Spring / Summer 2016

The 2016 Summer Olympicsare just around the corner. Hundreds of well-trained anddisciplined athletes will attemptto break records. While I’m

looking forward to watching the display of athleticskill, I’m far more impressed by the records beingbroken right here at MPS Group. Our own group ofwell-trained and passionate employees achievedrecord sales in 2015! Congratulations to all on thishard-won accomplishment.

Now an even larger challenge is before us –replicating this success for 2016. As a servicecompany, we are continually confronted by ourcustomers and competitors to further improve ourservice. Our job is to deliver exceptional value andongoing improvements at extremely cost competitiveprices. Innovative approaches or solutions fromemployees at every level of the company keep usat the top of our game.

Not only are we regularly evaluated by customers,we are tested each day by competitors. With eachleap forward, MPS Group becomes an object ofgreater industry attention. As the number of customers served grows larger and our victoriesmore visible, the spotlight intensifies. Other competitors focus their ambitions on our clients. In a relatively flat market, they seek out potentialopportunities at our expense. We can’t sit still.

Our responsibility is to not give competitors anyopportunities. Satisfied customers who appreciateour value are our best advocates and securityagainst outside advances. As an industry leader,operating performance must be on the sametrajectory as our sales – upwards. And importantly,performance is gauged by customer opinion, not ourown. They are the judges we must impress and satisfy.

So, as we begin each day's work, remember thatwe have to earn ongoing success with exceptionalteamwork and service. Our customers deserve itand expect it. Relaxing isn't an option.

Thank you for helping get us this far. Let’s keepgrowing together.

Ed Schwartz – President and CEO

SolutionsImproving Ford’s Sharonville Environmental FootprintWith MPS Group’s assistance, Ford Sharonville Transmission Plant (STP) is steadily moving towardsZero Waste to Landfill (ZWTLF). ZWTLF means that all manufacturing waste produced at a facilityshould be reused, recycled, composted, or disposed of via some other outlet. Charged with this goalin late 2014, MPS Group Project Manager Andrew Peaso and his team immediately began exploringdifferent options to ship waste to the closest energy recovery facility, Convanta, in Indianapolis.

“We approached the plant manager with four different options to achieve ZWTLF,” recounted Peaso.“The proposal that he chose had the highest initial investment, but created the smallest annual costincrease. This plan maximized our haul efficiency by combining the general plant trash with the specialwaste generated at STP into a single container. In order to accomplish this, we needed to find a systemthat was strong enough to process a large rolls of paper filter media.” After more research, the teamchose a 60-hp auger compactor system built by Komar Industries. “Combined with two walking-floor

transfer trailers, this solution proved to be sound,” Peaso continued. “I was able to be a liaison between Komar’s designengineers and STP’s own construction team. We coordinatedand scheduled the delivery to coincide with the plant’s Christmasshutdown in order to allow for minimal disruption.”

Once STP finished the installation, the MPS Group team was ableto begin shipping waste directly to Covanta Indianapolis. With thisimprovement in place, Ford STP will be able to claim Zero Wasteto Landfill in 2017 and improve its overall environmental footprint.The manufacturing facility has one more hurdle – an episodic related waste (heat treated salt) – that will have to be landfilledin June of this year. Properly registering, titling and insuring thetrailers for the final waste’s transportation has been coordinatedby the MPS team as well.

Gold Medal Performance

Solutions

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is readyto make a giant leap forward with e-Manifest, anelectronic system for tracking hazardous wasteshipments. E-Manifest is part of the larger initiativetasked with developing new tools to reduce thereporting burden on regulated entities. It has ananticipated deployment date of spring 2018.

In March, ESG Project Manager Cindy Walczak wasnamed to the program’s nine person Advisory Board.Candidates were vetted from many nominations andhold valuable expertise in information technology orare stakeholders in sectors affected by the future e-Manifest system. Cindy will serve a three-year termwith periodic meetings beginning in 2016.

Mathy Stanislaus, Assistant Administrator in EPA'sOffice of Land and Emergency Management, noted,“We chose experts with diverse backgrounds to helpensure that perspectives from users across the countrywill be incorporated into the recommendations forimproving effectiveness of the e-Manifest system.”

The e-Manifest system will replace the currentpaper-based hazardous waste manifest system.The overarching goal is to modernize the nation’s

hazardous waste tracking process while also savingtime, resources, and dollars for industry and states.Key implementation points include:

• There will be one national/centralized e-Manifestsystem developed.

• EPA estimates the national e-Manifest system willultimately reduce the burden associated withpreparing shipping manifests by between 300,000and 700,000 hours and result in cost savings of morethan $75 million per year for states and industry.

• Submitting an electronically signed e-manifestto the e-Manifest system fulfills any/all requirementsfor signing manifest certifications, giving manifestcopies to others, and retaining copies of manifestsfor three years (provided that electronic copies arereadily available for viewing and production to EPAand applicable state agencies).

To get more information on the e-Manifest system,refer to EPA’s www.epa.gov.

Moving Forward with the EPA and e-Manifest

Speaking with Cindy Walczak

How did you come to the attention of the EPA?

As stated in its press release, the EPA ‘followed a robustprocess to select the Advisory Board members. First, wesolicited nominations through a variety of outlets, includingthe Federal Register, various professional associations,

our e-Manifest ListServ, and the Office of Small Business Programs. We received anenthusiastic response from candidates with expertise in information technology andfrom stakeholders in the sectors affected by the future e-Manifest system, includingstate governments, transportation, and hazardous waste management. From thisexcellent slate of nominations, we selected eight members who we believe reflecta wide array of valuable expertise.’

I came to the attention of EPA because I nominated myself after being notified via thee-Manifest ListServ. Other Board members include EPA administrator or designee and:

Board Member Organization Sector Being Represented

Joshua Burman Minnesota Pollution Control Agency State Government

Michael M. Hurley Massachusetts Dept of Environmental Protection State Government

John Ridgway Washington State Dept of Ecology State Government

Thomas Baker Veolia North America, Industrial Business Business & Industry

Justin Wilson Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Business & Industry

Raj Paul Lochbridge Business & Information Tech

Raymond Lewis Wastebits Business & Information Tech

How does your position with MPS Group make you uniquely qualifiedto serve on this panel?

The EPA requested nominations from individuals with background and experiencesthat would contribute to the diversity of perspectives of the Board. Collectively, theResource Managers at MPS Group provide plant level environmental staffing acrossthe country to large, small and conditionally exempt hazardous waste generators.Our staff are responsibly managing waste at customers’ facilities “from cradle tograve” and we routinely prepare and sign manifests “on behalf of” our customers.Consequently, any one of us, myself included, would bring a unique perspective tothe Board, and have access to the processes and concerns of a wide range of futuree-Manifest users.

The EPA was also looking for individuals that have demonstrated experience developinggroup recommendations. I have worked in the hazardous waste industry since 1985and much of this time has been spent working as a member of committees, includingnumerous Superfund technical committees ( both as lead and support ), State ofMichigan DEQ stakeholder committees, as well as the Detroit Clean Cities Coalition.I also have experience managing teams of experts in the performance of Superfundand DOE cleanup projects.

How big of a commitment is serving on this board?

The position is a 3-year commitment, beginning February 29, 2016 and ending February 28, 2019. According to EPA, the e-Manifest Board will meet at least annuallywith additional meetings by teleconference approximately once every six months oras needed and approved by EPA.

The Next Generation!On Earth Day 2016, MPS Group corporate headquarters hosted a group of youthful VIPs: 14 offspring of teammembers participating in Bring Your Kids to Work Day. The April 28 event, coordinated by Arielle Shay & KristieMcBride, brought the children an additional level of understanding of their parents’ work. They organized educational presentations, flower planting, waste characterization testing, “What I want to be when I grow up”projects and scavenger hunts for the group, ranging in age from three to 12 years old. Soave Corporate Directorof Human Resources Marcia Moss was on hand to explain how Ferrous Processing and Trading recycles andCorporate Controller Beth Kobeck showed how MPS processes checks to pay employees and suppliers.

The day of information continued with Matt Rasak and Bill Tourangeau teaching them how to be safe at homeand how to read binary. The stars of the day, however, were the MPS Dispatch team. The children were invitedto sit in a “vac truck” and honk the horn, followed by a demonstration of how a water blasting gun works.Each child received their very own personalized hard hat and safety glasses to take home!

Everyone left with a goodie-stuffed gift bag, as well as a flash drive with all the presentations to share whatthey learned with their families. Shay admitted to having “a great time teaching the kids about Earth Day, andhelping them learn what their parents do for a living! Can’t wait to see more kids next year!”

With an ambitious growth plan established, MPSGroup has a strategy to actively uncover newniches for development. Business Development andDiversity Leader Hector Shamley is a key factor in

this impressive plan.

Having joined the companyin January 2016, Shamleyis charged with capitalizingon MPS Group’s status as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) andmember of the Michigan

Minority Supplier Development Council. Shamleypreviously spent eight years as Vice President ofthe Council, as well as 34 years with the State ofMichigan’s Civil Rights Department.

“My role is to responsibly build and nurture ourrelationships with new customers while raising theirawareness of our solutions,” Shamley noted. “MPSGroup already has productive connections withauto manufacturers. Our aspiration is to expand toTier 2 suppliers and fill their supply chain needs.”

The Michigan Minority Procurement Conference(MMPC) offered an unparalleled opportunity to connect with potential customers, as well as possible suppliers. Held May, 2016 at Detroit’sCobo Center, the annual event features an activetrade floor with 400 exhibitors. MPS Group’sbooth attracted inquiries from a host of industries.

“The conference draws a wide-ranging spectrum of industries. Fortune 500 companies representingautomotive, IT, medical and banking were all in attendance,” Shamley confirmed. “My goal wasto make contact and schedule one-on-one follow

up meetings with MPSGroup subject matterexperts. With the help of talented support teammembers, includingArielle Shay, we definitelysucceeded.”

“Automotive companies, in particular, are steppingup strong to their environmental responsibilities.As a ‘green’ company, MPS Group has a great dealto offer them and I’ve found many receptive ears,”he commented. “We are matching the needs of thecustomers. They come to us with a problem andwe can find a solution. All while making the worlda better place for our children and grandchildren.”

A Well-Honed Plan

Targeting Growth

2015 Interns, Where Are They Now?Jill Burnette, Wayne State University Law School – This summer Jill is working as a student attorney for the Wayne LawTransnational Environmental Law Clinic and will also be working full time as a law clerk at The Law Offices of Bryan Yaldouin Brownstown, Michigan.

Austin Happel, Indiana University – Austin will continue attending class at Indiana University over the summer.

Allison Kulka, Oakland University – Allison has returned as an intern this summer working at the GM Tech Center. She isalso volunteering with the Clinton River Watershed Council working in the office as well as with the community workingon water quality monitoring, field work, and assisting with environmental educational programs.

Ashley Schwartz, University of Michigan – In addition to working in the MPS HR Department this summer, Ashley is avolunteer at an elementary school in Detroit three days a week and will also join thousands of other volunteers workingin the Detroit community to renovate and beautify the city surrounding elementary schools.

Kayla Smith, Central Michigan University – This summer Kayla is interning with Quicken Loan's Recruiting team in Detroit.

SolutionsEmployee & Family Recognition• A passion for skateboarding and improving the city ofDetroit have driven Evan Hutchings, son of AccountsPayable’s Cindy Green, to volunteer extensively with the non-profit Community Push and its homegrown project, the Wig,a multifunctional, alternative recreation facility designed, builtand maintained by community volunteers. A skateboardersince childhood, and later the owner of an indoor skateboardpark, Evan organizes fundraisers for the facility, managesthe non-profit’s website and serves as its photographer.

The Wig began in 2014. To learn more about its mission and how to help, visit www.communitypush.org.

• Resource Manager Michael Morgan and his team at the GM Warren Technical Center were recognizedfor their contributions to the Do Your Part Project. Bridget Burnell, General Motors’ Global SustainabilityManager, personally thanked the MPS employees for their efforts at making the project a success.

According to the Tech Times, all of GM's global facilities are recycling theirwater bottles to make “a noise-reducing fabric insulation that blankets itsChevrolet Equinox crossover SUV.” Additionally, the automakers is recyclingthose bottles into air filtration parts used at their office locations and insulationin coats and sleeping bags for the homeless.

• Extraordinary efforts by MPS Group Project Manager Joshua Niffeler resulted in receiving theComau Leadership Award. Mark Forgach, Manager of Comau’s Novi, Michigan facility, along with otherComau dignitaries presented the award during a May luncheon. Niffeler led an initiative to standardizewaste storage and satellite areas across all Comau facilities.

• Not only is MPS Group “green” in its business, our employees are “green” with their philanthropic work as well.For 11 years, the stretch of I-75 in Troy between the Big Beaver and Rochester Road exits has been adopted byMPS Group. Adopt-A-Highway is a Michigan DOT program helping to keep highway roadsides clean and attractive.

Regional Manager Jeff Parker has coordinated volunteers andoverseen the company’s participation since 2014. With groups thatrange from six to 11 people, the volunteers pick up trash threetimes a year. “With an average of 37, 20 pound bags of trash perevent, our employees remove 1,480 pounds of trash each year,”Parker computes. “Over ten years that adds up to 7.4 tons of trash!”

Thank you to all those who volunteered this past April and each yearprior! You’re helping do your part to keep Michigan green.

MPS Group Solutions newsletter is developed and publishedby MPS Group for and about our employees and clients. Contents© 2016 MPS Group. All rights reserved; reproductionwithout permission is prohibited.

Have an Idea for a Story?MPS Group Solutions reports on professional and personal successesof team members. Story ideas include: updates or changes in business,accomplishments by employees or family, employee appointments,events, or awards. Photos greatly enhance any story. Please sendyour story ideas to: hcataldo@mpsgrp.com

Do Your Part Team - Mike Morgan

For key contributions to the successful launch of DO YOUR PART

Aligned with GM Core Values - Customers, Value, Excellence

Presented by: Bridget E Burnell, GlobalEnvironmental Sustainability Manager

May 4, 2016

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Moving Mountains in Middletown

Over the course of a year, eight individuals at AK Steelin Middletown, Ohio coordinate the disposal of a literalmountain of sludge -- 75,000 tons of it. That’s 60 to84 truckloads of waste each week. And for the pastfew years, they’ve accomplished this monumentaltask incident-free. This safe, efficient team is led byMPS Group’s on-site Project Manager Todd Weist.

AK Steel is a top provider of flat-rolled steel to theautomotive, infrastructure and manufacturing markets,and MPS Group has had an on-site presence at theirMiddletown Works operation since October 2010.The team performs this work by collecting waste inspecially designed sludge trailers, properly trimmingthe load and shipping it to cost-effective landfills.

In recent years, MPS Group has expanded its rolewith additional efforts and a greater number of wastestreams. From April through November 2015, teammembers were able to extract an additional $380,000in value via high zinc content sludge and reduce costs.

“During warmer months, the sludge can be driedout with a filter press and then utilized in fertilizer,”explained Weist. “The efforts of our team kept tons ofwaste out of landfills and, at the same time, createdvalue by trucking the byproduct to a chemical manufacturer. Moreover, AK Steel saved thousandseach month in landfill fees. We’re currently workingwith the client’s energy department to capitalize onthis innovation again in 2016.”

Weist gives credit to his team who operate the sludgeremoval process 24 hours a day, seven days a week.“We’re on call all the time. Weekends, Christmas Day,anytime the plant is operating,” he notes. “Such a largejob couldn’t be done without a dedicated workforce.On-site Safety Manager Donnie Green and SludgeSupervisor Russ Brandenburg are particularly hardworkers who perform at peak levels every day.”