From the Southwest Corner

With Y2K come and gone, we now have other things on our agenda, "movin' dirt in the millennium". Although the economic experts have forecasted slowdowns over the past couple of years, we have seen nothing but more and more demand for construction. Our bidding schedule has been bigger than ever and it looks as though we are going to have another busy and successful year.

The year 2000 brings another kind of celebration to us here at F.M. Frattalone, our 30th anniversary. That's right, thirty years ago Frank started the company with a one-ton truck, a trailer, and good old "Frankie" (955 Cat Traxcavator). Over the past thirty years, we have grown beyond anyone's belief and have become one of the premier construction companies in the Midwest. Everyone here at Frattalone Companies should take credit for this accomplishment and, for that, I applaud you.

In being a successful company, several changes had to take place over the years. Have it be the type of equipment we buy (notice the new Ford service truck), the scope of work we choose, or the area we cover, we have done this to benefit the company and in turn, you, the employee.

Let's work together, install that Team Frattalone attitude throughout all fellow employees, and have the most exciting year in our thirty year history. So hang up the snowmobile suits and break out the Harley gear, construction season...Here we come!

To improve our field operations, we have replaced some of our older equipment with the following new iron:

Tony Frattalone
Executive Vice President

The Safety Corner

That's right! It's time to remember safety. Although you should always have safety on your mind, it is human nature to let things slip. During our previous construction season a wide variety of accidents occurred. The four most common were:

• Hand
• Back
• Slip/Fall/Trip
• Rear End/Backing with vehicles

All four of these frequent accidents have been discussed in our weekly Tool Box Talks and at other company safety meetings. With the new year comes new challenges. Challenge yourself to be, and work more safely.

See your Goal
Understand the Obstacles
Clear your mind of doubt
Create a positive mental picture
Embrace the challenge
Stay on track
Show the world you can do it!

Wyatt Gutzke
Safety Director

New Employees

Office:

Field:

Shop:

Welcome Aboard!!

Promotions

Births

Donna and Brian Morey had a baby boy on 3-2-00. He weighed 7lbs. and was 20" long. His name is Branson Kole.

Randy and Amber Dropik had a baby boy on 3-7-00. He weighed 8lbs. 9oz. and was 21 1/2" long. His name is Deven Thomas.

Chuck and Kelly Wilke had a baby boy on 4-11-00. He weighed 9lbs and his name is Conner Charles.

Marriages

Jack Kuehn and Gina Fabbrini were married on Friday, March 31, 2000 @ Como Conservatory in St. Paul.

Congratulations to all!

Summer Holiday Schedule

Listed below are the days Frattalone Excavating will be closed.

Jonathon's Battle for Life

Mike Sams (a dozer operator at Frattalone Excavating) has decided to take some time off to help his brother and his family fight a battle with cancer.

Mike's nephew, Jonathon, was diagnosed with bone cancer when he was six years old. When he was seven, he had surgery on his infected femur bone. The cancer went into remission until December of 1999.

John is now 13 and fighting the battle, once again, hoping not to lose his leg this time around. He is being treated at the Rochester Clinic, having been hospitalized twenty days out of the month for treatments. Mike and his family are taking care of his other 2 nieces and nephews so Jonathon's parents can focus on Jonathon's battle with cancer.

Salem Lutheran Church in Jackson, MN is collecting donations on Jonathon's behalf. Frattalone Companies Excavating has agreed to match any donations made by employees and their families. For further information and/or donations, please call Shelly Boss @ 484-0448.

Company Meetings

Following are the dates for all company safety and informational meetings this year. These meetings are a very important part of keeping you informed of company policies and procedures. Your attendance is mandatory. This spring meeting is in 2 weeks!

• Thursday, 4/27/00 - 6:15 p.m.
• Thursday, 8/10/00 - 6:15 p.m.
• Thursday, 10/26/00 - 5:30 p.m.

Our "Everyday Hero"

Dear Mr. Frattalone,

I wanted to take the time to write and tell you that I observed one of your employees commit a, "random act of kindness."

At approximately 9:30 a.m. on April 4th, on the corner of 37th Street and Central Avenue, in Columbia Heights, your employee got out of his truck at a busy intersection where a blind man was having trouble crossing the street. Although the light was turning green, your man stopped traffic and led the man across the street. It was a kind and loving things to do. In a world of so few, common everyday heroes, it warmed my heart to see a man get up his gumption and reach out to someone so publicly in need. You made my day and I appreciate it.

Sincerely,
Marlene Mieske of Roseville

Frattalone Fishing Contest

It's time to put away that snow blower and take out the fishing poles! Our 2000-2001 fishing contest began 4-1-00. The same rules apply as in years past.

Rules:

Employees and immediate family members are automatically eligible. Entries must be verified at a bait store and include the name and phone number of the person who weighed the fish. Turn in all entries to Dean Law or into the office. There are 5 divisions: walleye, northern, bass, crappie and sunfish.

Prizes:

1st place (in each division) $75.00

2nd place (in each division) $25.00

Every tenth entry will receive a t-shirt. There will also be one drawing for entries that did not place.

Upcoming Tournament:

Dean is planning a 1/2 day multi-species tourney that would take place in mid-June. Look for fliers soon!

Mark Your Calendars

Saint Paul Saints Game

we have 40 tickets for the Saints game on Friday, July 7th. the game starts at 7:05 p.m. (if that matters) and tail gating will start around 5:00 p.m. There will be a sign-up sheet posted in the lunchroom. We had a great time last year. Hope you can make it this year!

Frattalone Golf Tournament

The 3rd annual Frattalone Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, August 5th at Gem Lake Golf Course. Tee times start at 10:00 a.m. It's always a great time. hopefully more can join in this year. More information will be available soon.

Frattalone Family Picnic

The summer picnic is scheduled for Sunday, June 25th. It will be held at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve again this year. The facility has a picnic shelter along with all of the necessities we need to feed and entertain our large group. More information to follow the first part of June.