duke Energy

OHIODrew Braun,AEP OhioLarry Chiki, Sr., Dave Clark, Alan Lanning, Kevin Parry, and Trimmers Charles Parry and Logan Schaar, AEP OhioDavid Day, Bobby Gautier, Jr. and Dustin McClellan, and Trimmers Michael Blackford, Jesse Nitz and Charles Uhlig,AEP Ohio Supervisor Kevin Gibson and Crew, City of ChillicotheGeneral Foreperson Elijah Gilliam, Jr. and Crew,AEP OhioAlan Lanning and Trimmer Shawn Sparks,AEP OhioGeneral Foreperson Jim Martin and Trimmers Josh Bird and Larry Kunkle,Dayton Power & LightPaul Mata and Trimmers Mike Benson, Josh Seifert and Gary Strain,AEP OhioGeneral Foreperson Aaron Morris and Crews,AEP OhioTyler Rominger and Apprentices Brandon McCabe and Tanner Walker,Ohio EdisonGeneral Foreperson Ernie Watson, Forepersons Jason Chavez and Sam Schafer, and Trimmer Aaron Buehler,AEP Ohio (two letters were received

OKLAHOMAGeneral Foreperson Scott Campbell, Foreperson Michael Johnson, Journeyman

Shawn Kipps and Apprentice James Lay,Public Service Co. of Oklahoma

OREGONCameron Dayton, Apprentice Dustin Price and Flaggers Sherry Pastor and Bonnie Wilson,Portland General ElectricManager Bill Harrington, General Foreperson Kerry Castle, and Foreperson Roberto Rodriguez,Columbia River PUD

PENNSYLVANIAJorge Cornejo and Julio Cruz-Rosario,PECOGeneral Foreperson Bernardino Guzman and Crew,PECODavid Lee, Jr. and Crew,PECOSupervisor Mike Terzyk, General Foreperson Phil Jackson and Crew,PECO

SASKATCHEWANAsplundh Canada General Foreperson Jessy Brown and Crew, CN

SOUTH CAROLINAGeneral Foreperson Anthony Preast, Forepersons Willie Carmichael, Mark Collins, Matthew Compton, James Hood, Greg Lamb, and Mark Moody, Trimmer James Smiling and Groundpersons James Bullard and Dylan Moody,Palmetto Electric CooperativeGeneral Foreperson Andy Suggs, Forepersons Melvin Coulter and Andrew Kluesner, and Trimmer Bobby Causey, II,Berkeley Electric

TENNESSEEBruce Owens, Trimmer Justin Owens and Groundperson Brandon Owens,Cookeville Electric Department

TEXASJoel Ayala-Galindo and Carlos Salguero, and Trimmer Oscar Gonzales,Austin EnergyJoel Ayala-Galindo and Lorenzo Trevino, and Trimmer Brandon Hygh,Austin EnergyGeneral Foreperson Jose Barrera, Jr., AEP TexasGeneral Foreperson Marshall Duncan, Forepersons Neftali Acosta-Morales, Spencer Aksland, Juan Aleman, Jose

Hernandez and Brian Lemuel, and Trimmers Drelon Barnes, Terrance Danridge, Emiliano Dela Rosa, David Paz and Kevin Wallace, Jr., Austin EnergyGeneral Foreperson Jefferson Pate and Work Planner Gerardo Rodriguez-Saucedo, Austin Energy

UTAHNathan Poole and Crew,Bountiful City Power

VERMONTGordon Goodell and Justin Lachapelle, and Trimmers Tyler Davidson, Josh Plausteiner and Cody Wilbur,Green Mountain PowerNate Kennison and Trimmer Trevor Lewis,Green Mountain Power

VIRGINIAGeneral Foreperson Greg Davis, Work Planner Lori Cash, Foreperson Woody Ferguson, Trimmer Cody Neal and Journeyman William Cash,Appalachian PowerFrank Evans and Woody Ferguson, and Trimmer Cody Neal,Appalachian PowerGeneral Foreperson Steve Hosaflook, Forepersons Darcy Dellinger and Michael Hosaflook, and Trimmer Mark Windsor,Dominion Energy (two letters were received)General Foreperson Mark Kisner, Forepersons Roger Humphries, Jamie Jenkins and Robert Pearson, and Crews,Dominion Energy

WASHINGTONGeneral Foreperson Eric Force, Foreperson Jim Shultz, Trimmer Paul Vingo and Apprentice Dustin Becht,Puget Sound EnergyAllen Galloway, Trimmer Gary Isaacs and Apprentice Morgan Young,Puget Sound EnergySione Ngauamo, Trimmer Charles Jenkins and Apprentice Kevin Chapman, Jr.,Clark Public UtilitiesJesse Rodriguez, Trimmer Joe Neal and Apprentice Yevgeniy Savin,Puget Sound Energy

WISCONSINTroy Jacob and Trimmer Eric Pieper, Hustisford Utilities

STORM WORKMarch 2018

Work Planner Brian Cole, Eversource (CT)Kyle Zemke and Crew,New Haven Parks and Rec. (CT)Scott Greenwood and Trimmer Joe DiPietro,National Grid (MA)Supervisor Peter Powers, General Forepersons Bill McKinstry, Scott Robitaille and Jake Treamer, and Crews,Unitil (NH)Ron Cline and and Crew, Steuben Rural Electric Co-op. (NY)Superintendent Rob Benda, General Foreperson Jerome Stillwell and Crews (IA),PPL Electric Utilities (PA) (two letters were received)David Lee, Jr. and Crew, PECO (PA)General Foreperson Steve Hosaflook, Forepersons Luis Castro and Darcy Dellinger, and Crews, Dominion Energy (VA)

April 2018

General Foreperson Mike Friese and Crews,Alliant Energy (WI)

May 2018

Mike Huffmaster and Phillip Padgett, and Crews, Gulf Power (FL)Supervisor Tom Kostenbader and Crews (ME), NYSEG (NY)General Forepersons Bill Stanley (NY) and Travis West, Foreperson Calvin Whitehead and Trimmer Trey Daniels (NC), Central Hudson (NY) (two letters were received)

June 2018

General Foreperson Elwood Hess, Forepersons Bryan Brackbill, Jerry Clark, Robert Deitz, Robert Hackenberger, Harold Hand, Charles Hosler, Jon Howells and Jose Rosario-Quinones, Trimmers Morris Barrett, Lisa Doyle, Kerry Hoover, Gerry Perez-Ramos, Skyler Rittle, James Strausser and Stephen Warner, Journeymen Lorenzo Alonso-Romero, Enrique Garcia-Cuellar, Matt Mitchell and Charles Zito III, and Groundpersons Josh Mann and Christian Rivera, PPL Electric Utilities (PA)General Foreperson Jefferson Pate,Austin Energy (TX)

SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES

July – December 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993 and 1998

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 201816

Scott BaileyVP / Regional Sponsor

Oklahoma

David BrownForeperson

Virginia

Eloy CovarrubiasTrimmer

Minnesota

35YEARS

Bruce ClarkCrew LeaderNew Jersey

Joan GerczykGroup Leader

PayrollWillow Grove

45YEARS

Wayne BurkhalterCoordinator

Alabama

40YEARS

Roy AdamsGeneral Foreperson

North Carolina

Michael ClickTrimmer

Minnesota

Tony ConnellGeneral Foreperson

Alabama

Jonathan MetzgerForepersonMaryland

Stephen SharpeGeneral Foreperson

Virginia

Tommy MontagueWork Planner

North Carolina

Richard ThompsonForeperson

Georgia

Mike KingSupervisorKentucky

Shawn SmithCorporate Safety AdvisorSafety Operations Group

Ohio

Joannie StewartSr. Application Developer

ITWillow Grove

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 2018 17

Bernie Laughman, Jr.General Foreperson

Maryland

Dale RileyForepersonWisconsin

Ray SchneiderVice President

Michigan

Larry PruittGeneral Foreperson

Kansas

30YEARSAngel Abrego

ForepersonFlorida

Eribert CiusForeperson

Florida

John HutchinsonSupervisor

Hawaii

Herbert MariusForeperson

ANNCO ServicesFlorida

Stanley MooreForepersonKentucky

Basil Muncy, Jr.General Foreperson

West Virginia

Michael OsborneForeperson

Ohio

Robert OtisForeperson

Maine

Christopher PuckettGeneral Foreperson

North Carolina

Jose RodriguezForeperson

Virginia

James RowlandGeneral Foreperson

Georgia

Kathy SmallForeperson

Maine

Joe SuttonGeneral Foreperson

Indiana

Pat SullivanSupervisorMaryland

Richard WebsterTrimmerMaryland

35YEARS

25YEARSStacie AdamsGroundpersonWest Virginia

Willie AdamsForeperson

West Virginia

Coleman AnthonyForepersonMississippi

Howard BaileyGeneral Foreperson

West Virginia

Jason BallAsst. General Foreperson

Ohio

John BeltonManager

Pennsylvania

Jose BenitezTrimmerIllinois

Romeo BilodeauSupervisor

New Hampshire

Ernest BlandForeperson

West Virginia

Gene BlountVice President

Hawaii

Don BlumenstockGeneral Foreperson

Ohio

Moices BocardoForeperson

Oregon

Noah BogusForepersonNebraska

Michael BolenSupervisor

West Virginia

Leonard BowyerGeneral Foreperson

West Virginia

Allen BradleyGeneral Foreperson

West Virginia

Benny BrewerGeneral Foreperson

West Virginia

Glenn BriggsForeperson

New Hampshire

Tracy BrooksForepersonNew York

Doug Brunner, Jr.ForepersonPennsylvania

Mark BurwellGeneral Foreperson

West Virginia

Vito CamardaUnderground MechanicAsplundh Construction

New York

James CarneyTrimmer

Ohio

Phillip CarrascoGeneral Foreperson

Arizona

Dennis CarterJourneyman

South Carolina

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 201818

25YEARSLamar Chambers, Jr.

General ForepersonMississippi

Jan Cory ChambersGeneral Foreperson

Ohio

Donald ChiariGeneral Foreperson

New Jersey

Larry ChildersWork PlannerWest Virginia

Anthony ConleyWork PlannerWest Virginia

Danny Cooper, IIForepersonKentucky

Jaime CorreaForeperson

Alabama

Cecil CoxWork PlannerWest Virginia

Brian CrowForeperson

West Virginia

Larry CrozierForeperson

Kansas

Vincent D’AngeloTruck Driver

Asplundh ConstructionNew York

Allen DanielsForeperson

West Virginia

Bernard DillonJourneyman

West Virginia

Jeffery DonithanWork PlannerWest Virginia

Joe DonlonGeneral Foreperson

Pennsylvania

Gordon DuffieldGeneral Foreperson

West Virginia

Ralph EdwardsForeperson

West Virginia

Larry EicholzForeperson

Missouri

Peter EllisArea Manager

AETCOMassachusetts

Donald FeathersForeperson

West Virginia

Anthony FoldsForeperson Lineworker

ULCS Alabama

Stephen FordCorporate Safety ConsultantSafety Operations Group

Missouri

Steven FoxForepersonNew York

Daniel FrederickForeperson

Ohio

Elliott FriasGeneral Foreperson

Hawaii

Edmund GokeyForeperson

Asplundh Brush ControlNew York

Michael GokeyTrimmer

Asplundh Brush ControlNew York

Thomas GrimmettJourneyman

West Virginia

Kenneth HaleGeneral Foreperson

West Virginia

Suzanne HareBusiness Analyst

Fleet ServicesWillow Grove

Marty HarperGeneral Foreperson

Mississippi

Curtis HaskiellWork PlannerWest Virginia

Judy HaydenAccount ManagerANNCO Services

Florida

William HayesForeperson

South Carolina

Gerald HeaterForeperson

West Virginia

Ricky HeaterWork PlannerWest Virginia

Gary HendersonSupervisor

Florida

Roy HessGeneral Foreperson

New Jersey

Jeff HolderSupervisorKentucky

Roger HumphriesForeperson

Virginia

David Hunt, Jr.SuperintendentNorth Carolina

Ernest JohnsonForeperson

South Carolina

Larry KirkVice President

Virginia

Frank LambertSupervisor

Ohio

Gregory LayfieldGeneral Foreperson

West Virginia

Ellen LearyInput Operator

PayrollWillow Grove

Jean LewalskiGeneral Foreperson

Arizona

Bradley LipscombJourneyman

West Virginia

Bernardino LopezForeperson

Texas

John MageeForepersonLouisiana

Albert Malec, Jr.TrimmerIllinois

Tommy Mata, Jr.RSS

Asplundh Brush ControlTexas

Adalberto MendozaPatroller

ArborMetrics SolutionsCalifornia

Donald Miller, Jr.Crew Leader

Illinois

Ronald MillerGeneral Foreperson

Ohio

Steve MillikenWork Planner

North Carolina

Charles MoltGeneral Foreperson

Kansas

Daniel MorenoGeneral Foreperson

Kansas

Daniel MurrayWork PlannerWest Virginia

Charles NannieForeperson

Alabama

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 2018 19

Wieslaw NawrockiJourneyman LineworkerAsplundh Construction

New York

George NorrisForeperson

Georgia

Michael NultyGeneral Foreperson

Virginia

Kari PahkakangasForeperson

Ohio

Denvell ParkerGeneral Foreperson

West Virginia

Irvin PiverForeperson

North Carolina

Brian PlakeSuperintendent

Kansas

Faron PonsForeperson

Florida

Jim PowellTrimmerMissouri

Gary PutmanWork Planner

Alabama

Keith RichterForepersonWisconsin

Dave RobinsonAsst. Regional Manager

Texas

Lori RogersOffice Manager

Musgrove ConstructionFlorida

Darryl RoyGeneral Foreperson

West Virginia

Scottie RyeForeperson

West Virginia

Augustine SanchezTrimmerIllinois

Herbert ShafferWork PlannerWest Virginia

William SimondsForeperson

Vermont

Kenneth SimsSupervisorLouisiana

David SmithForeperson

West Virginia

Eugene SmithWork PlannerWest Virginia

Mark SmithForeperson

Alabama

Jimmy SpicerSupervisorMississippi

Tracy StevensCrew Leader

Indiana

Duane SundbergGeneral Foreperson

Iowa

Donald Swartz, Jr.ForepersonPennsylvania

Perry TaylorForeperson

West Virginia

Alex TeranSupervisor

Arizona

Raul TeranForeperson

Arizona

Ralph TessitoreGeneral Foreperson

New York

Keifer TomblinForeperson

West Virginia

Tony VenableGeneral Foreperson

Louisiana

Joseph WendtWork Planner

Iowa

Charles WilkinsonWork PlannerWest Virginia

Lekeith WilliamsGeneral Foreperson

Alabama

Charles WilsonForeperson

Virginia

Carl WintonGeneral Foreperson

Illinois

Robert WistingForepersonNew Jersey

David WolfeForeperson

West Virginia

Scott ZimmermanForeperson

Florida

25YEARS

Billy AdkinsForeperson

Ohio

Rene AineForeperson

Florida

Devincy AltinordTrimmerFlorida

Michael AndersonGeneral Foreperson

Virginia

Jason ArroyoGeneral Foreperson

New Jersey

Wilner AugustinTrimmerFlorida

Michael BarrickForepersonMaryland

Kenneth BealForeperson

Alabama

Clinton BellForeperson

Alabama

Adalberto BenetGeneral Foreperson

Florida

Reginald BivinsEquipment Operator

ULCSAlabama

Michael BrediceMechanic

Washington

Paul BroachWork Planner

Alabama

Robert BrownTrimmerKansas

Wade BrownForepersonNew York

Terrance BroyanWork PlannerPennsylvania

Eric BussiereGeneral Foreperson

Wisconsin

Cipriano CanalesForeperson

Texas

Jose CanalesForeperson

Texas

Guillermo CarrascoTrimmerIndiana

20YEARS

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 201820

Diego Manuel CastroForeperson

ANNCO ServicesFlorida

Patti ChipmanManager

Corporate CommunicationsWillow Grove

Charles Clapperton, IIIForeperson

Maine

Chris CoughenourCrew LeaderPennsylvania

Frank CraigCrew LeaderNew Jersey

Nicholas CurcioTrimmer

New York

Allen Day, IIIApprenticeTennessee

Jose De Lira RojasForepersonColorado

Jose Diaz De LeonForeperson

Kansas

Joel DonnerGeneral Foreperson

Wisconsin

Sarilien DucenordIriggation Tech

ANNCO ServicesFlorida

Aubrey EdwardsForeperson

Virginia

Jocelyn EugeneForeperson

Florida

Jeffrey FabianForepersonWisconsin

Daniel FindleyForeperson

Ohio

Thomas FineganCrew Leader

Indiana

Cirilo FloresForeperson

Texas

Jesus GaribayForeperson

Arizona

Shannon GibbinsMechanicArkansas

Sherman GossettWork Planner

Texas

Eric GrecoAP Specialist

Accounts PayableWillow Grove

Edward GuillForeperson

Virginia

Adrian GutierrezForeperson

Oregon

Brad HamiltonForeperson

Kansas

Albin HartForeperson

West Virginia

James HuggardTrimmer

Pennsylvania

Joseph JeffriesCrew Leader

Illinois

Danny JonesForeperson

Virginia

Robert JonesForeperson

Virginia

Herve JosephForeperson

Florida

Jamie KenisonForeperson

New Hampshire

Stuart KisselovichAccounting & HR Manager

ANNCO ServicesFlorida

Danny LacksEquipment Operator

Virginia

Hubert LawsonForepersonKentucky

Wayne LloydTrimmer

Wisconsin

Burl MannsJourneyman

West Virginia

Maria MantovaniOffice Manager

New York

Lisa McCartneySupervisor

PayrollWillow Grove

Joseph McKee, Jr.Foreperson

Ohio

Sean MeehanCrew LeaderNew Jersey

James MilesTrimmerVirginia

William MilesTrimmerVirginia

Ronnie MorganTrimmerVirginia

Wayne MyersTrimmer

Pennsylvania

Wendell NewcombForeperson

Virginia

Dora NewmanAP Specialist

Accounts PayableWillow Grove

Stoney NichelsonCrew LeaderPennsylvania

Oscar Novoa RiveraWork Planner

Maryland

Higinio PachecoTrimmer

Texas

Matthew ParsleyUtility Forester

ArborMetrics SolutionsIndiana

Pedro PerezForeperson

Florida

Christopher PorterSupervisor

Ohio

John ReisTrimmerIndiana

Cary RichterForepersonWisconsin

Mario RodriguezForeperson

Texas

Michael SchedivyForepersonWisconsin

Andrew SchneiderForepersonWisconsin

Adrian SkinnerTrimmer

North Carolina

Mae SobatakaAdministrative Assistant

Virginia

Jeff SpinneyArea Manager

AETCONew Jersey

Timothy St. AndryForeperson

West Virginia

Edward StanfordCrew Leader

Indiana

Robert StanleyForeperson

Missouri

Robert StevensJourneyman

Virginia

Christopher SwimmForeperson

West Virginia

20YEARS

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 2018 21

20YEARSBilly TannerJourneyman

West Virginia

Matthew TatumSupervisor

ULCSGeorgia

Michael TerryGeneral Foreperson

Asplundh Brush ControlNew York

Scott TinglerForeperson

Virginia

Robert Tooker, Jr.Underground ForepersonAsplundh Construction

New York

Scott TrepanierForepersonWisconsin

Scott UrbanekForepersonWisconsin

Thomas VollTrimmer

Wisconsin

Lee VonwaldForepersonNew Jersey

Jerry WalkerEquipment Operator

Virginia

Holly WidenerGeneral Foreperson

Pennsylvania

Vernon WilkersonGeneral Foreperson

Virginia

Daniel WilliamsTrimmer

Idaho

Douglas WilliamsForeperson

North Carolina

Edward WilliamsForeperson

Alabama

Herbert ZimmerForepersonMinnesota

Allen ZimpelmanForepersonWisconsin

t City of Poulsbo, Washington—On April 28, the Steve Blum Region participated in an Arbor Day tree planting for the City and a Tree Line USA

program for Puget Sound Energy. Representing Asplundh were Manager Steve Blum and Planners Sadora Hickmon and Danielle Lange.

TREEEXPERTSVOLUNTEER Continued from page 9

t Tree Line USA Award, Salt River Project (SRP) in Arizona—On April 24, Supervisor Branden Peters (L) of the Jeff Vining Region was recognized alongside Colleen Spakowski (R) of SRP Vegetation Management for the utility’s 22nd Tree Line

USA award. Pictured with them is Arizona State Forester Jeff Whitney.

The fourth annual Saluting Branches: Arborists United for Veteran Remembrance took place on September 19 in 51 veteran cemeteries across the country. The non-profit

organization reported over 2,700 volunteers from 636 organizations (including Asplundh), who donated arboriculture services in the one-day event, up 36% from the previous year. Since its inception, Saluting Branches has generated $4.5 million worth of tree care services.

This year, Asplundh had several regions across the U.S. participate. Below are photos from two regions where Asplundh-equipped crews served in this event. It was a great opportunity for our employees to honor the sacrifice represented by the number of grave sites. Thank you to our Asplundh managers and customers who supported their employees in this effort. We look forward to seeing more involvement at the fifth annual Saluting Branches event on September 18, 2019.

t Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Missouri—Two crews from the Jim Winemiller Region worked at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis with employees from Cuivre River Electric Cooperative’s Right-Of-Way Department. The volunteers from Asplundh included RSS

Danny McMillen, Forepersons Matt Morrison, Robert Ogletree and Joe Neier and Journeyman Steven Alexander. From Cuivre River were Scott Skopec, Eric Twellman, Ben Voss and Tina Brocke. A third crew from the Winemiller Region worked at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield. General Foreperson Ray Holliday, Foreperson Jeremy Tinsley and Apprentice Clayton Cutler volunteered their time.

t Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery—Pictured (L to R) are General Foreperson Doug Duff, Foreperson Chuck Webster and Trimmer Ben Bohaychyk of the Keith Confere Region, who joined forces with several other groups to prune and remove trees at this Seville, Ohio cemetery. Working as a team, they helped to make this a safe and beautiful place for all to come and pay their respects to the veterans

buried there. Despite challenges due to Hurricane Florence, the event was a success.

CREWS & NEWS

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 201822

SPORTSMAN’SCORNER

t Dustin Stevens’ daughter, Ashlynn, 4, definitely looks ready to be “Daddy’s little helper” in Dustin’s PPE. Who knows? She may be part of the next generation of safe and professional Asplundh arborists! When not teaching “Safety First” at home, Dustin is a lead foreperson, overseeing a Jeff Vining Region crew on Arizona Public Service property in the Prescott, Arizona area.

FAMILYALBUM

u RSS Jason Yelton shared this wonderful photo of his son, Dylan, who recently served in

the U.S. Army. While deployed in Qatar (a country located on the northeast coast of the Arabian

Peninsula), Dylan received a care package from his dad that included

an Asplundh ball cap. Naturally, Dylan sent back a photo of himself on base, proudly sporting the cap. As an RSS, Jason is responsible for the SafeProduction® of all Scott Harmon Region crews in Missouri.

t Ricky Marshall’s 13-year-old son, Will, has had an exceptional year of bowling. Back in March, he bowled his first perfect game. Then a month later, Will won his league’s singles event for his age group. Will’s winning streak is no fluke. He practices at least four days a week at Star Lanes in Spartanburg, South Carolina while Ricky runs the Pro Shop. When not at the bowling alley rooting for his son, Ricky is a general foreperson in the Matt Pence Region, overseeing crews in Duke Energy’s Palmetto Zone in upstate South Carolina.

t Trimmer John Dixon from the Joe Sterbenz Region in Iowa took first place at the Iowa Tree Climbing Competition on May 19. As the winner of that event, John qualified to compete in the International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC). Held on August 3-5 in Columbus, Ohio, he tested his mettle against 75 of the world’s best climbers from 21 different countries around the globe. While John didn’t make it into the ITCC Master’s Challenge this year, he learned a lot from his fellow competitors, and that’s knowledge he’ll use to defend his title at the 2019 Iowa Tree Climbing

Competition. When John isn’t training, he works on a manual crew and performs bare ground spray work on MidAmerican Energy property.

p On February 24, Asplundh Canada employees from the François Desjardin Region in Quebec took part in the “Le Pentathlon des neiges” in Quebec City. They competed against 156 other company teams in the “corporate” category. (L to R) Project Director Vincent Poitras completed the 6.4km cross-country skiing section; General Foreperson Ghyslain Antaya completed the 4.4km ice skating event; Groundperson Frédéric Dubé completed the 10.3km cycling program; Foreperson Dave McCarty completed the 3.3km run; and Groundperson Alexis Antaya completed the 3.2km snowshoeing segment. The team finished the race in just over one hour, 47 minutes, earning them a 19th place finish. Great job!

Le 24 février dernier, l’équipe d’Asplundh Canada de la région de François Desjardins de Québec a participé à l’évènement sportif “Le Pentathlon des neiges” de Québec. L’équipe a disputé la compétions avec 156 autres équipes dans la catégorie “corporatif” de l’évènement. (L to R) Vincent Poitras, directeur de projets, a complété l’épreuve de 6.4km de ski style libre; Ghyslain Antaya, chef de groupe, a réalisé l’épreuve de 4.4km en patin à glace; Frédéric Dubé, homme de sol, a complété les 10.3km de vélo; Dave McCarthy, chef d’équipe, a complété les 3.3km de course à pied; et Alexis Antaya, homme de sol, a bouclé l’épreuve de 3.2km de raquette. L’équipe a finalisé l’épreuve en un peu plus de 1h 47min ce qui leur a permis de se mériter une 19 places.

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 2018 2323

TRAININGTIMES

p Annual Herbicide Training in Maryland—On May 10, the Steve Miller Region hosted its annual herbicide training and recertification seminar at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury, Maryland. Organized by Supervisor Dom Derosa, employees from Pepco joined with Asplundh employees to earn credits toward their pesticide licenses and ISA certifications. Presentations were given by experts from the State of Maryland, Bayer and Dow, as well as Asplundh Vice President Steve Miller and Technical Services Manager Dave Krause. Arborchem Vegetation Specialists Bryan Rose and Todd Hagenbuch (shown above) took the class outside for a live demonstration of common herbicide application techniques, including Thinvert ULV, cut stump, foliar and basal.

p May UGFTP—A session of the UtiliCon Professional Development Program (UGFTP) was hosted by Field Personnel Manager Pete Kwasnjuk on May 7-11. The participants were (back row, L to R): William Shields, ULCS, North Carolina; Gary Dickson, ULCS, Louisiana; Kevin Ustica, GOS, Pennsylvania; Lucas Fitch, GOS, Maine; Ron Parsons, ULCS, Delaware; Larry Wright, ULCS, North Carolina; and Chris Mitchem, ULCS, North Carolina. Seated in the front row were (L to R): Dennis Belcher, ULCS, West Virginia; Jordan Chamberlin, AC, Connecticut; Steve Lucas, GOS, Pennsylvania; Jason Bond, AC, Massachusetts; John Ryan, ULCS, Delaware; and Danny Fagg, ULCS, North Carolina.

p February GFTP—On February 12-16, Field Personnel Manager Pete Kwasnjuk led the General Foreperson Training Program (GFTP). Held in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, the graduates were (front row, L to R): Juan Pons, Florida; Sandro Francisco Da Silva, Florida; James Cheatham, Washington; William Petronio, Pennsylvania; Jose Ibarra, Nebraska; and Diego Canto Dereza, Texas. In the middle row were (L to R): Stan Cox, Ohio; Daniel Garvin, Oregon; Jeremy Bilodeau, New Hampshire; Anderson Saint Louis, Florida; Rodney Carter, Virginia; and Tomas Hernandez, Illinois. Standing in the back row were (L to R): Jerome Stilwell, Iowa; Tom Wipf, Kansas; Allen Holbrook, Jr., NC; Randy Wright, Virginia; Kali Finch, Hawaii; and John Sullivan, North Carolina.

p March GFTP—The General Foreperson Training Program (GFTP) was held at the Home Office in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania on March 19-23. Hosted by Field Personnel Manager Pete Kwasnjuk, the participants were (back row, L to R): Jacob Allen, North Carolina; Steve Connolly, Hawaii; Lawrence Dunn, Hawaii; Cody Seaman, ABC, Michigan; and Michael Quinones, Florida. In the middle row were (L to R): Travis Lager, Missouri; Michael Barnett, Missouri; Chris Rampani, Missouri; Derek Zelek, Massachusetts; and Matt Richter, Wisconsin. In the front row were (L to R): Dwayne LaFollette, Kentucky; Adam Becker, New Jersey; Randy Lamb, Illinois; Steve Goetz, Washington; Milton Lockwood, Oregon; and Jose Amaya, Maryland.

t May APDP— Retired HR Personnel Director Sallie Theis (back row, far L) led the Administrative Professional Development Program on May 14-18. Held at the Home Office in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, the graduates were

(front row, L to R): Danielle Norton, Washington; Angelica Rodriguez, Willow Grove; Quinton Smith, ABC, Indiana; Kristina Panagodimos, ULCS, Maryland; and Debbie Cooper, Ohio. In the middle row were (L to R): Pat Dickerson, Washington; Dana Orr, Ohio; Amanda Kaskie, Oregon; Jackie Westfall, Ohio; and Amy Tompkins, North Carolina. In the back row were (L to R): Sallie, Christie Collins, Rotor Blade, South Carolina; Kyle Pasko, Willow Grove; Lindsay Strunk, Ohio; Lisa Shell, Kentucky; and Nicole Wightman, Colorado.

p April GFTP—On April 23-27, Field Personnel Manager Pete Kwasnjuk led the General Foreperson Training Program (GFTP). Held at the Home Office in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, the attendees were (front row, L to R): Andrew Kaskie, Oregon; Ramon Varela, Colorado; Ulises Alvarado, Illinois; Leonel Abrego, Illinois; Justin Belcher, Ohio; Rolando Lopez, Texas; and Royce Brown, Louisiana. Standing in the back row were (L to R): Dan Glading, Massachusetts; Jonathan Swain, New York; Allan Maybin, Washington; Tom Walsh, Illinois; John Parker, North Carolina; Zachary Knapp, New Jersey; and William Jenkins, Virginia.

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 201824

30-YEARWATCHES

p Foreperson Michael Osborne (center, July 1988) was treated to lunch by Manager Keith Confere (L), Supervisor Kevin Gibson (R) and retired General Foreperson Tom Lacy (not shown), where he was given a specially-engraved watch to mark his 30 th anniversary with Asplundh. Michael and his crew work on AEP Ohio property in the Chillicothe area.

p Foreperson Jimmie Tonkin (center, January 1988) received a specially-engraved watch from Manager Mike Wolford (R), and congratulations from General Foreperson Johnny Singleton (L) and RSS Sammy Roy (not shown) following a lunch held in his honor. Jimmie oversees a Jarraff crew on Mon Power property in West Virginia.

p Manager Ron Hallock (second from L), Supervisor Juan Montero (far R) and General Foreperson Adalberto Benet (far L) recognized Foreperson Eugene Siancius (second from R, August 1987) for 30 years of loyal service at a dinner by presenting him a specially-engraved watch. Eugene oversees a crew on Florida Power & Light property.

p (L to R) Supervisor Mike King and Frankfort Plant Board (FPB) Supervisor William Clark were on hand as Foreperson Stanley Moore (July 1988) received a specially-engraved watch from Manager Bobby King at a luncheon held in appreciation of his 30 years of dedicated service. Stanley and his crew work on FPB property in Kentucky.

p General Foreperson Johnny Cleckler (L, August 1987) received a handshake of appreciation and a specially-engraved watch from Manager Rickey Bailey (R) for 30 years of dedication to Asplundh. Johnny currently oversees crews on Alabama Power property, but also spent many years working on Central Alabama Electric property.

p General Foreperson Eline Noel (second from R, August 1986) was presented with a specially-engraved watch by Manager Ron Hallock (second from L) and Supervisors Curtis Suthard (far L) and Juan Montero (far R) at a dinner banquet in honor of his 30 th anniversary with Asplundh. Eline oversees crews on Florida Power & Light property.

p In January, Manager Don Hogan (L, July 1987) was given a specially-engraved watch by (his now former) Manager Rickey Bailey (R) in gratitude for 30 years of excellent service. Don currently leads operations in Mississippi, southern Louisiana and the Florida Panhandle on various municipal, cooperative and investor-owned utility accounts.

p At an Employee Safety Committee Meeting, Manager Rickey Bailey (L) and Sponsor Doug Roof (R) recognized Superintendent Mark Johnson (center, July 1988) for 30 years of excellent service with a specially-engraved watch. Mark helps to supervise crews working on the Alabama DOT and various utility accounts in southeastern Alabama.

p General Foreperson Chris Puckett (L, September 1988) was given a specially-engraved watch and a hearty handshake of gratitude from Manager Matt Pence (R) to mark his 30 th anniversary during a special luncheon with the employees at the Charlotte shop. Chris and his crews work on Duke Energy property in North Carolina.

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 2018 2525

COMMUNITYSERVICE

p Asplundh’s A Favorite At Eden Touch-A-Truck—On August 25, Supervisor Mann McMillan and General Forepersons Michael Simmons and Mike Somers from the Doug Smith Region brought a reverse-mount bucket truck and a pick-up truck to the City of Eden, North Carolina’s Touch-A-Truck day. Michael’s wife, Melisa, helped out again at the Asplundh table, while the guys answered questions about the trucks and how Asplundh’s work serves the community. The cost of admission is a non-perishable food item for the Kids Backpack Food Program, which benefits underprivileged children in the area. Asplundh has supported this event since it first began in 2015.

p Schneider Region Continues Forest Fest Support—Forest Fest was held on July 28 at the Trees For Tomorrow campus in Eagle River, Wisconsin. The goal of Forest Fest is to educate the public about products that come from the forest. Asplundh not only sponsored the Lumberjack Breakfast, but (on the ground, L to R) General Foreperson Scott Krusick, Trimmer Chris Aldegarie, Crew Leaders Jason Camps and Jim Herren, and Supervisor Bob Kubacki also demonstrated rigging techniques. They showed over 1,200 spectators how trees are safely removed without damaging important structures. Jason’s son, Nathan (on the truck), also helped out as the official water boy.

t United On The Ice For A Good Cause—Asplundh Construction Lead Administrator David Doran (center, in striped shirt) volunteered as an official for over 10 hours on June 23 at the annual United Way of Connecticut’s Ice Hockey Tournament. Held at the Newington Sport Arena, David refereed five of the day’s hockey matches that helped raise much needed funds. In it’s fifth year, he

has been involved in this fund raising event since the beginning. David works in the Brett Martin Region, helping to keep back office operations running smoothly for crews working on Eversource and National Grid property in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

u Minnesota Crew “Chip” In For Eagle Scout Project—

When Jacob Olinger, an Eagle Scout candidate, reached out to

Supervisor Wayne Bailey from the Keith Erickson Region for wood

chips for his Eagle Scout project, he and his coworkers were more than happy to oblige. Jacob’s Boy Scout Troop #3068 is chartered

out of the Good Samaritan Methodist Church in Edina,

Minnesota. Jacob’s project involved clearing and mulching a trail from the church grounds that would link to other nearby nature trails that

the parishioners enjoy using. Wayne coordinated with General Foreperson Bill Robison and Foreperson Paul Morain, who delivered

several loads of wood chips to Jacob that he and his team of volunteers spread along the newly forged trail. All that hard work paid off.

On September 12, Jacob earned the Eagle Scout Award.

t AEP Ohio and Asplundh Help Community Center—Earlier this year, the Smithville Community Center in Smithville, Ohio had seven dead ash and locust trees on its property, which were

threatening public safety and the center’s roof. The center contacted AEP Ohio Forester Matt Winland for help, and he naturally reached out to the tree experts at Asplundh. Keith Confere Region General Foreperson Doug Duff, Forepersons Drew Braun, Matt Brennen and Clark Roth, Trimmer Kyle Kerstetter and Groundperson Tucker Braun worked June 12-14 to remove the trees, all of which were at least 20" DBH. The crews worked together to keep pedestrians from entering the work zone and prevent overhanging and dead limbs from damaging any structures. Great job!

p Asplundh Rolls Out The Welcome Wagon For TdT Riders—The Keith Confere Region generously hosted two rest stops on this year’s 580-mile Tour des Trees (TdT) route. Complete with an Asplundh truck, welcome banner and spread of snacks, fruit and beverages for the riders, General Foreperson Maxwell McAuliffe and Foreperson Raymond Amaya welcomed riders at the Gahanna stop. General Foreperson Justin Belcher and Foreperson Austin Mox greeted riders in Chesterville. The TdT started on July 29 and the cyclists rode a weeklong route from Columbus to Cleveland and back to raise money for TREE Fund’s mission to support arboriculture with research and education grants.

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 201826

ONTHEJOB

HOMEOFFICEHONORS

AWARDS&REWARDS

t GF Rewarded For Efforts To Recover Stolen Chipper—On October 31, 2017, a Vermeer BC 1000 chipper was stolen from a Wilmer McWhirter Region show-up site in Dekalb County, Georgia. After properly reporting the theft to police and notifying Asplundh Fleet

Services Remarketing, General Foreperson Brian Mealor and his coworkers kept their eyes peeled for the chipper. In early 2018, the chipper was spotted, and for three months, Brian followed up on the sightings. When the thieves realized he was hot on their trail, they dumped the chipper in a wooded area in Tucker, Georgia. An eagle-eyed UPS driver saw the chipper and reported it to Vermeer. Also part of proper procedure, Fleet Remarketing had reported the missing chipper to Vermeer, who were able to quickly trace the chipper back to the McWhirter Region, where it was safely returned. For his efforts, Brian received a $500 reward.

p Paulsen Region Is Avista’s Top Contractor—For the second year in a row, Asplundh is Avista’s Contractor of the Year. In May, Avista President Dennis Vermillion and Director of Shared Services Anna Scarlett presented the award to Executive Vice President Matt Asplundh, Sponsor Shawn Shapiro and Manager Jon-Paul Paulsen. This honor is based on a variety of criteria, including safety, service, quality and innovation. Jon-Paul found it fitting to take the award out to his field operations and share it with some of the folks whose hard work made it possible. Shown above are (L to R) Apprentice Charles Norris, Trimmer Curtis Glenn, Foreperson Dusty Mathews and General Foreperson Matt Mackler, as they checked out the plaque and received Jon-Paul’s appreciation of their outstanding efforts.

u Ohio Employee Awarded For Being “A Cut Above”—The

Kris Keefer Region recognizes its employees who excel in leadership,

safety and job performance with a special pocket knife. Foreperson

Mike McMahon was presented with one of these knives after General

Foreperson Ellis Cronin submitted an outstanding performance report for

Mike’s invaluable assistance repairing spray equipment this past summer. Mike’s efforts, which extended into the weekend, kept our spray crews’

production on schedule for our customer, Ohio Edison.

u From Hazard To Helpful—This spring, a 100-foot, 26" DBH Douglas fir failed and threatened a single phase 7.2

kV Puget Sound Energy power line near the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

(WDFW) office in LaConner, Washington. Instead of being seen as a problem, the

WDFW folks saw it as an opportunity to help the local eagle population. When Steve Blum

Region Forepersons Jim Shultz and Paul Vingo, and Apprentice Dustin Becht arrived on the

scene to perform the removal, Wayne Watne with WDFW asked if they would create a

wildlife snag instead. The crew was able to cut the tree low enough so it no longer posed a threat to the power lines. Then Dustin finished off the tree to create a natural-looking perch that should encourage the eagles to use it.

t Five Steps To Success At Oregon Park—On April 19, a Bill Harrington Region crew expertly handled the removal of a 130-foot-tall dead fir tree at Nadaka Park in Gresham, Oregon. The tree was only four feet away from a Portland General Electric three-phase distribution circuit, and also threatened nearby information kiosks and trailheads. (L to R) Fill-in Journeyman Dave Morris, Journeyman

Sterling Clinedinst and Apprentice Brenten Reed planned out the felling and hazard mitigation adhering to the “Five Steps of Tree Felling”. After ensuring the trails were closed to pedestrian traffic, they set the tagline and anchor outside the ”Danger Zone”, then used the proper cuts to control the tree. The tree landed exactly as planned and there was no damage to nearby targets.

p Home Office Employees Of The Month—Enjoy this super-sized offering of friendly and helpful Home Office Employees of the Month. All of these folks have gone above and beyond to support the field and their coworkers. The most recent winners were (L to R): Crystal Chapman of Accounts Receivable, who was named in March; Cathy Ollis of Technical Services won in April; Jacob Huey of Legal was recognized in May; Frencine Strother of Customer & Field Liaison earned the title in June; Brian Moloney of Customer & Field Liaison was honored in July; Kathren Rowedder of Payroll received this distinction in August; Rachael Snyder of HR-Benefits was presented the award at the Employee Picnic in September; and Sandra Mrozinski of Accounts Payable took home the prize in October. Thank you all for a job well done!

DO THE RIGHT THING: OUR CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 2018 2727

The Company’s continued success depends on all of us doing the right thing at all times and maintaining the highest ethical standards. However, we must

exceed mere compliance and strive to be an industry leader in ethical and trustworthy business practices. For this reason, the Company has a Code of Business Conduct (the Code) that sets forth standards of conduct for all employees. All employees are required to comply with the Code, and management is responsible for enforcing it among all non-management employees who report to them. The Code can be found on the Company website at: www.asplundh.com/employee-info.

The Code also applies to any third parties working as business partners with the Company, such as vendors, consultants, sub-contractors, and employment agency personnel. Therefore, all such parties should be referred to the Code, as necessary. Some highlights of the Code include:

• Conflicts of Interest—Employees and their immediatefamily members cannot receive a benefit (financial or otherwise) from any transactions involving the Company or our customers. If any benefit is derived from any business transaction that would not be given to the general public, the transaction must be reviewed with the Compliance or Legal Departments prior to the transaction taking place.

• Gifts and Entertainment—Customer gifts andCompany-paid entertainment should be reasonable and kept within customer codes of conduct. Employees of the Company may not accept gifts of more than nominal value. Any gift received that is more than nominal value must be disclosed to the Region Sponsor and the Compliance Department immediately.

• Confidential Information—All employees have aresponsibility to safeguard confidential information. This includes new customer contracts or changes to them, scope and amount of work completed, construction projects, earnings, pricing models, personal information of other employees, and any customer information.

All employees are required to report any instances or behavior they believe to be illegal, unethical, or in violation of the Code. Employees should also seek guidance if they are not clear about what is the right thing to do in a specific situation. Employees can report a concern anonymously if they do not feel comfortable giving a name. The Company will investigate all concerns brought to its attention.

Vice President Joe Lee holds the Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional credential and is the Chief Compliance and Business Ethics Officer (CBEO) for the Company. He is

responsible for overseeing the reporting process and managing all investigations. Reporting can be accomplished in multiple ways:

1. By phone directly to the CBEO at 215-784-4122.

2. Report the concern anonymously by calling 215-784-4154.Please note that to effectively investigate an anonymous concern, the CBEO will need as much information as possible, including the Region, work location, and specific names of any employees involved.

3. By e-mail to compliance@asplundh.com or compliance@utilservllc.com.

4. By mail in writing to:

Compliance Department 708 Blair Mill Road

Willow Grove, PA 19090

Employees can report violations or concerns without fear of retaliation. No one should be discouraged from using any of the methods listed above to report a concern. Anyone who retaliates against another employee for reporting suspected violations of our legal or ethical obligations is in violation of the Code and is subject to discipline up to, and including, dismissal.

Printed versions of our Code of Business Conduct (in English and Spanish) have been distributed to management personnel (general forepersons and above) who must certify receipt of the booklet. New employees will review the Code at the time of hire and its content will be discussed and reviewed as part of each employee’s annual training. In addition, all management personnel will be required to take an online test related to business ethics each year. The guidance provided by the Code will remain accessible at all times on the Company website at www.asplundh.com/employee-info.

Please continue to do the right thing in all your day-to-day activities. Let the Code be a guide and resource to you. If you have questions or concerns, please contact CBEO Joe Lee at the phone number or one of the e-mail addresses provided above.

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 201828

RETIREES HONORED

Congratulations and best wishes for a happy and healthy retirement to all the retirees listed here!

Larry AdkisonForeperson, AlabamaFirst employed September 2010Retired March 2018

David BockusAmerican Electrical TestingTest Technician, FloridaFirst employed February 2013Retired May 2018

Joe Conigliaro, Jr.Railroad DivisionGeneral Foreperson, PennsylvaniaFirst employed September 1979Retired March 2018

John DayForeperson, MissouriFirst employed June 2005Retired March 2018

James EisenmengerCrew Leader, IllinoisFirst employed November 1999Retired June 2018

Robert GoodrichUtility Lines Construction ServicesOperator/EMJ Tech., MichiganFirst employed April 2007Retired April 2018

Jack GrossUtility Lines Construction ServicesOperator/EMJ Tech., MichiganFirst employed February 2007Retired April 2018

Theodore GuentherTrimmer, New JerseyFirst employed January 2000Retired April 2018

Michael HarrisonUtility Lines Construction ServicesRelay Technician, MichiganFirst employed January 2007Retired July 2018

Benito IbarraForeperson, FloridaFirst employed January 2011Retired June 2018

Eric KaminskiTrimmer, New YorkFirst employed July 1996Retired March 2018

Tom LacyGeneral Foreperson, OhioFirst employed February 1979Retired April 2018

Jan McIntoshAsplundh Brush ControlForeperson, New YorkFirst employed October 1993(plus six months with Tree Preservation Co.)Retired March 2018

Joanne Malatesta-CarterCFL TechnicianWillow Grove, PennsylvaniaFirst employed August 1998Retired May 2018

Sally MantioneCFL TechnicianWillow Grove, PennsylvaniaFirst employed July 1995Retired April 2018

Ernie MeyersForeperson, OhioFirst employed April 1970Retired April 2018

Paul MoranForeperson, KentuckyFirst employed November 1997Retired March 2018

Reno NethForeperson, MissouriFirst employed February 1997Retired May 2018

John PaquetteTrimmer, IllinoisFirst employed November 1999Retired March 2018

Terrance RichterForeperson, WisconsinFirst employed March 1990Retired May 2018

Gerald RollaWork Planner, PennsylvaniaFirst employed February 1999Retired April 2018

Fortuna Saint-RemyTrimmer, FloridaFirst employed November 2004Retired July 2018

Marie SankusAccounts Receivable AnalystWillow Grove, PennsylvaniaFirst employed January 1995Retired May 2018

Bradley SchmidAmerican Electrical TestingTest Technician, PennsylvaniaFirst employed January 2009Retired June 2018

Minard SeveranceForeperson, Maine

First employed March 1993Retired June 2018

Michael SewardRSS, Rhode IslandFirst employed March 1982Retired April 2018

Russell SmithForeperson, PennsylvaniaFirst employed March 1985Retired June 2018

Jeffery SnodieTrimmer, WisconsinFirst employed June 2002Retired May 2018

Robert SultzabergerTrimmer, PennsylvaniaFirst employed March 2012Retired June 2018

Jack ThompsonSupervisor, TennesseeFirst employed February 2001Retired June 2018

Arthur TolmanForeperson, MaineFirst employed July 1990Retired June 2018

Ronald WhiteAmerican Lighting and SignalizationGeneral Foreperson, VirginiaFirst employed October 2011Retired July 2018

Timothy ZinzerCrew Leader, IllinoisFirst employed October 1999Retired June 2018

SPECIALRETIREMENTHONORSSallie Theis, human resources (HR) personnel director / EEO officer in the Willow Grove Home Office, stepped into her new position as a retiree on June 1. A 27-year Asplundh Home Office veteran, Sallie joined the Input Operations Department in 1991 and five years later, transferred into Field Personnel. In 2002, she advanced to manager of Personnel Compliance and Reporting. Sallie was promoted to HR personnel director / EEO officer in 2016 and was responsible for field and Home Office training and development, recruitment, succession planning, compensation analysis and employee grievances. She also handled various tasks related to Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Americans with Disabilities Act and technical 1-9 compliance. A farewell breakfast was held in the cafeteria on her last day, allowing everyone to wish her well. Retirement for Sallie means a slower pace and more time for leisure travel and her family, especially her grandchildren. We hope you’re enjoying that well-deserved retirement, Sallie!

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 2018 2929

INMEMORIAM

t One June 1, RSS Mike Miller (L) entered the venerable ranks of the retired after 34 years of loyal service to Asplundh. Vice President Ray Schneider, Supervisors Rob McKillips and Elvis Peacock, several general forepersons and the Mt. Pleasant office staff organized a small party to reminisce and wish Mike all the best in this new chapter of his life. As an RSS, he was responsible for the SafeProduction® of the Schneider Region crews working throughout Michigan on the properties of Consumers Energy and Great Lakes Energy, as well as various municipal and pipeline accounts. In his retirement, Mike plans a more “peaceful” schedule, spending more time with his family, and traveling with his wife, Deb (R). From the shot at left by the Mackinaw Bridge in St. Ignace, Michigan, it looks like his retirement plans are off to a great start. We wish Mike many years of good health and happiness!

MORERETIREMENTHONORS

Wm. Eddie Gallimore, a foreperson in the Keith Confere Region who had worked nearly 33 years with the company, lost his battle with cancer on July 29 in Seaman, Ohio at the age of 66. Eddie joined an Asplundh tree crew in southwestern Ohio in 1985 and advanced to foreperson in 2005. He had worked under General Foreperson Tom Lacy on the property

of AEP Ohio for the past 12-plus years. Eddie is survived by three sons, William, Steven and Dewayne; three sisters, Rebecca, Geneva and Mary; and a special nephew, Shane Kennedy. Supervisor Kevin Gibson wrote simply, “Eddie was a good man. He will be missed.” We send our sympathy to his family, friends and coworkers.

Jim Gilbert, a 31-year Asplundh veteran and retired assistant plant manager in Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away on April 24 at the age of 69. Born in Philadelphia, Jim served in the U.S. Navy Seabees during the Vietnam War before coming to work in the Asplundh equipment shop in Philmont, Pennsylvania in 1974. He worked as a mechanic and then equipment inspector

until his promotion and transfer to Lynchburg as the assistant plant manager. Jim retired in 2005. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Dolores; a son, James; a daughter, Allison; two granddaughters; three sisters (one deceased); and a brother, Richard, who works in the Fleet Services Department as a training / inspections specialist and incident investigator. May fond memories be a comfort to Jim’s family and all who knew him!

Rich Dietz, retired foreperson from the Ed House Region in northern Illinois, passed away on September 11 in Independence Grove, Illinois at the age of 66. Sadly, he had only just retired on December 29, 2017 after 47 year of line clearance work on the property of Commonwealth Edison. An avid outdoorsman and a fan of Chicago’s football and baseball

teams, Rich enjoyed family time and cooking great food for them. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Janice; a son, Jason; two daughters, Jessie and Shelly; and six grandchildren. We offer our deepest sympathy to Rich’s family and all those who knew and worked with him over his long Asplundh career.

Jim Miller, a 37-year Asplundh veteran and retired foreperson from the Joe Schneider Region in Wisconsin, passed away on October 22 at the age of 76. Jim joined an Asplundh crew in his home state of Wisconsin in 1967 and he worked his entire career on the property of We Energies. In 2004, Jim retired from the company and pursued his hobbies of watching

sports of all kinds, entering daily contests, reading, history and caring for his animals. He is survived by his wife, Norma; five children, Glen, Cindy, Bryan, Scott and Sara; two stepsons, Todd and Chris Tipton; and 16 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. We wish for peace for his large family after this loss.

Ben Hunter, retired Asplundh Brush Control (ABC) supervisor, passed away on August 9 at his home in Harrisville, New York at the age of 69. Ben came to work for ABC in 1977 as an equipment operator in his native state of New York and over his 33-year career, he worked for both ABC and Asplundh up and down the East

Coast and beyond. In 1981, he was promoted to general foreperson for Asplundh and he advanced to supervisor for ABC in 1997. Ben retired in 2011. Always active in his community, he served in both the police and fire department, as well as the board of education, in the village of Harrisville and was a member of the Lions Club and two churches. Ben is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda; a son, Scott; two daughters, Angelia and Nicole; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. We extend our sincere condolences to Ben’s family and his many friends.

WO

RK

R

EL

AT

ED

Shoot Out 2018

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 201830

2ND PRIZE – Pearl BanksLost Creek, Kentucky

1ST PRIZE – Ralph Terpstra Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada

HONORABLE MENTION – Guy SpidelDayton, Ohio

3RD PRIZE – Clay Marsh New Castle, Indiana

On December 30, Asplundh Canada crews from the Remo Maddalozzo Region had to chip and thaw out their trucks in order to respond to a major ice storm that hit the B.C. Hydro system in the Fraser Valley area. This picture captures the dramatic aftermath of the storm.

Post-storm mist clings to the valleys of the beautiful Pine Mountain region near Whitesburg, Kentucky. Behind this peaceful scene lies the challenge of storm restoration work for crews from the Bobby King Region clearing trees along a Kentucky Power distribution line.

In September 2017, following the destruction of Hurricane Irma in West Palm Beach, Florida, silhouettes of Asplundh Construction lineworkers from the Joe Wodolan Region stand out against the painted sky as they put the finishing touches on service drop repairs for Florida Power & Light.

In the early morning of a beautiful August day, an American Lighting and Signalization foreperson from the Steve Lowe Region carefully repairs a Dayton Power & Light streetlight after a nearby pole had been knocked down.

NA

TU

RE

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 2018 31

H ats off to these eight talented ‘shooters’ who won prizes in the Shoot Out

2018, the Corporate Communications Department’s annual photo contest. This year there were 55 camera-toting Asplundh employees, family members and customers from around the world who sent in 140 entries.

Please join us in thanking the following judges for carefully reviewing and then

selecting their top four entries in the Nature and Work-Related categories. Our judges were Executive Vice President David Fleischner, and Chris Hanlon and Megan Wine of Hanlon Creative in Kulpsville, Pennsylvania.

Each work-related entry was carefully inspected for safety compliance by Corporate EHS Manager–Training Tracy Hawks and Senior EHS Trainer Joe Kern. Their work is appreciated!

Be sure to mark your calendar for next year’s Shoot Out and Wall Calendar deadlines and you could win a share of the $1,050 prize money!

Please e-mail your best Work-Related and Nature photos (up to 10 entries total) to: corpcomm@asplundh.com. Remember, please send only high-resolution images.Wall Calendar Deadline: July 26, 2019

Shoot Out Deadline: October 25, 2019

2ND PRIZE – Rogelio Gomez Cortez, Colorado

1ST PRIZE – Rose PhomsatetBensalem, Pennsylvania

HONORABLE MENTION – Lindsay LeFresne Enfield, Nova Scotia, Canada

3RD PRIZE – Daryl Marshall Swansea, New South Wales, Australia

In the tranquil garden at the Mongkoltepmunee Buddhist Temple in Bensalem, a magnificent monarch butterfly pauses to drink nectar from a cone flower. Since 1984, this temple has served as a place of relaxation for people—and their animal friends!

Not far from a San Miguel Power three-phase line in the ruggedly beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado, a crystal clear creek weaves its way through snowy banks on a beautiful winter day in January.

Wind-ravaged eucalyptus trees stretch their limbs to embrace the morning sun in the alpine region of New South Wales, Australia, shaking off snow from the day before.

Thousands of stars shine brightly through the night sky over Kejimkujik National Park in the province of Nova Scotia. The park is one of ten Dark-Sky Preserves throughout Canada.

CO-OPCORNERWell trained. Safe. Dependable.

These are words that Forestry Foreman James

Hammac of Heartland Rural Electric Membership Corporation (Heartland REMC) uses to describe the Asplundh crews who have worked side-by-side with him to maintain rights-of-way (ROWs) in north central Indiana since January 2014. A shared commitment to excellence, customer service and, most importantly, safety have helped to create a solid working relationship between Asplundh and Heartland REMC.

“We’ve built a strong, safe, very successful system,” said Asplundh General Foreperson Landon Enyeart. “Mr. Hammac had the plan, and I followed his lead. My manager, Stephen Williams, gave me the resources and policies to implement the plan, and the culture has been positive and very productive.”

Founded in 1936, Heartland REMC is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, locally owned and governed by 15,000-plus members. Sound fiscal and operational management are Heartland REMC’s priorities.

“Asplundh plays a big role in our success by providing us with well-trained, safe, and dependable crews, for a good cost, that support sound management practices,” says Mr. Hammac.

Heartland REMC maintains approximately 2,000 miles of distribution lines, connected to 21 substations. The terrain conditions on its ROWs vary greatly from county to county, so crews must be prepared for all types of challenges. Farmland is abundant. There are three reservoirs that are surrounded by forest, as well as some wetlands, but very few swamps. Wabash County has the most rolling terrain, and further north the terrain becomes flatter.

“In 2014, I was given the opportunity to come up with a five-year plan to maintain the entire system,” Mr. Hammac said. “We had two big goals: first, eliminate the dead and hazard trees, and second, remove all trees and brush from

under our three-phase lines — through hand cutting and mowing when possible.”

One challenge has been the well-known pest, the emerald ash borer. During the last five years alone, more than 2,500 dead trees needed to be cut down, or ‘made safe,’ from their lines. Mr. Hammac credits Asplundh crews with understanding what he wanted to achieve and making sure the work was done to his specifications.

He also appreciates Asplundh’s quick storm response to help restore power, no matter the hour.

“Asplundh has been instrumental in keeping us on track for our five-year trimming cycle, as well as meeting and exceeding our right-of-way program goals,” Mr. Hammac said.

The Asplundh team serving Heartland REMC also are a credit to the company, according to Mr. Hammac. “The crews in the field have always been courteous when interacting with our members, and management has always been very professional. They are quick to see that our needs are met, and they are a pleasure to work with,” he said.

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 201832

p Asplundh General Foreperson Landon Enyeart (far R) of the Stephen Williams Region is proud that his crews have worked with Heartland REMC and its Forestry Foreman James Hammac (far L) to significantly reduce tree-related outages. Pictured are (L to R): Jim Hammac, Foreperson Tommy Williams, Specialized Equipment Operator (Big Foot, mower) Neil Beaty, Trimmer Jeremy Shiflet, Foreperson Steven Costelow, Trimmer Brooks Householder, Foreperson Mateo Barerra, Trimmer / Climber Alfredo Tapia, Foreperson Dmitri Picton, Apprentice Trimmer Alex Picton, and Landon Enyeart.

p The crew uses a Takeuchi skid-steer mower to clear brush and smaller trees in state recreational areas on Heartland REMC’s system. It’s a cost effective way to properly maintain the ROW.

p Even in rural areas where traffic is minimal, Asplundh crews always put ‘Safety First’ by using signs, cones, and safety gear to protect our employees and equipment.

The Asplundh TREEHoliday 2018 33

ASPLUNDH TECHNICAL SERVICES PROFILE: GEOFF KEMPTERSome of our readers may not

be familiar with our Technical Services Department in the

Willow Grove Home Office. This small but effective group of five employees support our field operations, executives and customers in many ways, including training sessions, research and development, writing documents for proposals, educational outreach at industry conferences, and serving on committees that develop and revise industry standards or promote professionalism.

General Manager Dave Krause, a 41-year Asplundh veteran, leads the group which consists of Manager Geoff Kempter, Bid Specialist Brad Ellis, and Administrative Assistants Phyllis Visco and Cathy Ollis. While each person on the team interacts with the department’s stakeholders on a variety of issues, Dave and Geoff do the vast majority of training and presenting on behalf of the company throughout the year. Recently, Geoff has earned recognition for his writing, educational efforts and committee work for various industry organizations, so let’s get to know him a little better.

A Roundabout Road To AsplundhBorn in California, but raised in

Michigan, Geoff joined Asplundh in 1989 as a supervisor in the Municipal Division. He came aboard with a bachelor’s degree in natural resources from the University of Michigan and eight years of experience gained primarily from doing various jobs in Vail, Colorado. Geoff’s not ashamed to admit that he operated a chairlift, waited on tables, did bartending, cooking, driving a shuttle and remodeling work. This is where he says he learned the meaning of good customer service. Combined with his knowledge and love of trees, Geoff soon took to selling and managing the company’s vegetation management projects for various municipal accounts.

In 1993, when Asplundh created the Technical Services Department and Geoff became one of its first employees, he really started to delve into industry

issues, research and development, professionalism in vegetation management, training and public relations. With the help and advice of Asplundh mentors such as Hyland Johns, Jim Orr and Bob Tate, Geoff became actively involved with the ISA, UAA and TCIA. This put him in touch with top-level researchers and business leaders from both the contractor and utility sides of the industry, as well as the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund). He learned from everyone in his network, brought back best management practices to Asplundh, and became a resource to all of these organizations.

Author, Speaker And CollaboratorIf you have ever witnessed a

presentation or read an article by Geoff, it is obvious to see his passion for sharing knowledge and promoting professionalism in arboriculture, especially in the utility industry. In addition to dozens of articles for various

trade publications, he authored the ISA Best Management Practices: Utility Pruning of Trees in 2005 and coauthored Utility Arboriculture: The Utility Specialist Certification Study Guide, which was published this year.

Having served on or chaired various boards and numerous committees, Geoff has excelled at the task of building consensus and collaborating with others to get a project done. He has earned recognition for this several times from the UAA and TCIA, most recently for the 2017 revision of the ANSI A300 Pruning Standard and developing accreditation requirements for the Right-of-Way Stewardship Council.

Whether it be writing or speaking, Geoff is passionate about safe and professional arboriculture, in all its forms and at all levels of experience. He is a tireless proponent of values that both Asplundh and the utility industry hold dear.

u Asplundh Technical Services Manager Geoff Kempter is pictured here holding the final product of an 11-year

collaboration with Randy Miller, CNUC director of research and development. Utility Arboriculture: The Utility

Specialist Certification Study Guide is nearly 300 pages long and includes content focused on safety,

program management, utility pruning, integrated vegetation management, electrical knowledge, communication and

storm response. The book is now available to order through the ISA online store.

t In February, past Chairman of the Board of the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Peter Sortwell (L) presented Geoff with the 2018 Pat Felix Volunteer of the Year Award. Geoff earned this recognition for his leadership and tireless committee work to produce the 2017 ANSI A300 Pruning Standard, the first revision since 2008.

Photo by Amy Fischbach, T&D World

Photo courtesy of Tree Care Industry Magazine

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLansdale, PAPermit # 491

International Headquarters708 Blair Mill RoadWillow Grove, PA 19090www.asplundh.com

ASPLUNDH CANADA HARVESTS THE ANNUAL BOSTON CHRISTMAS TREE

t With a crane waiting for the wrapped tree to be felled, government officials and school children gathered to witness the 46-foot white spruce begin its journey from Oxford, Nova Scotia to Boston. Since 1971, the province has been donating a tree to this famous New England city. Nova Scotia’s Lands and Forestry Minister Iain Rankin fondly describes the event as “... one of our proudest traditions as we honor the kindness Boston showed us in our time of need.”

t On November 29 in downtown Boston, beneath red and green fireworks and white confetti, more than 30,000 people cheered as Boston’s Mayor Marty Walsh flipped the switch to light up this beautiful, well-traveled tree (thanks to our crew’s efforts). Joined by Santa and members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, this celebration included an ice skating show, as well as musical performances by several artists.

p Before the November 15 tree cutting celebration could take place, Foreperson Ricky Hunsley, an ISA Certified Arborist, took on the challenge of properly securing the limbs of this large spruce tree for its trip to Massachusetts. Assisting him was Groundperson Tim Munro. Wrapping the tree prevented branches from breaking when the tree was felled and made it safe to be transported via flatbed.

Out of a terrible human disaster over 100 years ago has come an annual tradition of gratitude in the form of a large spruce or fir tree shipped from the Canadian

province of Nova Scotia to the City of Boston, Massachusetts. On December 6, 1917, a munitions ship collided with a supply ship in the Halifax Harbour. The ensuing explosion killed nearly 2,000 people and left hundreds badly injured and homeless. Thanks to the timely support of medical supplies and doctors from Boston, Halifax was able to overcome this tragedy. To this day, Halifax residents have a strong connection to Boston, cheering on their sports teams and exchanging letters with pen pals.

This year, a Steve Christiansen Region crew from our Canadian subsidiary, Asplundh Tree Service ULC, participated in the tradition by preparing the tree for felling and shipping. In order for the tree to make its almost 700-mile journey successfully, the limbs had to be tied to the trunk so that the width of the tree would not exceed 12 feet. Asplundh was proud to play a part in this long-standing tradition.