The Frattalone Scoop - Winter 2001 - Vol. 8 Iss. 1

• From the Corner Office...
• Safety Column
• From the hook...
• For the "Health" of it...
• Births
• Company Meetings
• Holiday Schedule
• Christmas Gifts
• Company Picnic
• New Employees
• For Sale
• Opportunities Available

From the Corner Office...

Another year has passed and we are all getting ready for an upcoming busy season. We have more spring work on hand then ever and “Hats off” to our estimating department for their efforts. Although we have an abundance of work, we do realize how the economy is and are being very cautious. Our company has been able to combine jobs together to keep our pricing competitive.

This will most likely be my last article in the Frattalone Scoop. Come spring, I will be returning to my semi-retirement status. I will still be working as the C.E.O. to help guide in company financial matters, but can no longer make the everyday commitment that I feel is essential in being the president of a company.

I have enjoyed watching Frattalone Companies Excavating & Grading’s new corporate team grow over the last 1½ years. I know they have the dedication and knowledge it will take to lead our company to bigger and better things throughout the new millennium.

It makes me very happy and proud to announce our new President, Tony Frattalone and Executive Vice President & Treasurer, Nick Frattalone. These titles will be effective April 1, 2001.

At this time, I would like to thank everyone who has helped me make Frattalone Companies to become what it is today. A special thanks to my wife, Sherry, who was our original bookkeeper and who has supported me for the past 32 years. Also, to my four children who are all involved in the business; Tony, Tom, Nick and Jessie.

Sincerely,

Frank M. Frattalone
C.E.O. / President

Safety Column

WOW!! Another year has gone by the way side. Do you ever ask yourself what you have accomplished in the past year? Well, I’m here to tell you that we have accomplished a lot. Our Safety Program is becoming more and more successful each year. The number of accidents decreased again this year due to the efforts of each and every one of us. Our insurance mod rate is lower than in any year previous and that means less money needs to we paid out for insurance. A savings of Big Bucks!! But, there is always room for improvement.

Frattalone Companies Excavating and Grading, Inc, must continue to build on its culture in which only one accident is too many and no one believes that “this is a dangerous business, so we have to accept that accidents are inevitable”.

This change in mindset does not happen over night. It takes commitment from all of us individually and collectively. We are fully committed to changing the way we approach safety and therefore, will provide the necessary resources to accomplish our safety goals.

One of the tools we use to fuel our safety program is our Safety Committee. Current members are; Steve Buche,Damian Fitterer, Jeff Viner, Greg VanGuilder, Taryn Peterson, Dave Changlin, and John Goshey. Participation on this committee is part of our collective commitment to achieving success. Your input does make a difference in keeping Frattalones #1 in the business and on the safety front. If you are interested in being on the Safety Committee, please call me in the office. Have a safe and productive “2001”!

Steve Buche
Field and Safety Coordinator

From the hook...

Results as of 2-1-01:

This years fishing contest ends 3-31-01.

Keep those entries coming in! Every tenth entry receives a T-Shirt. Winners so far are Lee Gass and Bob Hoffman.

Reminder:

Custom Fishing Rod building class, started on Thursday, 2-1-01. There are still two sessions left. The classes will run from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday 2-6-01 and Thursday, 2-8-01 in the office lunchroom.

For the "Health" of it...
Kicking the Habit One Day at a Time...

Did you ring in the New Year with a resolution to quit smoking once and for all? More than 1.5 million people quit smoking every year and this year you can be one of them.

It is difficult to quit, but it’s the best thing you’ll ever do for yourself and your family.

Smoking causes more than 400,000 deaths a year due to cancer (lung, mouth, throat and bladder), heart disease and stroke. But did you know how much your smoking could affect those around you? According to Environmental Protection Agency, secondhand smoke causes lung cancer and heart disease deaths in nonsmokers each year. And it is especially harmful to young children, because it can cause asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, respiratory illness and higher risk of lung cancer.

The bottom line: It’s important to quit for your own health, but quitting for the health of your loved ones is an extra incentive.

Every smoker is different and there are methods of quitting to fit every profile. What’s the best way to quit smoking - cold turkey, behavioral therapy or nicotine replacement?

The answer is simple: whichever method works for you. But research proves that treatment programs do increase your odds of success. Fewer than seven percent of smokers who try to quit without help stay off cigarettes for more than a year. Participation is a treatment program that includes nicotine replacement of other smoking cessation medications (such as Zyban) and behavioral therapy can double the long-term success rate. Nicotine replacement and Zyban therapy reduce symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, which can last a month or more. Behavioral programs aid smokers in developing the skills that make it easier to resist the smoking urge and break the smoking pattern. Behavioral programs include group classes or individual counseling. A group program, where you meet with others who are trying to quit, can also provide great support. Individualized counseling is customized, and often is done conveniently over the phone. Your health care provider can help you choose the method that is right for you.

• Identify and write down your reasons for quitting. Now write down reasons to keep smoking. Compare the two lists.
• Know your triggers. Most people have routines associated with smoking - a cigarette and cup of coffee first thing in the morning or one after a meal. Recognize these patterns and replace smoking with a healthy behavior such as taking a short walk when tempted to light up.
• Seek support of family and friends. They can really help by encouraging your efforts and not smoking when you are near.
• Be realistic. If you have a cigarette or two after you quit, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, recall what prompted you to smoke. See if you can eliminate those routines or temptations from your environment and get back on track!

So, pick a date, get rid of that stash of cigarettes, seek out help and… you’ll be well on your way to successfully quitting!

Births

Justin and Julia Hanson, son and daughter of Mark & Joelyn Hanson were born on December 4, 2000. Justin weighed 7lbs. 4oz. and Julia weighed 7lbs.

Noah James Olund, son of Todd and Anne Olund was born on December 16, 2000. Noah weighed 11lbs. 9.8oz. and was 23” long.

Company Meetings

Following are the dates for the all company safety and informational meetings for 2001. These meetings are a very important part of keeping you informed of company policies and procedures. Attendance is mandatory.

• Thursday, 4/26/01 *
• Thursday, 8/9/01
• Thursday, 10/25/01

* The safety shoe truck will be at the April meeting. Frattalone Excavating will compensate each employee $50.00 towards safety shoes purchased at the meeting, once per year.

Holiday Schedule

Listed below are the days that Frattalone Excavating will be closed.

Christmas Gifts

If you were unable to attend the Frattalone Christmas party this past year, you probably didn’t receive your Christmas gift. If this pertains to you, please see Shelly in the office.

Company Picnic

Mark your calendars, the annual Frattalone company picnic (or “water fight”) will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2001. This year the picnic will be held at Spooner Park in Little Canada.

Suggestion: Bring extra dry clothes!

New Employees

For Sale

1988-Sea Nymph Aluminum Bass Boat1990-70 H.P. Evinrude Motor Tournament Ready Boat/42 lb. Thrust, Bow Mount, Trolling Motor, Live Well, Pedestal Seats - $4,500.00. Call Dean Law @ (651) 257-1023 with inquiries.

Opportunities Available

We are looking for a foreman and a few leadmen/grademen. We will be looking from within the company as well as from outside the company to fill these positions. If you are interested, please call Steve Buche in the office.